Compare the2024 Toyota TacomaVS 2024 Ford Maverick

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Toyota Tacoma have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Ford Maverick doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Toyota Tacoma has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Maverick doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Tacoma has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Maverick doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the Toyota Tacoma is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Ford Maverick, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Tacoma	Maverick
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-24 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-18 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-13 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-8 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	2 sec	1.5 sec
37 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-3 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	2.3 sec	1.3 sec

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Tacoma offers an optional Parking Support Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Maverick doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Tacoma’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Maverick.

The Tacoma (except SR/SR5/PreRunner) offers an optional Panoramic View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Maverick only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the Tacoma and Maverick offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the Tacoma with Blind Spot Monitor also has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Maverick’s Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Compared to metal, the Tacoma’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Ford Maverick has a metal gas tank.

Both the Tacoma and the Maverick have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available four-wheel drive and blind spot warning systems.

The Toyota Tacoma weighs 414 to 1769 pounds more than the Ford Maverick. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab is safer than the Maverick:

	Tacoma	Maverick
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	107	146
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	357 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.31 in	.67 in
Shoulder Force	112 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.71 in	1.1 in
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	1272 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	96	295
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.47 in	2.2 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	580 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.83 in	1.81 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	535 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Toyota Tacoma achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Maverick is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tacoma for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Maverick.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 92 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 23rd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Ford is ranked 22nd.

Engine

The Tacoma has more powerful engines than the Maverick:

	Horsepower	Torque
Tacoma SR 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	228 HP	243 lbs.-ft.
Tacoma 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	270 HP	310 lbs.-ft.
Tacoma 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	278 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
Tacoma 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	326 HP	465 lbs.-ft.
Maverick Hybrid 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid	191 HP
Maverick 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	250 HP	277 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota Tacoma turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Maverick Hybrid 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid (automatics tested):

	Tacoma	Maverick
Zero to 60 MPH	6.8 sec	7.7 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	18.5 sec	20.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.2 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	90 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Tacoma uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Maverick requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

The Tacoma has 4.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Maverick Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.2 vs. 13.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Tacoma has 1.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Maverick 2.0 EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank (18.2 vs. 16.5 gallons).

Transmission

The Tacoma offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Maverick doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tacoma i-Force Max’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Maverick:

	Tacoma i-Force Max	Maverick
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.2 inches	11.9 inches

The Tacoma’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Maverick are solid, not vented.

The Tacoma stops much shorter than the Maverick:

	Tacoma	Maverick
70 to 0 MPH	171 feet	172 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	137 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tacoma has larger standard tires than the Maverick (245/70R17 vs. 225/65R17). The Tacoma PreRunner/TRD Off-Road’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Maverick (265/70R17 vs. 235/65R17).

The Toyota Tacoma’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Maverick only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Tacoma has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare costs extra on the Maverick. Without the option you must depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The Tacoma offers an active front sway bar, which helps keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnects at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Maverick doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The Tacoma offers an available. The Maverick’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tacoma 5-ft. bed Double Cab’s wheelbase is 10.8 inches longer than on the Maverick (131.9 inches vs. 121.1 inches). The Tacoma 6-ft. bed Double Cab’s wheelbase is 24 inches longer than on the Maverick (145.1 inches vs. 121.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Tacoma is 3.4 inches wider in the front and 4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Maverick.

For greater off-road capability the Tacoma XtraCab has a 2.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Maverick (10.7 vs. 8.6 inches), allowing the Tacoma to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Tacoma 5-ft. bed TRD Pro Double Cab’s minimum ground clearance is 2.1 inches higher than on the Maverick Tremor (11.5 vs. 9.4 inches).

Cargo Capacity

The Tacoma Double Cab shortbed has a much larger cargo box than the Maverick shortbed (39.8 vs. 33.3 cubic feet).

The Tacoma’s cargo box is larger than the Maverick’s in almost every dimension:

	Tacoma XtraCab	Tacoma Double Cab	Maverick
Length (short/long)	73.5”	60.3”/73.5”	54.4”
Max Width	56.4”	56.4”	53.3”
Min Width	44.7”	44.7”	42.6”
Height	20.2”	21.2”	20.3”

The Toyota Tacoma has a standard easy lower and lift tailgate, which prevents the heavy tailgate from falling with a crash and causing injury. It allows adults and children to easily open and close the tailgate with one hand to better facilitate loading and unloading. The Ford Maverick doesn’t offer a tailgate assist.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Tacoma (except SR/SR5/PreRunner) offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Maverick doesn’t offer a power tailgate.

Payload and Towing

The Tacoma’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Maverick’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Maverick is only 4000 pounds. The Tacoma offers up to a 6500 lbs. towing capacity.

The Tacoma has higher optional payload capacities than the Maverick:

	Tacoma	Maverick
Extended Cab	1460 lbs.	n/a
Crew Cab	1690 lbs.	1500 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1705 lbs.	1500 lbs.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Tacoma is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Maverick. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Tacoma’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Maverick does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Tacoma Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Maverick doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tacoma’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Maverick’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Tacoma the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Maverick can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Tacoma has standard Smart Key that allows you to unlock the doors from the driver’s outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Maverick Lariat offers Intelligent Access.

The Tacoma has standard power remote mirrors. The Maverick XL doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Tacoma’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Maverick and aren’t offered on the Maverick XL.

The Tacoma SR5/TRD/Limited/Trailhunter’s standard rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Maverick doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Tacoma (except SR/SR5/PreRunner) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Maverick doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Model Availability

The Toyota Tacoma comes in extended cab and crew cab bodystyles; the Ford Maverick isn’t available as an extended cab.

Recommendations

The Toyota Tacoma outsold the Ford Maverick by over two to one during 2023.

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