Head-To-Head: 2024 Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma
In the competitive world of pickups, the compact 2024 Ford Maverick and the midsize Toyota Tacoma stand out as two of the most prominent choices. Each with its unique strengths, these trucks cater to various preferences and needs. Our team at Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, Texas, has provided this comprehensive comparison of these two models to help drivers understand which truck best fits their lifestyle and work requirements.
Performance and Engine Options
Ford Maverick on Desert by Roberto Lee Cortes is licensed with Pexels License
Powering the 2024 Ford Maverick is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque via a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. This powertrain offers the option of all-wheel drive. You can opt for a frugal hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission to make 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. This setup is only available with front-wheel drive.
The Maverick feels more like a car than a truck with its unibody construction. It’s easy to maneuver around town and offers a smooth ride on the highway. With all-wheel drive, this truck can handle moderate trails when you go off-road.
The base Toyota Tacoma trim features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. For most other trims, Toyota has upgraded this engine to produce 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The standard for the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims and available for other models is a hybrid that mates the turbo engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, while some models offer the option of a six-speed manual transmission.
Lower Tacoma trims come standard with rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is optional or standard, depending on the trim level. This truck handles well in the city and is well-mannered on the highway. Off-road-oriented four-wheel-drive models can get drivers pretty much anywhere they want to go.
Fuel Efficiency
With the turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive, the Maverick returns an EPA estimate of up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg for highway driving. Opting for all-wheel drive drops the figures to 22 and 29 mpg, respectively. The hybrid powertrain returns an impressive 42 mpg around town and 33 mpg on the highway. This is an essential factor in daily commuting and long-term cost savings.
The EPA hasn’t rated the 2024 Tacoma yet, but Toyota estimates that with the base engine and rear-wheel drive, it will do up to 20 mpg for city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel drive reduces the figures to 19 and 24 mpg. Figures for the Tacoma’s hybrid powertrain weren’t available when writing.
Towing and Payload Capacities
When it comes to towing and hauling capability, the Maverick is punching above its weight. When equipped with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, this compact truck has a 2,000-pound base towing capacity. The available 4K Tow Package increases the maximum capacity to 4,000 pounds. With the hybrid engine under the hood, the Maverick has a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds.
Maximum towing and payload ratings haven’t yet been revealed for all Tacoma configurations. However, so far we know that with the 278-horsepower engine and rear-wheel drive, it can tow up to 6,500 pounds and has a payload of up to 1,705 pounds. Hybrid-equipped Tacomas have a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity and a payload of up to 1,709 pounds. As most people would expect, the midsize Tacoma can haul more than the compact Maverick.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Ford offers the Maverick in three trim levels. The base XL trim is a stylish work truck that features durable cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and a tilting and telescoping steering column. The rear bench seat has a folding seatback, flip-up cushions, and under-seat storage bins that enable the driver to stow valuable items away from prying eyes.
The XLT trim adds upgraded upholstery and a rear armrest with integrated cup holders. The top-of-the-range LARIAT offers a touch of luxury with simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated vinyl-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-sliding rear window. It also adds convenience with proximity keyless entry and push-button start.
Eight trims are available for the 2024 Tacoma — the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and the all-new Trailhunter. Standard interior features for the SR include a Smart Key system, push-button start, fabric-trimmed seats, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and a lockable rear storage compartment. Higher-spec models offer faux leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Maverick infotainment system has an 8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker sound system. The LARIAT trim is upgraded with the SYNC 3 system with navigation and voice control for hands-free access to calls, navigation, music, weather, and more. It also has a wireless charging pad and a premium eight-speaker B&O audio system for an immersive listening experience.
The Tacoma’s base multimedia system offers an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone integration, and a four-speaker sound system. Some models have a six-speaker audio system, while the top trims feature a 14-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker JBL audio system.
Driver-Assistance Technology
The Maverick XL and XLT feature forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Ford Co-Pilot360 package adds blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance with steering assist. LARIAT models have adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Tacoma SR standards are radar cruise control, lane centering, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection. The SR5 adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, while the top trims have a 360-degree camera system.
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick the Truck for You?
This comparison shows that the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma are very different vehicles. Visit us today at Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, Texas, to explore the features of the 2024 Maverick and schedule a test drive.
Connect with us
