2025 Ford Maverick vs 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, though newly redesigned, retained a familiar aesthetic that echoed its predecessor. The hexagonal grille gave it a more aggressive look, and the overall design leaned towards a blockier and more angular style, yet it unmistakably remained a Toyota truck. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels were a feature in Canada, with off-road variants sporting specialized alloys. Inside, the Tacoma underwent a more noticeable transformation, drawing inspiration from the Ford F-Series. The dashboard was reimagined with squared-off sections, and the gear shift knob adopted a geometric design. MOLLE panels were strategically placed throughout the cabin, emphasizing a utilitarian approach. Even the Premium packages, with their heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats, featured large plastic grids, prioritizing functionality over form.

The 2025 Ford Maverick maintained its chunky styling, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the Ranger and F-150. The removal of the cross bar from the headlights resulted in a more conventional look, and the grille varied with trim levels. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, along with specialty models like the Tremor and Lobo. The Tremor was an off-road model with dedicated suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, while the Lobo paid homage to the street truck trend with a lowered suspension and unique styling elements. The Maverick's interior was praised for its basic yet fun design, featuring multicolour trim and exposed screwheads, creating a life-size Tonka truck feel. The Lobo added vibrant Grabber Blue and yellow accents, showcasing that even with predominantly plastic materials, the interior could still be engaging and high-quality.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced an all-turbo lineup, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, 4WD was standard. The eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, offering smooth and timely shifts, although some turbo lag was noted from a stop. A six-speed manual transmission was available, but its high bite point made it challenging in tight maneuvers. Toyota emphasized differentiation among packages, with various suspensions tailored to each. The TRD Sport featured sport-tuned shocks, while the TRD Off-Road had monotube Bilstein shocks. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were scarce. New standard features included disc brakes and electric power steering, enhancing driver-assistance capabilities and addressing previous steering vagueness.

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its two powertrain options, with notable changes in drivetrain configurations. The standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor, produced 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was available with FWD or AWD. The optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivered 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, except for the Lobo, which used a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Lobo's lowered suspension, dual-piston front brake calipers, and track-focused drive mode emphasized handling, making it unique among pickups. The Maverick hybrid offered a car-like ride, with the turbo-four providing a more spirited option for those seeking additional power.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma eliminated the Access Cab, standardizing the four-door Double Cab configuration in Canada. The updated seat shape provided enhanced comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures for 2024. The Double Cab offered 1,061 millimetres of legroom up front and 856 mm in the back, a slight shift from the previous year. Gas-powered models boasted three times more storage capacity beneath the flat-folding rear seats. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with increased bed depth raising total volume by seven percent. A 440-watt outlet was available on gas models, while hybrids were expected to feature a 2400-watt version. Accessories included camp fridges, rooftop tents, and wireless trailer cameras.

The 2025 Ford Maverick had a base towing capacity of 907 kilograms, which could be increased to 1,814 kilograms with the optional 4K Towing Package, except for the Lobo and Tremor. Hybrids had a payload capacity of 635 kilograms with AWD and 680 kilograms with FWD. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured molded pockets for cargo dividers and a 110-volt outlet, with pre-wired 12-volt connections for additional outlets. The tailgate could be locked at an angle to accommodate larger cargo, and a bed extender was available. Inside, Ford optimized space with intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The Maverick's unibody platform provided similar headroom and legroom to the larger Ranger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard on the Lariat trim.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant technological improvements, with an 8-inch touchscreen now standard and a 14-inch display available in Premium packages. Both screens ran Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Qi wireless charging pad was optional, positioned for convenience. The optional 10-speaker JBL sound system included a removable portable speaker. Pre-wired auxiliary switches were available, allowing control of up to three accessories. A trailer brake controller and Panoramic View Monitor enhanced towing capabilities, with a wireless trailer camera accessory also available.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded to the Sync 4 system, featuring a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The tech was user-friendly, though the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was less convenient. The Maverick borrowed towing tech from larger Ford trucks, with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist standard on the Lariat, aiding in trailer alignment and reversing.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with its standard electric power steering. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist. Road-sign assist and an emergency stop system were new additions. The adaptive cruise control system offered four following distance choices. A blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Official safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending, but Toyota aimed for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered standard forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams on the base XL. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. A 360-degree camera system was new for 2025. NHTSA awarded the Maverick a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. IIHS ratings were mixed, with a "Good" rating in the updated side crash test but only "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front test.