Ford Maverick vs Ranger: Which Truck to Choose?
Choosing between the Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger can be challenging, given their unique strengths and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which compact truck suits your needs best.
Overview of Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger
The Ford Maverick and Ranger are two popular compact trucks from Ford, each catering to different audiences. The Maverick is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, while the Ranger is celebrated for its power and towing capabilities.
Performance and Engine Options
Ford Maverick Performance
The Ford Maverick offers two engine options:
- A standard turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- An optional 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, focusing on fuel efficiency.
Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Ford Ranger Performance
The Ford Ranger provides three engine choices:
- A base 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- An optional 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine offering 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
- A high-performance 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine in the Ranger Raptor, generating 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.
All engines come with a ten-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
Ford Maverick Towing and Payload
The Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the optional tow package. It has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for light-duty tasks. Key towing features include a trailer sway control system and a tow hitch receiver.
Ford Ranger Towing and Payload
The Ford Ranger outperforms the Maverick with a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. It includes advanced towing features such as a trailer sway control system, a tow hitch receiver, and hill descent control.
Interior and Comfort
Ford Maverick Interior
The Maverick’s cabin offers seating for five passengers, with 37.2 inches of front headroom and 36.9 inches in the rear. It features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring connectivity and entertainment on the go.
Ford Ranger Interior
The Ranger also seats five passengers but provides more space with 41.1 inches of front headroom and 37.5 inches in the rear. Its infotainment system boasts a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, also supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Ford Maverick Safety Features
Standard safety features in the Maverick include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. These features enhance driver confidence and safety on the road.
Ford Ranger Safety Features
The Ranger offers similar standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, but adds more advanced options like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, providing a comprehensive safety suite.
Exterior Dimensions and Design
Ford Maverick Dimensions
The Maverick measures 200 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and 69 inches in height, with an 8-inch ground clearance. Its bed is 4.5 feet long, offering a cargo volume of 33 cubic feet.
Ford Ranger Dimensions
The Ranger is larger, at 211 inches in length, 79 inches in width, and 74 inches in height, with a 9-inch ground clearance. It features a 5-foot bed with a cargo volume of 44 cubic feet, providing more space for hauling.
Pricing and Value for Money
Ford Maverick Pricing
The Maverick starts at $21,490, making it an affordable option for those seeking a versatile and efficient truck for everyday use. It offers good value with its standard features and fuel efficiency.
Ford Ranger Pricing
The Ranger starts at $27,260, reflecting its higher capabilities and additional features. It provides better value for those who need more power and towing capacity.
Fuel Efficiency
Ford Maverick Fuel Economy
The Maverick’s hybrid engine achieves an impressive EPA rating of up to 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine offers around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Ford Ranger Fuel Economy
The Ranger’s fuel economy varies with the engine choice. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine offers up to 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The more powerful V6 options have slightly lower ratings, reflecting their increased performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of Ford Maverick
Pros:
- Superior fuel efficiency
- Affordable starting price
- Compact size for urban environments
Cons:
- Lower towing capacity
- Smaller bed size
Pros and Cons of Ford Ranger
Pros:
- Higher towing capacity
- More powerful engine options
- Larger bed size
Cons:
- Higher starting price
- Lower fuel efficiency
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Ford Maverick Customer Reviews
Owners of the Ford Maverick appreciate its fuel efficiency, compact size, and affordable price. However, some criticize its lower towing capacity and limited bed size.
Ford Ranger Customer Reviews
Ranger owners praise its powerful engines, towing capacity, and spacious interior. Some drawbacks include its higher fuel consumption and initial cost.
Final Verdict: Which Truck Should You Buy?
When choosing between the Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger, consider your specific needs:
- Choose the Ford Maverick if you prioritize fuel efficiency, a lower price point, and a truck that’s easy to maneuver in urban settings.
- Choose the Ford Ranger if you need higher towing capacity, more powerful engine options, and a larger bed for heavier loads.
Both trucks offer excellent features, but the best choice depends on your individual requirements. For a definitive decision, test drive both models to experience their differences firsthand.
Let’s Complete
In summary, the Ford Maverick and Ranger cater to different audiences with distinct needs. The Maverick excels in affordability and efficiency, making it a great choice for everyday use. The Ranger, with its superior towing and payload capacities, is ideal for those needing a more powerful and capable truck. Test driving both models will help you determine the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
