We all know how much the consumer loves the Toyota Tacoma. It's aesthetically pleasing, so fun to drive, and not too bad on gas mileage for a pickup. They're constantly seen on and off-road and if you really pay attention you would likely see 100 Tacomas in an hour. However, don't let that influence you to overlook the "compact " 2022 Ford Maverick. This little Ford truck could change the way we choose to buy pickups. According to Ford, "It's the first-ever standard full hybrid pickup in America."

The Specifics of The Maverick And The Tacoma

2022 Ford Maverick interior
Via: media gallery

There's much to be appreciated about Ford's new Maverick. With an expected 40 miles per gallon in the city and 50 miles per gallon on the highway, this vehicle may even exceed expectations in this capacity. The base model Maverick MSRP starts at $19,995. With space for 5 people in the cabin, you can comfortably fit a family of four and the family pet! The interior features an eight-inch touch screen including Bluetooth and the standard Apply Carplay or Android Auto. FordPass Connect is a unique feature that includes a Wifi hotspot with the capability to connect as many as 10 devices at a time. This can be perfect for traveling and working on the go. The seats come in the XL base trim level as a cloth bucket seat in the color Black Onyx.

Moving on to the exterior, the Maverick comes in a variety of colors ranging from Area 51, a beautiful sleek grey-blue combination, to Shadow Black. The front of the truck sports modern-looking LED headlights and a large grille. Ford Co-Pilot 360 is offered at an additional $540.

The engine is a 2.5L inline-4 hybrid. It includes an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). Car and Driver say this transmission "seamlessly changes through an unending range of effective gear ratios while you drive."

Related: Here's Why The Many Toyota Tacoma Generations Have Great Resale Value

What The Tacoma Lacks (And Doesn't)

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
via: media gallery

The Tacoma is significantly heavier in both weight and price compared to the Maverick. The base price of the Tacoma costs $6,000 more than the Maverick. It also comes in at a curb weight of 3,915 pounds while the Maverick weighs in at 3,674 pounds. When it comes to fuel capacity, the Maverick has a 13.8-gallon tank while the Tacoma has a 21.1-gallon tank. The hybrid engine more than makes up for the lack of fuel tank size due to its higher mileage. While the Maverick sports a 2.5L engine, the Tacoma has been fitted with a much beefier 3.5L V6—far worse for mileage. There's also a difference in the drive train. Rear-wheel drive was given to the Tacoma while the Maverick is built with a front-wheel drive. Horsepower is a huge factor in the purchasing of a new truck or car for a lot of people.

Related: These Are The Least Fuel-Efficient Trucks On The Market Right Now

While the Tacoma has 278 hp at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm, the Maverick clocks in at 191 hp at 5600 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Now don't let these numbers deceive you, if the hybrid is what you're looking for, then go test drive it. It has an amazing design and a huge amount of potential that isn't worth being overlooked simply because it isn't the Toyota Tacoma. There are high expectations and it looks that they will be more than met.