2025 Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma: Compact Pickup Comparison for 2025

If you're looking for an efficient pickup truck capable of providing an affordable everyday commute and the occasional weekend adventure, the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma are two strong options. Both trucks have impressive technology and seat up to five, but cater to different driving needs, whether you spend most of your time on city streets and highways or regularly head off-road for adventures around Oracle, Arizona. Read as we make a Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma comparison to help you decide which truck best meets your needs.

Overview of the 2025 Ford Maverick vs. the 2025 Toyota Tacoma

The Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma are popular in the Tucson Metro area, and for good reason. The Ford Maverick is a zippy pickup that seats five and offers front- or all-wheel drive. The Toyota Tacoma is a more rugged truck that seats two to five people, depending on the cab configuration (crew or extended cab). You can choose between rear- or four-wheel drive. Both pickups offer customizable beds to suit various needs.

2025 Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma: Performance and Capability

The most significant difference in a Maverick vs. Tacoma comparison is engine size and power output. The new Maverick features a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produces 191 hp combined. It pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission. For more power, you can opt for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 250 hp. This powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the turbo engine and optional on the hybrid, while front-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid.

The Toyota Tacoma also offers a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine or an i-FORCE MAX hybrid variant. These engines produce 228 and 270 hp, respectively. Both engines can pair with an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission, depending on your driving preferences and trim level. All Tacomas come with the option of rear- or four-wheel drive.

2025 Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma: Towing and Payload Capacity

They may be compact pickups, but the Maverick and Tacoma can still tow. The Ford Maverick's gas and hybrid models can tow up to 2,000 pounds and carry a payload of 1,500 pounds, enough to tow small camping and U-Haul trailers. Adding the optional tow package ($745) ups the towing numbers to 4,000 pounds with a trailer brake controller, a hitch receiver, and an upgraded cooling fan. With this capacity, the Maverick can tow small boats, utility trailers, and jet skis.

If towing is a priority, the Tacoma is better equipped. It can tow a solid 6,500 pounds and carry 1,705 pounds of payload. You'll need to pay for the optional towing technology package to receive a towing hitch receiver and wiring harness to unlock the maximum capacity.

Which Truck Is More Fuel Efficient?

The Toyota Tacoma may be more powerful, but the Ford Maverick is more fuel-efficient. The EPA rates the 2025 Ford Maverick gas variant at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The hybrid is much more efficient at 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Going for all-wheel drive drops the numbers to 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which are still decent figures. 

The EPA rates the Tacoma at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for two-wheel drive. Going for four-wheel drive drops the numbers to 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The hybrid variant gets 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. These numbers are still reasonably impressive, but if saving money at the pump is your top priority, the Maverick is the better option.

2025 Ford Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma: On- and Off-Road Performance

Both trucks have their merits, but they cater to different needs. The Ford Maverick offers standard adaptive cruise control and excellent fuel economy, which makes it great for paved roads. It's also the most comfortable for daily driving.

While the Ford Maverick Tremor trim features off-road equipment, including all-terrain tires and tow hooks, the Toyota Tacoma is more rugged and capable for off-road adventures. It offers four-wheel drive and more off-road gear, such as refined coil springs. The adventure-ready TRD Off-Road trim stands out but has a heftier price tag. Its capabilities sacrifice fuel efficiency and ride quality, which is vital to consider if you want to use your truck to get around daily in Oracle.

Deciding Between the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma

Choosing between the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Maverick depends on whether you want a fuel-efficient car for daily drives and the occasional adventure or a powerful truck that focuses on off-road capabilities but costs more for fuel. For on- and off-road capability, the Ford Maverick wins hands down. The best way to decide if this truck is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Contact ORO Ford in Oracle, Arizona, to experience the new Maverick for yourself.

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