2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a particularly strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and 1,879 millimetres in height. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 1500 offered a more imposing and luxurious presence. Available in quad cab or larger crew cab configurations, it featured a stealthy Night Edition with 22-inch black aluminum wheels. The interior of the Limited trim was adorned with leather, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood, creating an upscale atmosphere. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch, complemented by chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash. The RAM 1500's design emphasized both style and functionality, making it a standout in the full-size truck segment.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came with a standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost variant offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick FX4 package enhanced off-road capabilities with features like different suspension tuning and additional underbody protection.

The 2023 RAM 1500 provided a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine. The TRX model boasted a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The eTorque system improved fuel economy and provided extra power, while the eight-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts. The RAM 1500 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 5,783 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 1,043 kilograms, depending on the configuration. Its coilover rear suspension and optional air suspension delivered a smooth ride, making it a top choice for comfort and capability.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered impressive interior space, surpassing the Toyota Tacoma in legroom and providing more rear legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It featured numerous storage options, including cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 680-kilogram payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and FlexBed for versatile cargo management.

The 2023 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and storage, with a two-tiered centre console and ample room for small items. The crew cab configuration provided generous rear legroom, and the rear seats could recline and flip up for added cargo space. The multifunction tailgate and RamBox storage system enhanced utility, while the optional air suspension lowered the tailgate height for easier access. The RAM 1500's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for long journeys and heavy-duty tasks.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the system lacked advanced features like embedded navigation, it provided essential connectivity options, including a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking, though its practical impact on everyday driving was debatable.

The 2023 RAM 1500 boasted a tech-rich interior, with an available 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that allowed for multitasking and dual phone connectivity. The Uconnect system, though initially complex, offered a well-organized layout. The optional Equipment Group 1 added advanced features like a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. With multiple charging outlets and a wireless charging pad, the RAM 1500 catered to tech-savvy drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard, with optional extras like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring available as options. Despite this, the NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with some exceptions for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.