Skip to main content

Compact trucks are returning in a big way as the Ford Maverick punches above its weight. The Maverick outsold nearly every single midsize truck. But it couldn’t tackle the most popular option in the segment. 

2023 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2023 Ford Maverick 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma off-roading
2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The 2023 Ford Maverick had an excellent year in terms of sales and got to flex on the competition. It outsold the Chevy Colorado, Nissan Frontier, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Jeep Gladiator, and Honda Ridgeline. 

In 2023, the Maverick moved 94,058 units while the Colorado was the closest to catching it, with 71,081 sales. The GMC Canyon came in last place with only 22,458 sales for 2023. 

But the Maverick didn’t come close to the Toyota Tacoma. In 2023, the Tacoma moved 234,768 models. That means it beat the Maverick by 140,710. It beat the Colorado, or the second-place midsize truck by even more. 

Ford has been working to increase Maverick production and has benefited from tremendous year-over-year growth as a result. But it’s not close to watching the number of trucks that roll off the Tacoma line. 

We’re wondering if the Maverick would surpass the Tacoma if it could match production. Also, the United Auto Workers (UAW) didn’t impact these figures. Both the Tacoma and Maverick are built in Mexico, so these trucks weren’t involved. 

People may have picked the Tacoma over the Maverick due to its durable reputation. But according to J.D.Power, the Tacoma has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100 and the Maverick got an 85. 

Both scores are above average. Anything between 70 and 80 is average while scores between 81 and 90 are above average. 

But there are fewer Maverick models on the road to judge. Also, people may use the Tacoma for more hauling and off-roading purposes, leading to increased wear and tear. 

The Maverick Hybrid can’t be paired with AWD and the Maverick only tows up to 4,000 lbs. The 2023 Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs. 

However, the Maverick is attractive with its $23,815 MSRP. Plus, the hybrid has an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. The Tacoma starts at $31,500 and the fuel economy for the hybrid model hasn’t been released. 

Stay tuned to see if the Maverick can catch up with the brand-new 2024 Tacoma.