In this comparison, you’re looking at two KBB award-winning trucks. The Ford Maverick recently earned top honors as our Compact Pickup Best Buy, while the Toyota Tacoma is our Midsize Pickup Best Buy Award winner.
So, when pitted against each other, does the Ford Maverick or the Toyota Tacoma offer the better value for a truck-shopping budget? Does the smaller Ford make more sense for everyday driving, or does the Toyota’s added size give it the edge in terms of cabin space and go-anywhere capabilities?
Let’s explore the highlights of each to see how they compare.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick doesn’t ride or handle like a traditional body-on-frame truck. It’s agile and easy to park, and the ride is smooth and comfortable over rough roads. Credit the fact that the Maverick isn’t a body-on-frame truck, instead using the same platform that underpins Ford’s Escape compact SUV. For 2025, the Maverick has been updated with new styling and tech, the addition of the off-road Tremor and street truck Lobo trims, and the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) and increased towing capacity with the hybrid powertrain.
The standard powertrain is a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid 4-cylinder, and a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is optional. The truck is essentially the same price with either powertrain, except that with the gas engine, all-wheel drive is bundled for an extra $125. There are five trims: XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the Ford Maverick, though all-wheel drive is available. The Tremor comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Ford Maverick Highlights
Fuel mileage: The Ford Maverick’s popular 250-hp turbo 4-cylinder delivers an impressive EPA-rated 25 mpg combined in city and highway driving. Yet it’s the hybrid that’s the fuel-sipping champ among small trucks. It returns 38 mpg combined, on par with several small economy cars.
Tremor trim level: Originally an option package, the Tremor is its own trim level for 2025. It comes with a higher-riding and stouter suspension, Ford Trail Control, all-terrain tires, and all-wheel drive.
Versatile cargo bed: Because it sits lower to the ground than many small trucks, loading the 4.5-foot long cargo bed requires less stretch and heave. We’re also fans of the optional closable compartments that can be added. These allow better security in keeping valuables away from prying eyes.
Spacious interior: The Maverick’s unibody platform allows for a surprisingly roomy cabin. This compact truck has more headroom and legroom in both rows than some midsize trucks.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Maverick models near you.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma has an outstanding reputation for longevity and toughness. It’s known for being as dependable as it is capable of scaling obstacles that would stop many trucks in their proverbial tracks. This generation of the Tacoma, now in its second year, reflects a massive update that includes the introduction of a hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine.
The new model is more refined to drive, packs more interior tech, and is more powerful than before. The base engine in the SR trim is a 228-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic. However, most Tacomas are powered by a higher-tuned 278-hp version of this engine, and yes, the Tacoma can still be optioned with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Toyota Tacoma Highlights
Tenacious off-roader: Need a truck capable of coping with difficult terrain? Then you’d be wise to put the Tacoma on your shopping list. The TRD models are particularly adept at scaling anything in their way. The Trailhunter model packs even more off-road goodies like underbody steel skid plates, a high-mounted air intake, a disconnecting front anti-roll bar, and an onboard air compressor. Even in Tremor guise, the Ford Maverick can’t match the off-road chops of a well-equipped Tacoma.
Outstanding resale: Among a wide range of rivals, the Tacoma earned the top spot for Best Resale Value in its class. A vehicle that holds onto its value is also a good sign it’s built to last.
A shift-for-yourself gearbox: Let’s give Toyota a round of applause for still offering a 6-speed manual transmission in the Tacoma. And no, we don’t mind that opting for this gearbox means the midrange powertrain drops from 278 hp down to 270. We doubt manual-transmission-loving fans will mind, either.
Potent hybrid model: The Tacoma’s available hybrid turbocharged 4-cylinder produces an eye-widening 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This force is routed through an 8-speed automatic to a rear- or 4-wheel-drive (4WD) configuration. It’s much more muscular than the hybrid version of the Ford Maverick.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tacoma models near you.
Similarities
The Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma are the star pupils in their respective classes. Each of these trucks delivers tremendous value, and our test drives routinely reinforce why they’ve earned top scores in our vehicle rankings.
Pricing
New 2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$35,285
|
$33,351
|
|||
|
$38,785
|
$36,395
|
|||
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$40,895
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$38,780
|
|||
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$43,295
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$41,312
|
|||
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$54,050
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$50,855
|
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Ford Maverick vehicles and New 2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Ford Maverick | 2025 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | FWD | 2WD |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | 3,500 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | 1,495 pounds |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches | N/A |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 228 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 243 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | automatic, 8-speed |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 131.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 199.8 inches | 213.0 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 83.5 inches | 76.9 inches |
| Width Without Mirrors | 77.9 inches | N/A |
| Height | 68.8 inches | 73.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.0 feet | 42.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.6 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.8 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 35.9 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.3 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
We truly like picking a winner in these comparisons, but there is no bad choice here. The bigger question is this: How big a truck do you need and want? The Ford Maverick has a lower base price and is ultimately more maneuverable, thanks to its tidier dimensions. Loading cargo in the back is simpler because it sits lower, too.
But if off-road driving paired with outstanding resale value is high on your list of priorities, this new Toyota Tacoma is an unstoppable force. We mean that since Toyota improved upon this truck’s already awesome credentials for off-road driving. These are both savvy picks for all types of truck shoppers.