When you’re in need of a small truck, both the 2024 Ford Maverick and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma impress, delivering sturdy capabilities and modern amenities. We’re here to help you figure out which pickup has more of what you need, the Ford’s compact truck or Toyota’s mid size model.
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the compact Maverick, the midsize Tacoma delivers more power and stronger capabilities.
- With its available hybrid powertrain, the Maverick can help you save a bundle at the pump!
- The Maverick is our first choice for everyday comfort, thanks to its smooth ride and easygoing handling.
- Starting at $23,815, the 2024 Maverick offers major savings compared to the 2024 Tacoma’s $31,500 MSRP.
Is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Powerful?
Not only does the Tacoma ultimately deliver more power, but it’s also the strongest option when it comes to towing and hauling. There are three options in the Tacoma’s new engine lineup, the strongest of which is its new i-Force Max hybrid, with 326 horsepower. If you’ve got a pretty big trailer, you’ll be pleased to know that you can equip the Tacoma to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Max payloads reach 1,709 pounds.
There are three Tacoma engines available, 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
While the midsize Tacoma delivers the strongest capabilities, the compact Maverick does the best job of blending fuel economy with rugged performance. It also happens to come standard with more power than the base Tacoma, with a turbocharged engine rated for 250 horsepower! With it, the Maverick can tow max loads of 4,000 pounds. Properly equipped, hybrid Mavericks can tow up to 2,000 pounds. No matter how you equip your Maverick, though, it’ll be able to haul payloads weighing up to 1,500 pounds!
All Maverick trim models are available with the same powertrain 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 Fuel Efficient?
Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Maverick over the Tacoma! With its hybrid engine, the Maverick earns 37 mpg combined (42 city/33 highway). Compared to the Tacoma, the hybrid Maverick will save you the most money at the pump by far. Even its powerful base engine is pretty thrifty, with EPA ratings of up to 26 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).
The Tacoma’s base powertrain isn’t as strong as its Maverick counterpart, so you might expect it to be the more efficient option. But that’s not the case, since it only earns up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway). Although the EPA hasn’t rated the Tacoma’s new i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, Toyota estimates that it will deliver up to 19 mpg combined.
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick Comfortable?
The Maverick is tuned for a strong performance, but its unibody chassis helps it combine its muscular side with a comfortable ride. This same design makes the Maverick easy to handle in a tight spot. Every Maverick comes standard with Ford’s Super Crew cabin, which feels anything but compact. In spite of its rating as a compact truck, the Super Crew cabin offers a little extra front-seat head and legroom compared to the midsize Tacoma.
Meanwhile, the Tacoma offers your choice of two cabins: a two-door extended cab known as XtraCab and a four-door crew cabin known as the Double Cab. Ride comfort depends on trim level. The standard suspension on lower trim models can feel stiff. But higher Tacoma trim models’ upgraded suspension improves both performance and ride comfort!
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Maverick?
Not only does the compact Maverick save you money at the pump, but it also comes at a much lower price than the base Tacoma. With an MSRP of just $23,815, the 2024 Maverick is incredibly attainable!
The 2024 Tacoma is ultimately the more capable truck, but it also comes at a steeper rate, starting at $31,500. On the other hand, the Tacoma’s base price is very competitive in the midsize truck segment.
Should You Choose the 2024 Ford Maverick or 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
For drivers who want to move the most weight, there’s the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. But for drivers who want the lowest price, most efficient performance, and excellent ride comfort, there’s the 2024 Ford Maverick! Come in to test drive your compact truck today!