2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 RAM 1500

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive design, characterized by its blocky front end and headlights, which set it apart from other Ford trucks. The Maverick Tremor variant added a rugged appeal with blacked-out logos, headlights, and taillights, along with unique features like "Tremor Orange" tow hooks and a new grille with orange accents. The Avalanche Grey colour option was a standout, offering a lighter, less blue-tinged hue. The Tremor Plus Appearance Package further enhanced the truck's sporty look with special 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab featured a lot of hard plastic, but the Black Onyx seats with a heathered look added a touch of style, even if the materials felt utilitarian.

The 2023 RAM 1500 Limited, near the top of its trim levels, offered a more luxurious experience. The Night Edition package provided a stealthy look with 22-inch black aluminum wheels, appealing to those who preferred a chrome-free appearance. Inside, the Limited trim was adorned with leather and contrasting stitching, along with open-pore wood and metallic trim on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch to the interior, complemented by chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash. The overall design exuded an upscale feel, making it a strong contender for those seeking a more refined truck experience.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. This setup came with a CVT and FWD, but the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD in Canada. The Tremor off-road package, available on XLT and Lariat trims, introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, enhancing off-road capabilities. The Tremor package also included Trail Control, special springs and shocks, steel skid plates, and a 2.5-centimetre lift, providing 23.8 cm of ground clearance. The EcoBoost engine's 277 lb-ft of torque allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, although the Tremor package reduced towing and payload capacities.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered 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 trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. The eTorque system provided up to 130 pound-feet of supplemental torque, enhancing fuel economy and power delivery. The V8 engine delivered 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, making it powerful for highway passing. The 8-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts, and the coilover rear suspension provided a comfortable ride. The RAM 1500's towing capacity reached up to 5,783 kilograms, with a payload capacity of up to 1,043 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The TRX trim, with its 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, was a standout for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer but maintained consistent legroom across models. Gas engine models offered 1,088 millimetres of front legroom and 937 mm in the rear, while hybrid models had slightly less rear legroom at 912 mm. The Maverick's interior featured a lot of plastic, but it was in line with its utilitarian nature. Upgrades were available, such as heated seats and a soft-touch steering wheel, through the Luxury Package on XLT and Lariat trims.

The 2023 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and storage options. The crew cab provided ample rear legroom at 1,148 millimetres, with a flat floor for easy cargo loading. The rear seats could recline and flip up for additional space, and tie-down rings ensured secure storage. The multifunction tailgate and RamBox storage added practicality, while the air suspension lowered the tailgate height for easier access. The interior featured heated and cooled front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a spacious centre console with multiple storage options.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered basic tech features, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that felt dated but functional. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch LED driver-information display, additional USB ports, and features like a power-sliding rear window and ambient lighting. The Lariat's Luxury Package introduced an upgraded sound system, wireless charging, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a tech upgrade with an available 12-inch gauge cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Uconnect system allowed for dual-functionality, connecting two phones simultaneously. The Equipment Group 1 package added a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The RAM 1500 Limited offered multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and additional power outlets for device connectivity.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about rollover resistance and frontal crash performance. The IIHS rated it Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.

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. The IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with some Marginal ratings for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.