10 Ways The 2024 Toyota Stout Could Outclass The Ford Maverick

Dec 03, 2023

Although the Ford Maverick is the current compact pickup king, the upcoming 2024 Toyota Stout could dethrone it in more ways than one.

Pickup trucks have evolved to feature bigger structures. Although this form factor makes sense given the towing, hauling, and off-roading capabilities of these trucks, it's pertinent to note that pickups weren't always characterized by humongous sizes. Before interests waned in the '90s and early '00s, compact pickup trucks reigned supreme in the United States due to their small architecture and affordable MSRPs.

But guess what? The demand for compact pickup trucks has resurrected as most car enthusiasts seek economical trucks that'll suit their daily driving and adventure-themed desires whenever the need arises.

The administrative caucus at Ford got wind of this revival and quickly took advantage by creating a compact pickup truck that prioritized usability, functionality, and accessibility all at a budget-friendly price point — the Ford Maverick. With this convergence taking center stage on the Maverick, it's no surprise that the nameplate has become red-hot.

The demand for Mavericks has gotten to a point where Ford can no longer keep up. Although limited stock at dealerships feature astronomical marked up prices, buyers are unperturbed as the Maverick is deemed worth the money (or in more recent times, worth the wait!). This compact truck has carved a niche at the summit of its segment, with its closest rival — the Hyundai Santa Cruz — miles away from the top spot, despite being a worthwhile alternative to the "unavailable" Maverick.

Toyota is seeking to re-enact its dominance in the compact truck market (one it excelled in decades ago) and dethrone the Maverick via the Toyota Stout. Although nameplates like the Hilux, Tundra, and Tacoma made waves in the US automotive industry, the Toyota Stout ranks as the manufacturer's first stand-alone small pickup truck.

And in a bid to regain a large stake of the compact truck market despite the Maverick's reverence, Toyota execs have hinted at the Stout leaving the manufacturing assembly in 2024 (as a 2025 model).

But will the Stout displace the Maverick upon arrival? Although nothing is certain at the moment, Toyota seeks to incorporate certain add-ons that'll steer demand from the Maverick to its all-new Stout. Without further ado, let's take a peek at 10 ways the revived Stout can outclass the Maverick and attain compact truck kingship in the United States.

The architectural boffins at Toyota's pickup truck department seem to have their work cut out for them — create pickups that'll earn camera clicks and leave individuals spellbound. Well, they've executed this order to perfection, with the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra tell-tale of Toyota's design prowess.

While the Santa Cruz is described as being too fancy and soft, the Maverick denotes a simple styling that doesn't bode well with its capabilities. Toyota hopes to sway customers' purchase decisions by giving the Stout a modern but rugged look. As seen in numerous renderings, the all-new Toyota Stout will adopt a menacing design that integrates slim headlights, a tough front bumper, protruding side fenders, and alluring dual-tone alloy wheels.

RELATED: The Toyota Stout Light Pickup Render: A Tacoma-Inspired Rival To The Ford Maverick

As we all know, Toyota hasn't caved into the pressure of electrifying its lineup (just yet). Instead, the automaker relies on the hybrid setup it has been perfecting for decades — with iterations making appearances in its latest nameplates to deliver an uptick in performance.

One of the biggest USPs tied to the Ford Maverick is the presence of a hybrid system. And with Toyota "hybridizing" its new releases, it's expected that the Stout will tow a similar route.

But what will this system be based on? According to multiple rumors, the Stout will be based on the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 — the TNGA-K. This architecture will see the Toyota Stout integrate a 2.5-liter engine that utilizes two motors to produce a combined 219 horses and 163 lb-ft of torque.

But with the Ford Maverick all set for an upgrade in 2024, chances are the Stout will field an i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo engine from the base 2024 Tacoma to generate an output rated at 278 horses and 317 lb-ft of torque. As such, the Stout could earn more reservations from gearheads who seek improved performance.

What's a pickup truck that isn't capable of going through gnarly tracks and boulders? We've got the perfect answer — a metallic cab riding on four wheels!

To increase its market share in the compact pickup segment, Ford introduced the 2023 Maverick Tremor — a trim with top-tier off-roading attributes facilitated by a vast array of add-ons, including an upgraded suspension wielding front and rear springs, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, front tow hooks, and a rear locking differential.

To shelve the Ford Maverick to the background, Toyota would most likely introduce a TRD Pro or Trailhunter trim that comes ready for off-roading and overlanding endeavors. We expect these Stout formats to feature a true rear lock, suspension upgrades, and ARB-manufactured roof racks and bumpers.

The 2023 Ford Maverick earned thousands of reservations thanks to its super-cheap $22,595 MSRP. Although we can't see the Stout showcasing this starting price, its value will most likely tally the current-generation Toyota Tacoma's starting price of $28,250. Albeit $5,000 higher than the Ford Maverick, the 2024 Stout is poised to integrate modern functionalities that'll make it an outright bargain.

What's more? The Toyota Stout will be available (unlike the Ford Maverick). Since the Maverick led the compact pickup revival, Toyota has analyzed where the nameplate lagged behind the most — meeting demand. As such, Toyota will key into its vast dealership network to ensure the Stout is available for delivery a week or two after the original order. With most 2024 Maverick orders bound to be delivered late next year, a truckload of Ford customers might cancel their Maverick reservations for the "available" Stout.

The current Ford Maverick has a base towing capacity of 2,000 lbs (this value increases to 4,000 lbs when adequately equipped with the Towing Package) and a max payload of 1,500 lbs.

The upcoming Stout is expected to integrate an improved suspension, upgraded front and rear axles, and responsive brakes that'll converge to offer payload and towing values that trump the Ford Maverick. If the Stout truly improves on these metrics upon its release, it'll yield more sales than the Ford Maverick.

RELATED: 10 Best Cheap Trucks For Towing and Hauling Heavy Loads

Toyota places a premium on safety, and this commitment takes center stage in all its releases (past and present). Following in the footsteps of the new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the Stout is all set to incorporate the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite.

For context, this package includes revolutionary safety functionalities like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. Agreed, the Ford Maverick has its fair share of safety add-ons, but a Toyota Stout with TSS 3.0 integrated as standard will be miles ahead in the safety department.

Compact pickups utilize a unibody construction. Thus, they offer an exhilarating ride quality compared to their body-on-frame counterparts. Although the Ford Maverick underpins the Escape nameplate, it's pertinent to note that the former is a bit heavier. Therefore, the Maverick won't offer refined rides like its structural sibling.

Reports suggest that the all-new Stout will integrate a wheelbase that won't exceed 115 inches. This structure means that the Toyota Stout will seamlessly mimic the Toyota RAV4 to offer comfortable long and short-distance trips and superior handling.

Despite raking up orders like nobody's business, one chink in the Maverick's armor revolves around reliability. As seen on the NHTSA, there are seven recalls on the 2022 Ford Maverick. Notable mentions include malfunctioning side airbags, trailer brake failure, and an engine compartment fire risk.

The 2024 Stout, in typical Toyota fashion, will relegate these life-threatening issues to the background by depicting a sturdy design that curtails the disintegration of vital in-vehicle components. With most gearheads seeking pickups that ooze reliability across the board, the Stout will definitely earn a truckload of orders in the North American automotive industry.

One criticized aspect of the Ford Maverick is its interior. According to numerous gearheads, the cabin (especially on base trims) is super basic, with little to no refinement. Although Ford went the conservative route to reduce the truck's overall costs, Toyota will go all out to make its presence felt in the compact truck segment by releasing a Stout that wields a spacious and opulent cabin.

Since the Toyota Stout is expected to debut a RAV4-esque design, it'll host a roomy interior that can seat up to five passengers comfortably. Additionally, the cabin will deliver an air of opulence with leather-trimmed seats and top-tier dashboard materials.

Technological add-ons like USB-C ports and a touchscreen-enabled infotainment system will also take center stage in the Stout's interior. These features alongside a sub-$28,000 MSRP will definitely see the Toyota Stout rank as a "bang for your buck" compact pickup truck.

RELATED: 10 Things To Know About The Upcoming Toyota Stout Compact Pickup Truck

With gas prices soaring each passing day in the United States, gearheads who haven't caught the EV fever are tilting towards hybrids, the rare combination of stellar fuel efficiency and performance.

People are swooning over the 2023 Ford Maverick due to its combined mileage of 37 mpg (42 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg on the highway). These values are mesmeric, thanks to its hybrid powertrain and crossover underpinnings.

The Toyota Stout is expected to match or exceed (for competition's sake) the fuel mileage numbers on the current Maverick. As we've established, the Stout will integrate Toyota's perfected hybrid system. With this powertrain synonymous with fuel efficiency, the 2024 Toyota Stout will most likely return a 39 to 40 combined mileage on a full tank.

Benson's love for automobiles isn't waning anytime soon. Having ghostwritten for multiple automotive-themed sites for the last three years, he's decided to pitch his tent at HotCars -- churning out stellar content bound to keep you immersed.