Ford Maverick vs Toyota Tacoma

Verdict: Ford Maverick vs Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 71/100 compared to the Ford Maverick's 54/100. While the Tacoma has a higher owner complaint rate per 10,000 sold at 30.1 versus the Maverick's 20.8, it benefits from a lower estimated annual repair cost of $478. However, the Maverick's significantly higher number of recalls—69 over five years—suggests more systemic reliability issues compared to the Tacoma's 23 over nine years. Overall, the Tacoma offers a more dependable choice, particularly in terms of long-term repair costs and recall frequency.

Reliability problem analysis

The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Maverick exhibit distinct problem profiles in terms of component reliability. The Tacoma has a significant number of complaints related to the power train and service brakes, with the latter having 13 crash-linked incidents, indicating a potential safety concern. In contrast, the Maverick faces a higher volume of issues with the power train and electrical system, the latter contributing to four crash-linked complaints. While both models experience airbag issues, the Tacoma's airbag complaints are more frequently linked to crashes, with 23 incidents compared to the Maverick's 10, suggesting a more critical safety issue in this area for the Tacoma.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Toyota Tacoma is the better choice. With a reliability score of 71/100, it stands out as the more dependable option. The Tacoma has fewer recalls (23) and an estimated annual repair cost of $478, along with a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year. Although it has a higher number of owner complaints per 10,000 sold (30.1), its overall reliability and lower major repair risk make it ideal for those who value long-term dependability.

If you're looking for a vehicle with fewer owner complaints, the Ford Maverick might catch your interest, boasting only 20.8 complaints per 10,000 sold. However, its lower reliability score of 54/100 and a concerning 69 recalls suggest it may not be the best choice for those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience. Choose the Maverick if you are willing to overlook these issues for other features it may offer.

Cost of ownership

Based on independent repair cost data, the Toyota Tacoma has an annual repair cost of $478 and requires approximately 0.3 repair visits per year, with a 17% chance of a major repair. While specific figures for the Ford Maverick aren't available, the Tacoma's data suggests a relatively low repair frequency, translating to about one repair every three years, and a moderate risk for major repairs.

For cost-conscious buyers, the Tacoma provides a clear picture of maintenance expenses, making it easier to budget for ownership costs. Without comparable data for the Maverick, the Tacoma emerges as the more predictable and potentially better value for those prioritizing maintenance and repair budget stability.