While both have established strong reputations as rugged, hardworking pickup trucks, there are several key factors to consider when you're deciding between the Ford Maverick Hybrid vs. the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid. In this article, we'll break down fuel efficiency, performance, price, and utility to help you choose which of these compact trucks is the best fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Ford Maverick Hybrid excels in fuel economy with a combined 37 MPG, making it a cost-effective choice over the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, which offers only 24 MPG.
- While the Ford Maverick Hybrid is more fuel-efficient and comfortable, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid boasts superior towing capacity, handling up to 6,500 pounds compared to the Maverick's 2,000 pounds (or 4,000 pounds with the towing package).
- Price-wise, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is more budget-friendly, starting at around $35,700, whereas the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid begins at just over $67,000.
- The Ford Maverick Hybrid provides better rear legroom with 36.9 inches, enhancing passenger comfort compared to the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid.
- The Ford Maverick Hybrid offers more affordable advanced features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious drivers.
Maneuverability and Drive Experience
The Toyota Tacoma is purpose-built to manage rough terrain with ease.
Before we get under the hood and throw the specs at you, let's talk about the driving experience on both of these trucks.
We've raved about this compact pickup before, but with a width of just 73 inches, the Ford Maverick Hybrid’s compact size makes it simpler to navigate in crowded urban environments. Thanks to its unibody structure, the Maverick Hybrid offers a smoother, car-like ride compared to the Toyota Tacoma. Additionally, the Maverick Hybrid has a notably quieter cabin, enhancing the driving experience.
The Toyota Tacoma's rugged suspension system is designed to handle rough terrains, providing a smooth ride even on challenging roads. Additionally, the Tacoma's elevated ground clearance enhances visibility and maneuverability, ensuring drivers feel confident and in control, whether on city streets or mountain trails.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Ford Maverick's fuel economy is a standout in its class, making it perfect for long road trips.
The 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid is a standout when it comes to fuel efficiency, boasting a combined MPG of 37, making it one of the most efficient trucks on the market. On the flip side, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid offers a combined rating of 24 MPG. This difference can make a big impact on your fuel expenses over time, especially if you're hitting the road often.
According to our technicians, under real-world driving conditions, the Maverick Hybrid averages around 35.2 MPG, with city driving figures even surpassing 45 MPG. With its 13.8-gallon fuel tank, it can theoretically cover about 822 kilometers on a full tank, making it perfect for those long road trips.
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, with its fuel efficiency of up to 24 MPG combined, doesn't quite match up to the Ford Maverick Hybrid. For anyone who values fuel economy, the Maverick Hybrid clearly stands out as the more efficient option, potentially helping you save money at the pump in the long run.
Power and Performance
The Ford Maverick Hybrid comes with a hybrid engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. If you're looking for a bit more oomph, our technicians also recommend opting for a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which pumps out 238 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
While the Maverick Hybrid offers solid power and a versatile engine lineup, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is the go-to choice if towing heavy loads is your main concern. It can handle up to 6,500 pounds, making it perfect for those heavier jobs.
The Maverick Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds, but with the 4K Towing package, it can increase to 4,000 pounds. Still, it doesn't quite match the Tacoma's towing strength.
Ride Comfort and Interior Space
The Maverick is built not only for power, but also for comfort.
Our sales team loves talking up the Ford Maverick Hybrid’s design, which allows it to double as a daily driver, appealing to those who prioritize efficiency and comfort. With its car-like handling, the Maverick Hybrid is classified as a small hybrid pickup truck, ideal for urban environments.
The Maverick is also noted for its excellent ride comfort, particularly conducive for long drives. Its Super Crew cabin enhances interior space and comfort, ensuring longer journeys are enjoyable.
In contrast, ride comfort in the Toyota Tacoma depends heavily on the trim level and suspension type, influencing how well it absorbs bumps. The Toyota Tacoma offers two types of cabins: the XtraCab (two-door extended cab) and the Double Cab (four-door crew cabin), providing options based on space needs.
Front Shoulder Room
The Maverick features a front shoulder room of 57.3 inches, providing ample space for occupants and contributing to a more comfortable driving experience. The Toyota Tacoma offers a little more front shoulder room of 58.3 inches, providing ample space and comfort for the driver and front passenger.
Rear Legroom
Rear legroom is essential for passenger comfort, especially on long trips. The Maverick Hybrid excels with 36.9 inches of rear legroom. Compared to the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid, the Maverick Hybrid offers 3.3 inches more rear legroom, making it a more comfortable option for rear passengers.
Despite its compact size, the Maverick Hybrid provides more rear space for passengers. This extra legroom can make a significant difference during long drives, ensuring passengers have enough space to stretch out and remain comfortable.
Head Room
Headroom is very important for ensuring a comfortable fit, particularly for taller passengers. The Maverick Hybrid provides 40.3 inches of front headroom, offering more space for taller drivers and passengers than the Toyota Tacoma. This extra headroom enhances overall comfort, making the Maverick Hybrid a better choice for those needing more vertical space.
Truck Bed Utility
Even offroad, truck bed loads are safe with the Tacoma's many utility features.
The Ford Maverick Hybrid’s truck bed measures 4.5 feet in length, making it suitable for a variety of cargo types. A standout feature is the Flexbed, which allows for customizable bed configurations to suit different hauling requirements. This adaptability makes the Maverick Hybrid’s bed incredibly versatile.
Additionally, the truck bed can be equipped with two 110V outlets, enhancing its functionality for powering tools or devices on the go. With a total of 10 tie-downs, the Maverick Hybrid ensures that various loads can be secured effectively. Its lower ground clearance also makes loading items easier.
Safety Features
The Ford Maverick Hybrid Lariat configuration provides advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering, and rear parking sensors. Standard safety features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and a rear-view camera, ensuring drivers and passengers are well-protected on the road.
Optional safety enhancements for the Maverick Hybrid include lane-keeping aid, evasive steering, and hill descent control, offering a comprehensive safety package.
Compared to the Tacoma Hybrid, the Maverick offers a more cost-effective array of advanced safety features. This makes the Maverick Hybrid an attractive option for those who prioritize safety without overspending.
Pricing and Value
A new Ford Maverick starts at around $35,700, making it a more budget-friendly option among compact trucks and even other Ford models, such as the Ranger. In contrast, a new Toyota Tacoma starts at just over $67,000, which is significantly higher. This price difference can influence your decision, especially if you’re looking for the lowest price.
The base model of the Tacoma comes with more standard features compared to the Maverick. However, the Maverick Hybrid’s lower price point makes it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget. Consider what you get for your money, as the Tacoma’s price can rise significantly with added options and features.
Both trucks’ higher trim levels come with enhanced features but also significantly increase their pricing. If you prioritize a truck with the most features out of the box, the Tacoma might be worth the extra cost. However, for those seeking an affordable yet capable truck, the Maverick Hybrid offers excellent value for money.
Summary
The Ford Maverick Hybrid and Toyota Tacoma Hybrid each bring their own strengths to the table, tailored to different needs. The Maverick Hybrid shines with its excellent fuel efficiency, easy maneuverability, and lower cost of ownership, making it an ideal pick for those who value economy and practicality. Conversely, the Tacoma Hybrid impresses with its robust towing capacity and more extensive standard features from the get-go.
Ultimately, choosing between these two compact trucks boils down to what you specifically need. If top-notch fuel efficiency and nimble urban handling are what you're after, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is your go-to. But if you require greater towing power and a richer set of standard features, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid might be the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of the Ford Maverick's hybrid engine?
The Ford Maverick is expected to last up to 200,000 miles. It is considered high mileage once it surpasses 150,000 miles. Therefore, achieving a mileage of around 175,000 or more is deemed impressive for the Maverick. If your vehicle reaches this milestone without major problems, it indicates that it has been well-maintained.
What is the best model year to buy a used Toyota Tacoma?
If you're in the market for a used Toyota Tacoma, our service department notes that the best years to look out for would be the 2015, 2019, and 2020 models.
How often should I change the oil in my Ford Maverick Hybrid?
Changing the oil is a fundamental and essential service for your vehicle. Our service team recommends that Maverick owners have their oil and filter replaced every 4,800 to 8,000 kilometers when using conventional oil. For synthetic oil, it should typically be changed every 12,000 to 16,000 kilometers.
How well do hybrid vehicles handle highway and long-distance driving?
According to our sales advisors, hybrids handle long-distance driving with ease. Unlike electric vehicles, they don't suffer from range anxiety or lengthy recharge times, allowing you to maintain a smooth and swift journey on the highway.
