Ford Maverick vs Ranger – differences explained

At first glance, you can easily spot the difference between the Ford Maverick and Ranger trucks. Both vehicles have different builds, as the Ranger offers a classic truck build and style, while the Maverick uses a unibody construction. Furthermore, the Maverick is a compact model, while the Ranger is a midsize truck.

The Ford Maverick is a good fit for drivers who want to join the truck party with something a little less rugged. This compact truck seeks to bridge the gap between comfortable SUVs and durable pickups.

The Maverick provides more fuel efficiency than most trucks on the market. The 2022 Maverick delivers less fuel consumption compared to some sedans, getting 40 mpg in the city. On the other hand, the Ranger has a 7,500-pound towing capacity and a standard payload of 1,500 pounds, making it a perfect choice for serious truck work.

This article provides detailed information on Ford Maverick vs Ranger and answers related questions.

Technology

Whether you choose the Ford Ranger or Maverick, both allow you to stay connected to the things you love. In their top trims, they both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a B & O sound system by Bang and Olufsen, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Maverick comes with a wireless charging pad, while the Tremor Package-equipped Ranger has Terrain Management System and Trail Control.

Engine

The Ford Maverick has two engine choices – a turbocharged 2.0L Ecoboost and a standard 2.5 four-cylinder hybrid. The turbocharged powertrain generates 250 hp and 277 lb-ft, whereas the standard hybrid powertrain supplies 191 hp and 155 lb-ft. Both engines have an eight-speed automatic transmission, with support for an optional all-wheel-drive.

On the other hand, the Ford Ranger comes with only one engine, which carries a 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder that pumps out 270 hp and 310 310 lb-ft. The Ranger would have been a better option if it had other powertrain choices. If you decide to buy a latter one, it’s helpful to know about Ford Ranger years to avoid so you can steer away from problematic editions.

Price

When considering MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price), the Ford Maverick has a clear advantage over the Ranger. In its lower trim with the AWD and the 2.0 EcoBoost as its only options, you can get the Maverick at an MSRP of just under $22,500.

On the other hand, in the same lower XL SpuerCrew trim with 4×4 as its only option, the Ranger bears an MSRP of just under $29,600. While you can go up packages and trim levels for the Maverick and Ranger, the $7,100 difference between the two vehicles remains almost the same.

Performance and capability

The two trucks match pretty well when talking about on-road performance and acceleration. The Ranger has a larger 2.3L engine that gives it more power and torque; however, it has a more significant truck weight to move.

On the other hand, the Maverick has a smaller engine and a lighter overall weight, thus making it a win in fuel economy, with an average of five miles per gallon, making it a lot better in fuel management when compared to the Ranger.

Nonetheless, the Ranger makes up for its deficiency with a more excellent available tow rating of 7,500 lbs against the Maverick, which has 4,000 lbs. Also, it comes with a “real” 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case and an optional locking rear differential.

However, the Ford Ranger’s payload advantage is less impressive. At its best shot, the Ranger can carry about 1,860 pounds in its cargo bed. Although, when you configure it with the SuperCrew cab and four-wheel-drive, the truck can only take about  1,560 pounds, and if you are on the Tremor Package, that value drops to 1,430 pounds. 

Power and handling

Of these two Ford trucks, the Ranger provides more towing capacity and horsepower. However, the Maverick has a full hybrid engine with a projected EPA-estimated 40 city MPG. If you like, you can enhance the Built Ford Tough abilities of these trucks with the Ford FX4 Package or pimp your Ranger with the Tremor Off-Road Package.

Interior style and size

The Ford Ranger and Maverick fill the gap ideally when searching for spacious and stylish interiors. While these vehicles share features like dual-zone climate control, front bucket seats, and leather-trimmed seats, Ford equips the Maverick with several unique interior designs.

These features include door pockets with enough room to accommodate tablets, a split-design door armrest that allows you to stow a 1-liter water bottle, unique materials that create an energetic space, and the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) that enables you to create a variety of DIY interior cargo solutions.

Driver’s seat

Getting into the Maverick is noticeably different from the Ranger. For the Maverick, you need to step down slightly to get into the driver’s seat. On the contrary, the Ranger’s driver’s seat is a significant step up. This accounts for different driving positions, with the Maverick’s driver’s seat similar to a compact SUV and the Ranger’s taller seat feeling more like a truck.

However, the two trucks have very similar ground clearance: 8.6 inches for the 4WD Maverick and 8.9 inches for the regular 4WD Ranger.

Rear seats

The Maverick is about a foot shorter than the Ranger, with some differences owing to its smaller cargo box, which is almost half a foot shorter. Even with a smaller footprint, the Maverick has a more comfortable rear seating area than the Ranger.

The Maverick’s rear bench seat avoids the knee-up feeling you get when sitting in the Ranger. Also, its seats have that stadium-style design that helps improve passenger visibility, but it doesn’t sacrifice headroom, thanks to the scalloped headliner section above the backseat.

Interior storage

The two trucks have interior storage worlds apart, with the Ranger having a more traditional feel than the Maverick’s modern, distinctive style. Also, their designs are functionally different, with the Maverick featuring a front-center console, along with various storage areas, adding to the conventional storage bin under the front center armrest, which you can also find on the Ranger. The Maverick also features a high-mounted bin beside its dashboard touchscreen, with new door-storage areas that can hold a 1-liter water bottle.

Exterior

One key difference between the Ranger and Maverick is their truck beds. The Maverick’s cargo bed is shorter than the bed size of the Ranger, but it is also a DIYer’s land of dreams as it allows you to create your cargo solutions.

Daily driving

If you purchase one of these trucks as a daily driver, you should consider many other factors besides fuel economy. The crossover-based Maverick, with its smaller size and lower height, would be easier to park. Also, it will naturally offer smoother rides compared to the Ranger.

These two vehicles are pretty close for the cabin space, with the Maverick providing more legroom for passengers.

Conversely, the Ranger has a larger bed and can carry more payload and would make a great choice if you intend to use the truck for work or moving a lot of tools.

Safety

Ford knows that safety is a critical factor most drivers consider when selecting a vehicle, and they show it in the Maverick and Ranger. The standard safety features in both models include the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology like an auto-lamp, rearview camera, and pre-collision assist. Both models have BLIS (blind spot information system) and lane-keeping systems in higher trims. Still, it’s worth knowing that a pre-collision assist malfunction may be a bit more expensive to deal with.

Ford Maverick vs Ranger — which truck is better?

The answer depends on you. If you plan to use your new truck to work, you should go for the Ranger. Even in the lowest trim, its 7,500 pounds towing capacity gives it an edge over the highest trim of Maverick, which has just 4,000 pounds.

On the contrary, for an urban driver who needs a vehicle to use with the family, the Maverick would make an excellent choice. It features car-like rides, comfortable backseats for passengers, and a more excellent cabin.

Ultimately, the Ford Maverick is more of a crossover than a pickup. It doesn’t have the toughness of larger trucks; however, it is a very capable vehicle and should be more appealing to the masses than the Ranger.

Our take

Ford has done a great job adding the Maverick to its lineup of pickups while maintaining some distance from the Ranger. The Maverick is cheaper to purchase and run and would also make a great truck for a daily driver who has no business with heavy truck work.

However, it won’t be as good as the Ranger when doing “real” truck jobs like off-roading and towing. If you need more power and torque, then you should consider the Ford Ranger. Your vehicle of choice will depend on your needs and budget.