2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

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 particularly 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, with multicoloured elements and money-saving touches that added character, making it a standout feature of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD boasted a bold exterior design with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its interior was functional, it fell short in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The Sierra 2500HD offered five trim levels, each with distinct features, and was available in regular, extended, and crew cab body styles. The AT4 trim, which we tested, featured off-road-focused elements such as black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, and a premium interior with Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery. Despite its rugged appeal, the Sierra's interior didn't match the luxury of its competitors, but it provided a solid package for those seeking a heavy-duty truck with off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came with a standard 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 FX4 package added off-road capabilities, including different suspension tuning and additional underbody protection. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smoother ride compared to traditional pickups, and the hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, equipped with a 6.6-litre V8 engine, offered robust performance with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The optional Duramax diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, provided abundant power, making the Sierra 2500HD a capable truck. Despite its power, it wasn't the most capable in its class, with competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 offering higher towing capacities. The Sierra's ride was jittery when unladen but improved with added weight. The AT4 trim's off-road equipment, including a locking rear differential and off-road suspension, allowed it to handle challenging terrains with ease, although a slight steering column vibration was noted during off-road testing.

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-seat storage and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The Maverick's 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided a 680-kilogram payload capacity and featured FlexBed options for maximizing utility. Its towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, surpassing the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations and two bed lengths, accommodating up to six passengers. It provided ample passenger space, though accessing the cabin required effort due to its height. The Sierra featured a wide centre console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. The MultiPro tailgate, standard on SLE and above, offered six functions for improved cargo access. The Sierra also included power outlets in the cabin and bed, enhancing its utility for work and leisure activities.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though not wirelessly. It included a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and a brake-coaching feature for hybrids. While the infotainment system was basic, it covered essential functions, with available wireless charging and USB ports for connectivity.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment options, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on higher trims. The Sierra included hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bose premium audio system delivered rich sound, though the voice-recognition system had quirks. The Sierra's 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhanced towing and safety, with a rear camera mirror providing clear visibility.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard, with optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to monitor their teen's driving habits. Due to its high GVWR, the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but its mass provided inherent safety benefits, though it posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.