In this comparison, you’re looking at two KBB award-winning trucks. The Ford Maverick recently earned top honors as our Compact Pickup Best Buy, while the Toyota Tacoma earned the highest rating in our ranking of Best Midsize Trucks.
So, when pitted against each other, does the Ford Maverick or the Toyota Tacoma offer the better value for a truck-shopping budget? Does the smaller Ford make more sense for everyday driving, or does the Toyota’s added size give it the edge in terms of cabin space and go-anywhere capabilities?
Let’s explore the highlights of each to see how they compare.
2024 Ford Maverick
Get behind the wheel of the Ford Maverick, and you realize this doesn’t ride or handle like a traditional body-on-frame truck. It’s agile and easy to park, and the ride is smooth and comfortable over rough roads. Credit the fact that the Maverick uses the same platform that underpins Ford’s Escape compact SUV.
The standard powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and a 162-hp 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder is optional. Pricing begins at $25,410, including the destination fee, and there are three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Ford Maverick, though both all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive are available.
Ford Maverick Highlights
Fuel mileage: The Ford Maverick’s standard 250-hp turbo 4-cylinder delivers an impressive EPA-rated 26 mpg combined in city and highway driving. Yet it’s the hybrid that’s the fuel-sipping champ among small trucks. It returns 37 mpg combined, on par with several small economy cars.
Tremor off-road package: Available starting on the midlevel XLT trim, the Tremor package comes with a higher-riding and stouter suspension, all-terrain tires, redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, locking 4-wheel drive, and extra underbody skid plates.
Versatile cargo bed: Because it sits lower to the ground than many small trucks, loading the 4.5-foot long cargo bed requires less stretch and heave. We’re also fans of the optional closable compartments that can be added. These allow better security in keeping valuables away from prying eyes.
Bargain pricing: With a starting pricing hovering around $25,000, the Ford Maverick is a great deal. Sure, you can throw every option on a range-topping Lariat trim. Yet doing that still nets you a loaded truck with a still-reasonable price of about $40,000. In comparison, the upper trims of the Tacoma can crest $65K.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has an outstanding reputation for longevity and toughness. It’s known for being as dependable as it is capable of scaling obstacles that would stop many trucks in their proverbial tracks. Still, the previous Tacoma was overdue for an update, and Toyota’s engineering team took note.
The 2024 model is more refined to drive, packs more interior tech, and is more powerful than before. The base engine in the SR trim is a 228-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic. A higher-tuned 278-hp version of this engine is available, and yes, the Tacoma can still be optioned with a 6-speed manual transmission. Pricing starts at $32,995.
Toyota Tacoma Highlights
Tenacious off-roader: Need a truck capable of coping with difficult terrain? Then you’d be wise to put the Tacoma on your shopping list. The TRD models are particularly adept at scaling anything in their way. A new-for-2024 Trailhunter model packs even more off-road goodies like underbody steel skid plates, a high-mounted air intake, a disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and an onboard air compressor. Even in Tremor guise, the Ford Maverick can’t match the off-road chops of a well-equipped Tacoma.
Outstanding resale: Among a wide range of rivals, the Tacoma earned the top spot for Best Resale Value among its class. A vehicle that holds onto its value is also a good sign it’s built to last.
A shift-for-yourself gearbox: Let’s give Toyota a round of applause for still offering a 6-speed manual transmission in the Tacoma. And no, we don’t mind that opting for this gearbox means the midrange powertrain drops from 278 hp down to 270. We doubt manual-shift-loving fans will mind, either.
Potent hybrid model: For the first time, the Tacoma is available with a hybrid turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces an eye-widening 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This force is routed through an 8-speed automatic to a rear- or 4-wheel-drive configuration. It’s much more muscular than the hybrid version of the Ford Maverick.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tacoma models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma are the star pupils in their respective classes. Each of these trucks delivers tremendous value, and our test drives routinely reinforce why they’ve earned top scores in our vehicle rankings.
Conclusion
We truly like picking a winner in these comparisons, but there is no bad choice here. The bigger question is this: How big of a truck do you need and want? The Ford Maverick has a lower base price and is ultimately more maneuverable, thanks to its tidier dimensions. Loading cargo in the back is simpler because it sits lower, too.
But if off-road driving paired with outstanding resale value is high on your list of priorities, this new Toyota Tacoma is an unstoppable force. We mean that since Toyota improved upon this truck’s already awesome credentials for off-road driving. These are both savvy picks for all types of truck shoppers.
| 2024 Ford Maverick (XL SuperCrew) | 2024 Toyota Tacoma (SR Double Cab/5-foot bed) | |
| Starting Price | $25,410 | $32,995 ($35,195 as optioned) |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 243 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/ 26 mpg combined | 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter gas-electric 4-cyl., CVT, AWD, 4WD | Turbo gas-electric 2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed manual, 4WD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 star | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 131.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.7 inches | 213.0 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 76.9 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 73.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 42.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 35.9 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 33.3 cubic feet | TBD |
