2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra presented a somewhat awkward aesthetic compared to its contemporaries. Originally developed in the mid-2000s and released for the 2007 model year, it embodied the transitional design language of that era, characterized by oversized elements. The Tundra's massive grille contrasted with its disproportionately small headlights, creating an unusual visual balance. Despite its dated underpinnings, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour, blacked-out wheels, and badging lent it a modern appearance. Inside, the cabin was a mix of hard plastics and large monotone panels, typical of mid-2010s truck styling. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls easily accessible, making it user-friendly compared to more complex competitors like the Ram 1500. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but remained fresh with essential updates, such as the standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick embraced a more conventional pickup look, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. However, its front end deviated from this pattern with large headlights and a distinctive grille crossbar. The Maverick was smaller than the Ford Ranger, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length, and featured a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The interior design was innovative, making use of multicoloured plastics and exposed fasteners, giving it a unique character. The Maverick's cabin was practical, with ample storage options and the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 680-kilogram payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and FlexBed system for versatile cargo management.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was equipped with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a manual tap-shift function. The Tundra's towing capacity reached 4,400 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 599 kilograms. While its towing capability was less than that of competitors like the Ford F-150, the Tundra's V8 provided strong acceleration and confident performance across various driving scenarios. The truck's ride quality was comfortable, absorbing bumps effectively, and it felt stable on highways despite vague steering at low speeds.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, delivering a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine provided 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package enhanced its off-road capabilities, although it was more suited for light off-roading compared to traditional pickups. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform delivered a car-like driving experience with superior ride quality. The hybrid powertrain was smoother and more refined, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab featured conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with either a 2-metre or 2.48-metre bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 1.695-metre bed and provided ample legroom for rear passengers. The front seats were spacious, with a large centre console and multiple storage options, although the door storage was smaller compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively as a four-door crew cab, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and an open door-card design for large water bottles. The FITS system allowed for customizable accessories, enhancing practicality. The 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 680-kilogram payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and FlexBed system for versatile cargo management. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons for ease of use. The Tundra also offered multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a standard seven-speaker stereo, with an available JBL premium audio system providing 12 speakers.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came with the older Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system included a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and a large slot for phones, with available wireless charging. While the infotainment tech was basic, it covered essential functions effectively. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also featured eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centring, and evasive steering assist.