2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its substantial wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from the typical Ford truck design, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a robust presence with its unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The interior of the Maverick was a standout feature, offering a unique design with multicoloured plastic and exposed fasteners, giving it a playful yet practical vibe. Even the base model boasted a neat weave pattern on the seats, emphasizing that entry-level vehicles could still have style.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tundra was a behemoth, with a massive grille and interlocking design elements that gave it a purposeful and solid look. The Tundra's design was not just about brute force; it featured slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The truck was available in ten different trim levels, each offering unique features like clearance lamps and skid plates on the TRD Pro. The interior of the Tundra was spacious and comfortable, with expansive seats and a massive 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Despite its polarizing exterior, the Tundra's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it a desirable choice for those needing a full-size truck.

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, delivering a total of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft 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's FX4 off-road package added features like different suspension tuning and hill-descent control, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover, with better maneuverability than larger trucks.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, offered two engine choices, both with six cylinders. The standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 produced 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Tundra Hybrid's i-FORCE MAX engine delivered an impressive 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the Tundra's new multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality over various terrains. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 5,045 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 880 kilograms. The TRD Pro trim featured genuine off-road capabilities, with a lift, Fox shocks, and a multi-terrain system, although its large size could be a limitation on narrow trails.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively as a four-door crew-cab, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, 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, offered a 680-kilogram payload capacity and featured FlexBed for versatile cargo management. Its towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, surpassing some crossover SUVs.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra prioritized practicality with a blend of technology and simple controls. The interior featured large physical controls for essential functions, a big centre console bin, and ample rear seat space. The Tundra offered various size configurations, with the CrewMax body providing generous space for passengers and cargo. The TRD Pro and Capstone trims were available with the CrewMax body and a short bed, while other trims offered multiple bed lengths, catering to diverse needs.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. While the system lacked advanced features like wireless connectivity and embedded navigation, it provided essential functions and a user-friendly interface. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra boasted a significant technological upgrade with an available 14-inch multimedia screen, standard on Limited trims and above. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12-speaker audio system on higher trims. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel added to the Tundra's modern appeal, making it a technological marvel compared to its predecessors.

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-centring. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. While blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were not standard across all trims, the Tundra's safety features were comprehensive. The IIHS awarded the CrewMax models a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023.