Ranger or Maverick: Finding the Ford Truck to Fit Your Needs
A few years ago, there weren’t as many options in the truck segment, with drivers limited to a handful of full-size trucks with some midsize models sprinkled in. But in recent years, compact trucks have emerged onto the scene. Compact trucks appeal to drivers who are looking for an enjoyable daily traveler with the capabilities of a truck, being able to enjoy excellent efficiency, easy drivability, and ample cargo space. Although compact options like the Ford Maverick offer all of this to drivers, it may not be for everyone, which makes the midsize Ranger ideal, especially for those searching for more power and capabilities in their pickup truck.
If you’re on the hunt for trucks for sale, you’ll find an impressive selection of them right here at Pearson Ford. Are you trying to decide between the Ranger or the smaller Maverick? Although both will add exceptional satisfaction to your drive, they are very different in their approach to your time on the road. Here’s what you should consider about the 2024 models.
Size Difference
The Ranger is a midsize truck, while the Maverick is a compact truck, and as you can imagine, the size difference plays a role in your overall experience. The Ranger provides exceptional space on board for your passengers and ample space in its five-foot bed for your gear. This makes it a great choice for those utilizing this truck for work or frequently venturing out into the wilderness with a bunch of camping equipment.
The compact Maverick is a bit on the smaller side, which makes it ideal for daily commuters who desire pickup truck capabilities. Its small stature and 54-inch bed, six inches shorter than the Ranger, limits the amount of space you have on board for people and gear, which is something that you’ll want to keep in mind if you plan to load up with adventuring equipment or materials for work.
Being compact, the Maverick is easy to whip through traffic, offering agile handling and control to your daily commute. The Ranger is a bit bigger, so it may be a little more cumbersome to drive, especially if you’re more used to driving a sedan or smaller SUV. However, this midsize Ford favorite proves to be powerful, stable, and responsive on the road, making for an enjoyable drive, no matter where you’re heading. The bottom line is that size plays a role in your decision, and if you need more space, the Ranger might be the better choice, but if you’re looking for a pickup truck that’s effortless to handle, the Maverick will impress you.
Powertrain Options and Capabilities
Another big factor to consider is the power your truck delivers, which will vary depending on your driving needs. The midsize Ranger can be armed with several high-performing powertrains, with its standard 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder and available 2.7L EcoBoost turbocharged V6 able to tow up to 7,500 lbs and haul up to 1,805 lbs. This makes the Ranger a capable and confident work mate. For those who want a bit more excitement in the drive, opting for the available 3.0L turbocharged V6 of the Ranger Raptor will grant you access to 405 hp to power you forward with ferocity, though the Raptor has less towing and payload capacity than regular models.
The compact Maverick isn’t as strong or capable as the midsize Ranger, but that isn’t necessarily a problem for its demographic. It comes standard with a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder, which allows it to tow up to 4,000 lbs and haul up to 1,500 lbs, a substantial difference compared to the Ranger. Where the Maverick absolutely shines is when it comes to fuel efficiency, which is why it’s such a great daily commuter. Opting for its hybrid powertrain allows you to take advantage of an EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The Ranger just can’t compete with that, with the best fuel economy ratings coming from its standard four-cylinder, which offers up to 21 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. When you need more power, the Ranger delivers. However, when efficiency matters during your daily commute, there’s no topping the Maverick.
Trim Lineup
Ford is good at offering drivers plenty of options to create the ride they desire, and when it comes to the Ranger and Maverick, both showcase a nice lineup of trims. Both have the LARIAT as their most luxurious trim, which for the Ranger means heated leather-trimmed front seats, a power sliding rear window, and LED lighting elements to create a dazzling appearance. The Maverick’s LARIAT model offers power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and more premium elements throughout.
Perhaps what sets the Ranger apart from the Maverick is the fact that it can be enjoyed as a Raptor off-road truck, which intensifies the experience on the trails. Those who are seeking out exhilaration on the trails will want a truck that can keep up with them when the terrain gets gritty. This is where the Ranger really impresses with its Raptor variant. From class-exclusive 2.5-inch FOX Racing Shocks to locking front and rear axles and selectable drive modes, the Ranger Raptor sets this midsize model apart for off-roading. The Maverick offers a nice assortment of off-road capabilities through its special packages, which may be ideal for those who seek to do a little light off-road adventuring. With an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ground clearance in its Tremor package, and all-terrain tires, skid plates, and additional drive modes in its FX4 package, the Maverick offers novice adventurers the chance to explore the great outdoors.
Despite the fact that the trim lineup is quite similar between the two, there is a difference in price, especially since the Ranger is larger and more capable than the Maverick. The Ranger starts at approximately $32,720[a] while the Maverick starts at around $23,920[a]. If you’re on a stricter budget, the Maverick may be more in line with your needs. However, if you want more options, including off-road capability, the Ranger may be your better choice.
Innovative Features
Both the Ranger and Maverick are armed with some of the most intuitive tech features in the industry. If you want to take advantage of a bit more innovation, though, you’ll find this in the Ranger. From an available 12-inch infotainment display to an available wireless charging pad, plus an abundance of camera tech watching out for you whether you’re on the highway or the trails, the Ranger enhances the drive in every way. The Maverick comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen display, which is the only option across the board. It offers plenty of the same features as the Ranger, including smartphone integration, wireless charging capabilities, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, among other available features to enhance the experience.
Ranger or Maverick? The Choice Is Yours
These Ford trucks both have built up their fanbases throughout the years, so it may be difficult to choose between the two. The Ranger is larger and more capable than the Maverick, offering more intense off-road features and enhanced innovation to elevate the ride. However, it’s not as easy to drive or as efficient as the Maverick. The compact Maverick is effortless to handle, exhibits excellent fuel economy ratings, and showcases a nice lineup of trims to appeal to any type of driver. It isn’t as powerful as the Ranger nor is it as spacious. When it comes to off-roading, it performs best on easy paths and in less challenging environments. No matter what, though, both trucks exhibit Ford-level dependability and durability, which makes them both fabulous additions to your driveway. Now, all you have to do is figure out what you want to get out of your truck to help you decide which model to choose.
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