Toyota recently added a new nameplate to its vehicle portfolio. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact SUV that shares many features with its predecessor, the Toyota Corolla. Toyota has been running some interesting comparisons with the competition via its YouTube channel. In the latest video from Toyota, 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 that the Corolla Cross is “better than the Hipster” is that the Corolla Cross is built to handle outdoor, off-road adventures. In making this statement, 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 uneven terrain in their base configurations. Ford offers off-road packages for the Maverick. So this claim seems far-fetched.
Toyota argues that the Corolla Cross is more spacious. The Maverick has more passenger room, but the Corolla Cross has more cargo room because of how small the Ford Maverick Flexbed is. So the Corolla Cross may be a better buy for cargo space, but most Maverick buyers don’t buy the truck for the size of its bed.
The automaker points out some features of the Corolla Cross that the Maverick doesn’t. It should be noted that the lower trim levels of the Maverick are pretty basic due to the price. Toyota claims the Corolla Cross has better audio options due to its available JBL premium audio system option and the standard SiriusXM platinum plan with a three-month trial subscription.
Toyota’s bottom line is that the Corolla Cross has a great standard set of safety features. This is a valid point, and many drivers might choose the Toyota Corolla Cross because of how safe it is.
Is the Ford Maverick a good truck?
The 2023 Ford Maverick starts at $22,195. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to generate 191 horsepower. The small truck gets 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Maverick is unique due to its standard hybrid powertrain. The Ford Maverick gets better gas mileage than any other truck on the market.
Should you buy a Toyota Corolla Cross or a Ford Maverick?
Comparing the Toyota Corolla Cross with the Ford Maverick seems strange, but both vehicles are in 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 earned a perfect overall score of car and driver.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is more widely available due to high demand for the Ford Maverick, so even if consumers prefer Ford’s pickup, the chances of getting a new Maverick any time soon are slim. The Ford Maverick is the most exciting nameplate because of its size and affordability. The question is, when will the small truck be available?