The 2024 Ford Maverick is back on the road as a truck. A newbie to Ford’s line, it has become a popular choice for road warriors on a budget. But it has competition in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, which has seen much needed design changes. Let’s take a look at how these rivals stack up against each other!
What Changes are Seen For the 2024 Ford Maverick?
You may remember the Maverick in its first incarnation as a car in the 1970s. Ford gave the Mav a new lease on life in 2022 when it was reintroduced to the market as a truck and not much has changed since then design-wise. The only difference this year is that the hybrid powertrain, standard in ‘23 is now available as an upgrade.
The ‘24 Tacoma got a much-needed redesign from last year, with more modern features and trim levels to choose from and an updated powertrain. There is rumor of a hybrid trim to come, but we have not seen it just yet.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Maverick remains one of the few pickups on the market that are under $30k brand new!
- The Maverick’s hybrid powertrain, once standard, is now optional.
- The Tacoma saw some much needed updates in ‘24; the Mav, re-introduced in ‘22, remains the same.
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Maverick?
When it comes to price, the Maverick has it all over the Tacoma and many other trucks on the market. It is one of the few you can find yourself in that has trims well under $30k.
- XL: $23,815
- XLT: $26,315
- LARIAT: $34,85
While it has double the amount of the trim levels, the Tacoma’s base truck starts at $32k, with packages that go up to $54k. The Maverick is an excellent choice for buyers on a budget!
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick Fuel Efficient?
With gas prices on the rise, fuel efficiency is on everyone’s mind. In this category, the Mav does a bit better than the Tacoma. The Tacoma gets 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway. While impressive numbers, they do not beat those Maverick, which gets 23 mpg city/30 highway) on gas. Its hybrid is even more impressive at 42 city/33 highway. Those are big numbers!
Does the 2024 Ford Maverick Come Standard as a Hybrid?
The Maverick is a small but powerful truck, with a Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. And don’t forget the optional 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine—it delivers 191 horses and 155 lb-ft of torque.
There’s only one option with the Tacoma—a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. But there is said to be a hybrid on its way, later this year or next.
Can the 2024 Ford Maverick Tow as Much as the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
Admittedly, the Mav doesn’t tow as much as the Tacoma—it can haul 2,000-pounds; however, that can be pushed 4,000-pounds with the proper configuration. The Tacoma has a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. If you use a pickup expressly heavier loads, this may be an issue. The Mav’s bed is also shorter than the Tacoma’s, at 4 1/2 feet. The Tacoma XtraCab’s bed is six-feet; buyers can choose between a five- or six-foot bed on the Double Cab. One nice thing about the Mav’s bed is its electrical outlet that can be upgraded to 110-volts.
And where do the two pickups stand on fun? The Tacoma isn’t as well regarded for offroading as the Maverick. Thanks to Ford’s Tremor configuration, which features a locking rear differential and more lift, offroading is not only more of an adventure, it’s safer. (Available in the Maverick’s higher trims.)
What Technology is Seen For the 2024 Ford Maverick?
While both the Maverick and Tacoma have basically the same setup, we prefer the Maverick’s audio options to the Tacoma’s. The Tacoma features a JBL sound system. While JBL systems are quality, for audiophiles, the Bang and Olufsen system with eight-speakers featured in the Maverick Lariat is superior.
Both trucks feature an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen system. The Mav offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The two top trims offer ambient lighting, the option of two tone cloth or leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The Tacoma also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional wireless charging pad.
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick a Good Mid-size Truck?
The Toyota Tacoma is indeed reliable and a great work truck, but you can’t beat the Maverick’s very affordable bells and whistles. You can walk out of Jones Ford with a new Ford pickup today—come to experience it for yourself!