Are you caught between the 2024 Ford Maverick and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma? Our buying guide is here to help you figure out which is best for you, Ford’s thrifty compact truck or Toyota’s redesigned midsize truck. Whether you’re looking for the lowest price or the most horsepower, we’ll steer you in the right direction!
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the midsize Tacoma (from $31,500), you can save big with the compact Maverick (from $23,815).
- Thanks to its available hybrid powertrain, the Maverick also offers major savings at the pump!
- The Tacoma is the stronger option, delivering both more horsepower and heftier capabilities.
- Thanks to its unibody design and roomy cabin, the Maverick is our first choice for everyday comfort!
How Much Is the 2024 Ford Maverick?
A big part of the Maverick’s appeal is its budget-friendly price tag! Starting at $23,815, Ford’s compact truck helps you save plenty of money, especially compared to the Tacoma. And even at this low price, the Maverick is big on modern amenities, with standard LED headlamps, an 8-inch central touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
When you choose the 2024 Tacoma, which starts at $31,500, you’ll need to spend more money off the bat. However, Toyota’s midsize truck is the stronger option, making it worth the extra money for drivers who want heavier payload and tow ratings.
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick Fuel Efficient?
The Maverick doesn’t just come at the best price — it helps you save more at the pump. With its available hybrid powertrain, these trucks earn 37 mpg combined (42 city/33 highway)! With the standard turbocharged engine, the Maverick still manages to earn better fuel economy than the Ranger, with up to 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).
The Tacoma earns its top EPA ratings, 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway), with its base four-cylinder engine. Those figures don’t even come close to the Maverick’s hybrid performance. They’re not even up to par with the Maverick’s base powertrain, which is also more powerful than the Tacoma’s four-cylinder engine!
Is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma a Powerful Truck?
The Tacoma’s powertrain lineup offers more speed. Its new i-Force Max hybrid powertrain supplies the strongest ride, with up to 326 horsepower! Midsize trucks like the Tacoma can also tow and haul more weight than the compact Maverick. Toyota’s midsize pickup can haul up to 1,709 pounds and tow up to 6,500 pounds!
There are three 2024 Tacoma powertrain options, depending on which trim model you select:
- Base, SR: turbo 2.4L four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 243 lb-ft)
- TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited: high-output 2.4L four-cylinder engine (278 hp, 317 lb-ft with automatic or 270 hp, 310 lb-ft with manual transmission)
- TRD Pro, Trailhunter (and optional for the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited): i-Force Max hybrid powertrain (326 hp, 456 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional six-speed manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Although the Maverick isn’t as powerful as the top-trim Tacoma models, it does come standard with more power. Ford’s compact truck is a great choice for drivers who don’t need to tow or haul especially heavy equipment. With its base engine, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds. Hybrid Mavericks can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Whichever engine you select, your Maverick can haul max payloads of 1500 pounds!
For any trim model, the Maverick is available with your choice of two engine options:
- Standard turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Optional 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive (2.0L only)
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick Comfortable?
The Maverick rides on a unibody platform, offering a smoother, more comfortable drive than the body-on-frame Tacoma. You’ll also love the Maverick’s roomy SuperCrew cabin, with its supportive seating and handy under-seat storage compartments. This Ford truck also gives you luxury at a great price, with features like leather upholstery and a premium sound system available on higher trim levels.
While the Tacoma doesn’t offer the smoothest ride, it does a decent job of soaking up bumps in the road. And though we wish its seats had a little more cushioning, the cabin is roomy and pretty comfortable overall. Just like the Maverick, the Tacoma offers tech and comfort upgrades on higher trim models, including heated and ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Maverick?
For those who need the extra strength of a midsize truck, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a great option. But for drivers who want to maximize their savings — both on upfront costs and at the pump — the 2024 Ford Maverick really shines. Ford’s compact truck is also a great choice for everyday comfort, and its tow and haul ratings are none too shabby!