Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick presented a fresh yet familiar design, maintaining its chunky styling and large wheel arches reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the Ranger and F-150. The removal of the cross bar that previously bisected the headlights gave it a more conventional look, opening up the grille with various designs depending on the trim level. 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 cleaner front fascia and lowered suspension. The Maverick's interior was noted for its fun design and high-quality feel, even with the use of mainly plastic materials.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma catered to a wide range of preferences with its diverse configurations and packages. Standard in Canada were the Double Cab and 4WD, with options for different cargo bed lengths, powertrains, and transmissions. The Tacoma offered eleven packages, including the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Pro, with the latter being hybrid-only. The TRD Pro model featured a Wave Maker blue paint and accessories, though its gloss black overfenders and mirror caps were prone to scratches. The interior, while industrial in look, was equipped with oversized climate control knobs and IsoDynamic performance seats, though it lacked the refinement expected at its price point. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were highlighted by its robust suspension and driving modes, making it a formidable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

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 in both FWD and AWD. The non-hybrid option, a 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 model, which used a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Lobo's lowered suspension and upgraded cooling system emphasized handling, making it unique among pickup trucks. The Maverick hybrid offered a passenger-car-like ride, suitable for daily driving, while the turbo-four provided a more spirited performance.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma came standard with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque with an automatic transmission, and slightly less with a manual. The i-Force Max hybrid increased output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Despite its theoretical fuel economy, real-world testing showed higher consumption, especially in the TRD Pro model with its off-road enhancements. The TRD Pro's off-road prowess was supported by features like a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select, though its fuel range was limited. The Tacoma excelled in off-road environments, with its suspension and tires providing excellent traction and stability, though its on-road performance was less refined.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a base towing capacity of 907 kilograms, upgradable to 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Towing Package. Its payload capacity varied, with hybrids offering up to 680 kilograms. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured innovative cargo management solutions, including molded pockets for dividers and a tailgate that could serve as a brace for larger items. Inside, the Maverick maximized space with intricately molded door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The unibody platform provided ample headroom and legroom, comparable to larger trucks like the Ford Ranger.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro was challenging to enter and exit, particularly for shorter individuals. Its IsoDynamic front seats, while effective in reducing head toss and body bounce, consumed rear-seat space. The Tacoma's interior storage included tiered door panel trays and a dashboard shelf, though it lacked accommodation for larger water bottles. The 5-foot cargo bed, reinforced with aluminum, featured a power tailgate and various outlets, with a camera view for monitoring cargo. Despite its off-road focus, the Tacoma maintained practical towing and hauling capabilities.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded its tech with the Sync 4 system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new 8-inch digital instrument cluster was user-friendly, though the reliance on touchscreen controls for climate functions was less convenient. The Maverick Lariat included Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing its towing capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was intuitive, though it occasionally lost map detail. The JBL premium audio system included a removable Bluetooth speaker. The Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was useful for off-roading, and towing features like Trailer Backup Guide and blind spot monitoring were standard on hybrids.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered standard forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams, with optional blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. It received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.

The 2026 Toyota Tacoma included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was standard on automatic models. The Tacoma's driver aids were effective, though the steering wheel required frequent inputs. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS frontal impact test.