2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 GMC Sierra 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 the typical Ford truck design, 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 noted for its creative use of plastic, offering a multicoloured design that added character, even in the base XL trim. Ford's design team was commended for making the entry-level Maverick's interior stylish without sacrificing affordability.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 underwent a styling update in 2022, enhancing its already impressive design with a wider grille and updated headlights. While the exterior changes were subtle, the interior saw a significant transformation, aligning more with the trend of making truck cabins resemble those of daily driver cars and SUVs. The new dash featured a large screen, moving away from the simple layout of its predecessor, which might have been seen as unnecessarily complex for those seeking straightforward functionality. The updated infotainment system, while modern, could be overwhelming for some users. The Sierra 1500 offered a range of trims, from the base Pro to the luxurious Denali Ultimate, each with varying levels of features and technology, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a CVT, delivering a total output of 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, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost variant offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package added features like different suspension tuning and additional underbody protection, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, making it easier to handle and park.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four powertrain options, starting with a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-litre Duramax turbocharged inline-six diesel engine delivered 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, while two gas V8 options provided 355 and 420 horsepower, respectively. The gas four-cylinder engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the other engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Sierra's towing capacity reached up to 5,987 kilograms with the diesel engine, and it offered a maximum payload capacity of 1,093 kilograms. The Sierra's driving experience was characterized by its smoothness and power, although its size made maneuverability in tight spaces challenging.

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 and storage spaces, including under the rear seats and in the door cards. The Maverick's 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided a payload capacity of 680 kilograms and featured innovative FlexBed options for customization. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, offering practical utility for its size.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab and short bed. The interior provided ample space and storage options, including large door trays and a deep centre console. The MultiPro tailgate added versatility with multiple configurations, such as a bed step-up and fold-out workstation. The Sierra's bed steps in the rear bumper provided easy access to the cargo area, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but not wireless versions. An 8-inch touchscreen and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, providing basic but functional technology. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking, although its practical use was debatable.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500's base Pro trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen and a carryover infotainment system, while other trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated system included Google-connected apps and trailering status apps, although the forced interconnectivity could be frustrating. The Sierra Denali Ultimate offered additional tech features, such as a wireless charging pad and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, enhancing its modern appeal.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety 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, with optional extras like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, among other features. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and GM's Super Cruise driver assist system, offering hands-free highway driving.