Watch: Toyota Pits the Toyota Corolla Cross Against the Ford Maverick
Toyota recently added a new nameplate to its portfolio of vehicles. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact SUV that shares many traits with its predecessor, the Toyota Corolla. Toyota has been making some interesting competitor comparisons via its YouTube channel. In Toyota’s latest video, the Japanese automaker pits its new subcompact SUV against Ford’s popular tiny truck, the Ford Maverick.
Toyota says the Corolla Cross is better than the Ford Maverick
Toyota’s first reason why the Corolla Cross is “better than the maverick” is that the Corolla Cross is designed to handle outdoor adventures off-road. While making this claim, the brand compares the ground clearance of both vehicles. The Toyota Corolla Cross has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Ford Maverick has 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Neither vehicle is suited for rough terrain in their base configurations. Ford offers off-road packages for the Maverick. So, this claim seems far-fetched.
Toyota makes the argument that the Corolla Cross is more spacious. The Maverick has more passenger space, but the Corolla Cross has more cargo space because of how tiny the Ford Maverick Flexbed is. So, the Corolla Cross may be a better buy for cargo space, but most Maverick buyers aren’t getting the truck for the size of its bed.
The automaker points out some Corolla Cross features that the Maverick doesn’t have. It should be noted that the Maverick’s lower trim levels are pretty barebones due to pricing. Toyota asserts that the Corolla Cross has better audio options because of its available JBL premium audio system option and standard SiriusXM platinum plan with a three-month trial subscription.
Toyota’s final point is that the Corolla Cross has a great standard suite of safety features. This is a valid point, and many drivers could choose the Toyota Corolla Cross because of how safe it is.
Is the Ford Maverick a good pickup truck?
The 2023 Ford Maverick starts at $22,195. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor to make 191 horsepower. The small pickup truck achieves 42 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Maverick is unique because of its standard hybrid powertrain. The Ford Maverick gets better gas mileage than any other pickup truck on the market.
Should you get a Toyota Corolla Cross or Ford Maverick?
Comparing the Toyota Corolla Cross to the Ford Maverick seems odd, but both vehicles are within the same price range and have similar dimensions. The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross starts at $23,060.
The Corolla Cross is more expensive than the Maverick. The Maverick has better fuel economy and more driving range than the Corolla Cross. Toyota’s subcompact SUV has better standard features than the Ford Maverick. The 2023 Ford Maverick got a perfect overall score from Car and Driver.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is more readily available because of high Ford Maverick demand, so even if consumers prefer Ford’s truck, the odds of getting a new Maverick anytime soon are slim. The Ford Maverick is the more exciting nameplate because of its size and affordability. The question is, when will the small truck be available?
