The small pickup truck market has seen a resurgence lately, with new entries like the 2022 Ford Maverick aiming to attract buyers looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient truck. But the long-standing Toyota Tundra still remains a popular choice for its power, size and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
So which one is right for your needs? We’ll compare the key factors like performance, capability, technology, comfort and value between the Maverick and TMC so you can decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | 2022 Ford Maverick | Toyota TMC |
| Starting MSRP | $19,995 | $35,950 |
| Available Engines | 2.5L Atkinson 4-cylinder hybrid (191 hp/155 lb-ft); 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder (250 hp/277 lb-ft) | 3.5L V6 (278 hp/265 lb-ft); 3.4L V6 hybrid (437 hp/583 lb-ft) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs (hybrid); 4,000 lbs (EcoBoost) | 9,800 lbs (hybrid) |
| Payload Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,600 lbs |
| MPG (City/Highway) | 42/33 mpg (hybrid); 23/30 mpg (EcoBoost) | 18-20/22-24 mpg |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches | 9.4 inches |
| Cargo Bed Length | 4.5 feet | 5.5 feet |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch standard | 8-inch standard |
| Standard Safety Features | Automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist | Rearview camera only, advanced safety requires upgrades |
Ford Maverick And Toyota TMC: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
- Power and Performance
The Maverick comes standard with a 2.5L Atkinson four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Opting for the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine bumps output to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The TMC offers two powerful V6 engines: a 3.5L putting out 278 hp and 265 lb-ft and a hybrid 3.4L V6 with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. The TMC’s engines provide more horsepower and acceleration, making them better for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Advantage: TMC
- Towing and Payload Capacity
The Maverick’s max tow rating is 2,000 lbs with the hybrid powertrain and 4,000 lbs with the EcoBoost engine. Its payload tops out at 1,500 lbs.
The TMC can tow up to 9,800 lbs with the hybrid engine and has a payload capacity of over 1,600 lbs. The TMC is the clear winner when it comes to hauling and towing heavier loads.
Advantage: TMC
- Fuel Efficiency
One of the Maverick’s biggest selling points is fuel efficiency. With the hybrid powertrain, it gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The EcoBoost engine is less efficient at 23 mpg city and 30 highway.
The TMC doesn’t match the Maverick’s mpg, even with the hybrid engine. Its best rating is 20 mpg city, 24 highway with rear-wheel drive. Fuel economy is an important factor for many pickup buyers, and the Maverick excels here.
Advantage: Maverick
- Off-Road Ability
The Maverick is oriented more towards on-road use and isn’t really designed for serious off-roading. It has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches and only comes with front-wheel drive. The EcoBoost engine can be upgraded to all-wheel drive however.
Meanwhile the TMC is equipped for off-road exploration. Standard four-wheel drive, 9.4 inches of ground clearance, skid plates and advanced terrain management technology make it much more capable over rough terrain.
Advantage: TMC
- Ride Quality and Handling
The Maverick utilizes a fully-boxed frame and independent front suspension for a smooth, car-like ride. Reviewers have praised its responsive handling and comfort driving both on- and off-road. The TMC also provides a compliant ride quality thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension. But some critics find its handling less car-like and more unwieldy due to its heavier curb weight.
Advantage: Maverick
Also Read: Comparison Between Mercer And Landstar.
- Comfort and Convenience
Both trucks can seat up to five passengers fairly comfortably, but the Maverick offers less overall interior room and cargo volume. It has 33.3 inches of rear legroom and a 4.5 foot bed compared to the TMC’s 35.8 inches of legroom and 5.5 foot bed. However, the Maverick makes up for it with smart storage solutions like a multi-position tailgate and under-bed storage cubbies.
The TMC excels in passenger space, with available quad-hinged rear doors for easy access. But the Maverick counters with more modern tech like a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and standard Co-Pilot360 driver assists. The Maverick’s interior design also feels more modern compared the TMC’s aging look.
This one comes down to preference for utility versus high-tech conveniences.
Advantage: Tie
- Safety
The Maverick comes equipped with the latest driver assistance features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist. The TMC doesn’t offer nearly as much safety tech unless you upgrade to higher trims. It also lacks standard features like rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection found on the Maverick.
In crash tests however, the TMC performed very well, earning top scores from the IIHS and an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA.Crash-test data isn’t available yet for the new Maverick. Toyota’s reputation for safety and the TMC’s crash test results give it a slight edge.
Advantage: TMC
- Value and Pricing
Here’s where the Maverick clearly wins out – it starts at just $19,995 MSRP including destination fees. Even a well-equipped mid-level trim costs thousands less than the cheapest TMC. You’ll spend at least $35,950 for an entry-level TMC SR5 trim with rear-wheel drive. The pricing difference is massive, making the Maverick the obvious value leader. It lets you get a pickup truck for the price of an economy car.
In terms of retained value down the road, Toyota trucks have traditionally held their value very well. The Maverick is still unproven, but being a Ford truck bodes well for its resale value.
Advantage: Maverick
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most non-commercial buyers, the Maverick provides the best overall value. It gets better fuel economy, has a more comfortable interior design, lower starting price and good versatility. But the TMC outperforms when it comes to capability, power and off-road performance.
The TMC can reach 60 mph in around 7 seconds depending on configuration – fairly quick for a full-size truck. Top speeds depend on engine but are electronically limited to somewhere between 105-125 mph.
No, the TMC is offered in regular pickup truck and double cab configurations. There was previously a TMC Flatbed model but it was discontinued.
TMC Transportation is a large American trucking company specializing in flatbed, specialized, and refrigerated trucking services. TMC is a division of TFI International, one of the largest trucking and logistics companies in North America.
Also Read: Comparison Between Indiana Transport And Horizon Transport.
The Verdict
For budget-focused buyers wanting a pickup with great fuel economy, clever utility and a low sticker price, the Maverick is a compelling choice. It’s the truck for city dwellers, commuters and those with active lifestyles looking to haul bikes or camping gear.
Shoppers wanting a tough, full-sized truck with maximum towing/hauling abilities or serious off-road performance should go for the Toyota TMC. It justifies its higher price with outstanding power, capability and Toyota’s reputation for quality.
