2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Ford F-150

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 did not 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 affordability and unique design, incorporating multicoloured plastic and money-saving touches that added character. Even the base model offered a stylish interior, proving that entry-level vehicles could maintain a sense of style.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 offered a familiar and appealing design, with a wide range of configurations to suit various needs. The model lineup included different cab styles and bed lengths, with eight core trims ranging from the workhorse XL to the high-performance Raptor. The F-150's styling was comfortingly familiar, avoiding any unusual details that might deter customers. Inside, the F-150 adopted a modular approach, focusing on function over form. The interior was equipped with features like the Ford Work Surface upgrade, although some elements, such as the shifter and steering wheel controls, felt less refined. Despite these minor drawbacks, the F-150 provided a comfortable and durable interior, with cloth seats that were appreciated for their agreeable surface temperature in varying weather conditions.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model 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 pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smoother ride compared to traditional pickups, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a variety of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless gear changes. The F-150's maximum towing capacity was 6,350 kilograms, with a maximum payload rating of 1,503 kilograms, depending on the configuration and powertrain. The truck's ride quality was noted for being harsh and skittish when unloaded, but it improved with added weight or a trailer. The F-150's handling was secure, and its brakes performed well during high-heat mountain descents. The steering was unremarkable but functional, and the truck was unexpectedly quiet at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and storage spaces, including the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 1,382-millimetre bed offered a payload capacity of 680 kilograms and featured in-bed power outlets and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system allowed for creative use of the bed space, with options for dividers and a multi-position tailgate. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, providing a useful amount of capability.

The 2023 Ford F-150, while challenging to climb into, offered comfortable seating for five people with power-adjustable front seats and pedals. The interior boasted ample storage, with a large bin under the front centre armrest, trays and cubbies on the centre console and door panels, and dual glove compartments. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for additional cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, although climbing into the bed was challenging without the available tailgate step.

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

The 2023 Ford F-150 came equipped with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Ford Pass Connect services provided a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the test truck included a connected navigation system. While Sync 4 was easy to use, it had some loading delays and could benefit from bolder graphics. The voice recognition system performed exceptionally well, and the standard stereo offered decent sound quality. Additional features included remote engine starting, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing the F-150's functionality.

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 Ford F-150 was equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist, while the Assist package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The F-150's safety systems generally performed well, although some features, like lane assist, required driver intervention. The truck also featured a post-collision braking system and received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.