2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive design, characterized by its blocky front end and headlights, which set it apart from other Ford trucks. The Maverick Tremor variant added off-road capabilities and aesthetic enhancements, such as blacked-out logos and unique colour options like Avalanche Grey. The Tremor package also included tow hooks in "Tremor Orange," updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents. The base Maverick XL featured 17-inch Sparkle Silver-painted steel wheels, while the XLT and Lariat trims offered more refined wheel options. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab was dominated by hard plastic materials, though the Black Onyx seats provided a stylish touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented a robust and assertive stance, with an upright grille and tall bed that conveyed substance without excessive size. Available in various trims, including the TRD Pro, the Tacoma offered multiple powertrain options and configurations. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, featured off-road enhancements like underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro offering Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. The Tacoma's interior was practical, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation, even with gloves on.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version came with a CVT and FWD, while the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD in Canada. The Tremor package introduced advanced off-road capabilities, including a 4WD system and Trail Control. The Maverick Tremor also featured special springs, shocks, and skid plates, enhancing its off-road performance. However, the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 907 kg and payload capacity to 544 kg.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, offered a more powerful option than its base 2.7-litre engine. The V6 came with a six-speed automatic transmission, with a manual option available. Despite its power, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, and its fuel economy was average for the segment. The TRD Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its suspension and Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control features. However, the Tacoma's steering felt vague on paved roads, and its fuel economy was less impressive, especially in winter conditions.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer but maintained consistent legroom across models. The gas engine version offered 1,088 mm of front legroom and 937 mm in the rear, while the hybrid reduced rear legroom to 912 mm. The Maverick's interior was utilitarian, with options to upgrade the steering wheel and seats for added comfort. The XLT and Lariat trims offered additional luxury features, such as heated seats and steering wheel, through optional packages.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma provided various configuration options, including access-cab and double-cab body styles. The access cab featured clamshell doors and a longer bed, while the double cab offered more comfortable rear seating and easier access. The Tacoma's front seats were spacious, with ample cubby space, but the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The truck's bed, even in the shorter version, was sufficient for carrying gear and equipment.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, as an entry-level truck, offered basic tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim added a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and a push-button start. The Lariat's Luxury Package further enhanced the tech offerings with an eight-speaker B&O sound system and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, while not leading in technology, provided a user-friendly interface with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium JBL audio system. However, the Tacoma's tech felt outdated compared to competitors, lacking some of the advanced features found in other trucks.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns noted in crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The TRD Pro trim added blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked some advanced safety features found in other Toyotas and did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It scored four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests.