Ranger vs. Maverick: Which Ford Truck Should You Buy?

Ford has made pickup trucks for decades, and today the Ranger and Maverick sit at the heart of its midsize and compact segments. While both carry the iconic blue oval and pickup-truck DNA, they’re tailored for different lifestyles and priorities. Let’s break down the key differences so you can pick the right one for you.

Big Picture: Purpose & Positioning

Ford Maverick

• Compact pickup built for efficiency, affordability, and everyday use
• Ideal for commuters, city drivers, first-time truck buyers, and budget-minded shoppers
• Shares a unibody platform with Ford’s smaller crossovers, giving car-like ride quality and fuel economy

Ford Ranger

• Midsize truck built for strength, capability, and versatility
• Great for outdoor adventures, towing trailers, and work-oriented tasks
• Uses traditional body-on-frame construction — more rugged and towing-ready

Performance & Engine Options

Ford Maverick

• Standard 2.5L hybrid engine delivers excellent fuel economy (up to ~42 mpg city / 33 mpg highway) — rare for a pickup truck.
• Optional 2.0L EcoBoost® turbo-4 (~238 hp) for more power while still staying efficient.
• Designed for daily driving and light hauling without the weight and thirst of a traditional truck.
• Hybrid models are front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost option can include AWD.

Ford Ranger

• Standard 2.3L EcoBoost® engine (~270 hp) gives stronger torque and towing performance.
• Available 2.7L EcoBoost V6 and high-output options — especially in Raptor trim — for even more capability.
• Built on a rugged body-on-frame platform, offering better performance in tough conditions.
• Fuel economy is lower (typically low-20s MPG) compared to the Maverick.

Bottom line: If you want fuel efficiency and city-friendly power, Maverick wins. For raw capability and higher performance, Ranger takes the edge.

Interior & Everyday Comfort

Both trucks seat up to five people, but the feel inside is different:

Maverick

• Compact but efficient cabin with surprising room for passengers.
• Practical interior materials designed for value and durability.
• Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and modern connectivity.

Ranger

• Slightly more spacious front seating with a more traditional truck feel.
• Optional larger infotainment screens (up to 12-inch) and premium tech available.
• More rugged cabin design with higher-end materials in trims like Lariat or Raptor.

Everyday vibe: Maverick is more car-like and accessible; Ranger feels more truck-centric and substantial.

Price & Value

One of the biggest differences is price:

Maverick: Starts near the mid-$20,000s – making it one of the most affordable new trucks on the market.

Ranger: Starts in the mid-$30,000s and can climb well into the $40,000s or beyond for high trims and off-road packages like the Ranger Raptor.

If your budget is tight but you still want a capable pickup, Maverick is very compelling. Ranger’s higher price buys stronger capability and more features overall.

Final Verdict

Choose the Ford Maverick if you:

• Want a budget-friendly truck without sacrificing modern tech.
• Prioritize fuel efficiency (especially the hybrid).
• Need a practical pickup for everyday errands and occasional hauling.
• Prefer car-like handling in a smaller footprint.

Choose the Ford Ranger if you:

• Need serious towing and hauling capability.
• Often head off-road or carry heavy gear.
• Want more power and truck-oriented performance.
• Don’t mind a higher price tag for greater capability.