Over the last few decades, Ford has built a reputation for building powerful, versatile, and reliable trucks. While many still consider the F-150 the standard for pickup design and engineering, two models in the Ford lineup are rapidly gaining popularity: the Ranger and the Maverick. In this ultimate showdown, our team at John Kennedy Ford Feasterville pit the Ford Maverick vs. the Ranger to determine which reigns supreme. Stick around to discover how they measure up in key metrics, including engine performance, interior features, and safety.
Performance and Engine Options
Ford Ranger XLS 2024 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
The latest iterations of the Ford Ranger and Maverick come with impressive engine options that deliver high performance and towing capabilities. The Ranger’s base XL trim uses the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine with Auto Start-Stop technology, outputting 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The XLT and Lariat trims also offer an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while the high-end Raptor model uses a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, with a maximum output of 405 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Ford Maverick offers equally compelling engine choices. Its base engine is a 2.5-liter hybrid that outputs a decent 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. This efficient powerplant comes standard on the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, while the Lobo and Tremor models use a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine, outputting 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is also available for the other trims, except for the base XL model.
Design and Interior Features
The new Ford Ranger and the Maverick both boast stylish interiors full of exciting comfort amenities and premium tech features.
Aesthetics and Comfort
The redesigned Ranger cabin has a fresh, contemporary look with standout design elements such as honeycomb-pattern air vents and a textured dashboard. Depending on the trim, other notable convenience features include a dual-zone electronic climate system, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an outside temperature display.
The new Ford Maverick offers many similar interior features and amenities. Lower models come with cloth-trimmed seats, while higher ones get leatherette upholstery for a more luxurious look and feel. Other noteworthy standard and optional interior comfort features include a power moonroof, heated seats, and a vinyl-wrapped heated steering wheel.
Entertainment and Connection
Besides their premium interior comfort features, the new Ford Ranger and the Maverick offer innovative infotainment and connectivity features to elevate every drive. Both models feature the advanced SYNC 4 infotainment system to enhance navigation and keep you connected and entertained on the go.
The Ranger offers a 10-inch center-stack screen as the standard display, although a 12-inch display is available for more screen real estate. Both screens provide wireless smartphone integration for hands-free navigation. A digital instrument cluster is also standard on all models, with an 8-inch display on lower models and a larger 12-inch display on higher ones. Additional standard and available features for the Ranger include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, AM/FM stereo radio, Sirius XM, a wireless charging pad, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The Ford Maverick offers slightly more sophisticated infotainment tech than the Ranger, starting with a massive 13.2-inch standard display, the largest in its class. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard across the lineup, providing hands-free access to your smartphone’s communication and entertainment apps. The model also comes with a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot for up to 10 devices within 50 feet of the truck. Meanwhile, a built-in wireless charging pad ensures your devices never run out of power while on the road.
Capacity and Practicality
The latest Ford Ranger and Ford Maverick models effortlessly balance passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Both models offer ample seating for five passengers, with decent headroom and legroom for everyone. However, each model also has unique features.
The Ranger’s flat-folding seats make loading and transporting cargo a breeze. The model also has under-seat storage compartments, keeping your cabin clean and organized. Like its rival, the Maverick provides under-seat storage, which increases its cargo capacity without cluttering the interior. However, the Maverick also has custom-designed doors, which provide spacious slots for storing items such as phone chargers and water bottles. Additionally, its FLEXBED Storage System lets you carry more luggage and makes organizing the truck bed easy.
For towing capacity, the Ford Ranger has a slight advantage over the Maverick. When properly equipped, the Ranger can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds. In comparison, the new Maverick has a standard towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and up to 4,000 pounds with the available 4K towing package.
Safety and Reliability
The Ford Ranger and the Maverick pull all the stops to deliver a safe driving experience. Both models come with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite, which integrates various active driver-assistance systems to keep you alert and confident behind the wheel.
Standard features on the new Ranger include blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beams, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. The Maverick offers equally advanced safety systems, including intersection assist, evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and speed sign recognition.
The Verdict: Final Thoughts on Ranger vs. Maverick
The new Ford Ranger and the Maverick are equally compelling pickup trucks, albeit suited for different driving needs. The Ranger’s powerful engines make it an excellent choice for off-road driving and intense towing. On the other hand, the Maverick offers outstanding fuel economy and many tech and safety features, making it ideal for city commutes and light towing tasks. If you still can’t decide which of these two models is right for you, schedule a test-drive with us at John Kennedy Ford Feasterville for a first-hand experience.
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