The Ford Maverick has been a big hit after being announced a couple years ago for Ford enthusiasts and truck owners alike. Demand for Ford's small pickup has been greater than the supply and all Ford dealerships have been struggling to get them on the lot. With all the hype around the Maverick, one might forget that Ford has another pickup choice in between the entry-level Maverick and the much larger Ford F-150. That would be the Ford Ranger, of which the version that is currently out on the lot is a relative newer version to the market having only been on sale here since the 2019. Obviously the smaller, more car like Maverick is going to be the less expensive choice when compared to the traditional Ranger truck. But how big of a difference is there?
When it comes to acceleration and on-road performance the two pickups are fairly well matched. The Ford Ranger's larger 2.3L engine makes more power, but also has more truck to move. With a smaller engine and lighter weight, the Ford Maverick wins in fuel economy with an average around five miles per gallon better than a 4x4 equipped Ford Ranger.
The body-on-frame Ranger makes up for this with greater available tow rating. It also comes with a 4x4 system with a two-speed transfer case and an optional locking rear differential.
If you're getting one of these trucks as a daily driver, plenty of other factors besides the fuel economy will also come to light. The Ford Maverick will have a smoother ride, and it's also smaller and easier to park because it has a lower height.
As far as cabin space, the trucks are pretty close. The Ford Maverick having a small advantage in legroom for passengers. The larger Ford Ranger has a bigger bed and can carry more if you use the truck for working or hauling different heavier things.
Ford has done a great job adding the Ford Maverick to the pickup lineup while keeping distance from the Ford Ranger.
The overall consensus is that the Ford Maverick is cheaper to buy and to run, but won't be good as good at doing typical truck things like towing or off-roading. Whatever you decide will depend on your budget and needs in a truck.
The current Ford Ranger is at the end of its life cycle and the next-generation model will begin hitting dealer lots sometime in the next year or so. If you are set on the Ford Ranger, you may want to wait around for the new model with updated features and different trim levels. With long wait times associated with the Maverick, it's likely that the Ford Ranger will be easier to find.
It's so great that Ford now has two very competitive pickup offerings both aimed at different types of buyers who don't have the need for a full-size half-ton pickup, like the Ford F-Series. We have many trucks on our lot today, including some Ford Rangers, Ford Mavericks, and Ford F-series trucks. Come see what many people have known for over 110 years, Good Things Happen When Schmit Happens! Stop in today!