2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and 1,879 millimetres in height. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks. The Maverick's interior was notable for its creative use of plastic, with multicoloured elements and exposed fasteners adding character. Even the base model offered a unique weave pattern on the seats, and higher trims provided leather upholstery and additional luxury features.

The 2022 RAM 1500, available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offered a clean and contemporary design, maintaining vestiges of the "big rig" styling that saved the Dodge Ram in the 1990s. The Limited trim, in particular, exuded luxury with its Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, suede headliner, and a 19-speaker premium sound system. The interior design was busy yet impressive, with mixed materials and patterns, and the cabin exuded quality. The RAM 1500's design was understated compared to the more ostentatious styling of some competitors, and its chrome elements blended naturally with the overall look. The truck's interior was unexpectedly quiet, with minimal wind, road, and engine noise, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a CVT, delivering 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package added suspension tuning, underbody protection, and specific drive modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, and its compact size made it easier to park than full-size trucks. The hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capability and spirited acceleration.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of engines, including a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with a mild-hybrid system, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the TRX model. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kilograms, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing 4,354 kilograms. The RAM 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the truck handled more like an SUV than a traditional pickup. The EcoDiesel engine offered impressive fuel economy, averaging 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. However, the brake pedal's delayed action was a minor drawback in heavy traffic.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative FITS system for customizable accessories. The Maverick's 1,382-millimetre bed offered 680 kilograms of payload capacity and featured tiedowns, a power outlet, and a multi-position tailgate. The FlexBed system allowed for creative use of the bed space, with options for dividers and a false floor. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, providing useful capability despite being less than some crossover SUVs.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited featured power-deploying running boards, which could be turned off for off-roading. The interior offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample space, with a reclining rear seat for added comfort. Practical storage was abundant, with trays, bins, and concealed compartments throughout the cabin. The multi-function tailgate supported 900 kilograms and could swing open for easier access to the bed. The RAM 1500 could be equipped with RamBox storage bins, although our test vehicle did not have them. The truck's interior space and features made it a comfortable and practical choice for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. While the system's graphics and functions were basic, it provided essential connectivity features. The Maverick included a large slot for phones and available wireless charging, but it lacked embedded navigation. Hybrid models featured a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking, although its practical use in everyday driving was questionable.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard from the Sport trim, offering faster loading, improved response, and a wider range of features. An 8.4-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch display available in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and connected services. Our test vehicle featured the 12-inch display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a Ramcharger wireless charging dock. While Uconnect 5 represented an improvement, its complexity posed user experience challenges, and the voice recognition system required specific language. The RAM 1500 also offered advanced trailering technology, including Trailer Reverse Steering Control.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features 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.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of driver-assist features, starting from the Big Horn trim, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group included additional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.