Ford Maverick vs RAM 1500

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its familiar chunky styling, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the Ranger and F-150, while introducing some fresh updates. The removal of the cross bar from the headlights gave it a more conventional look, and the grille was redesigned with various options depending on the trim level. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, as well as specialty models like the off-road Tremor and the street-inspired Lobo. The Lobo stood out with its lowered suspension, cleaner front fascia, and 19-inch wheels, capturing the essence of modified trucks from the past. Inside, the Maverick boasted a well-designed interior with multicolor trim and exposed screwheads, providing a fun and high-quality feel even with its primarily plastic materials.

The 2026 RAM 1500 maintained its big rig-inspired styling, softened over the years to a more graceful appearance while retaining rugged cues. The truck featured various grille designs across its trims, with bold "Ram" lettering emphasizing its brand identity. Lower-end models like the Tradesman and Express had blacked-out grilles, while higher trims like the Limited and Tungsten showcased unique chrome fascias. Inside, the RAM 1500 offered a range of interior furnishings, from the basic cloth seats of the Tradesman to the high-end leather surfaces of the Tungsten. The interior layout was user-friendly, with a vertically oriented central touchscreen available in three sizes, and ample room for passengers, especially in the Crew Cab configuration.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered two powertrain options, with notable changes in drivetrain configurations. The standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, produced 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was available with both FWD and AWD. The non-hybrid option, a 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged engine, delivered 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, except for the Lobo model, which used a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Lobo's performance enhancements included lowered suspension, dual-piston front brake calipers, and a track-focused drive mode, making it unique among pickups for its handling capabilities.

The 2026 RAM 1500 offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with an eTorque mild hybrid system, producing 305 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, brought a traditional truck rumble. However, the standout was the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six, offering 420 hp and 469 lb-ft, providing more power and better fuel economy than the V8. A high-output version of the Hurricane engine delivered 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with RWD standard in most models. The RAM 1500 excelled in towing capacity, with the Hurricane engine offering a max tow rating of 11,610 pounds.

The 2025 Ford Maverick had a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which could be increased to 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K Towing Package, except for the Lobo and Tremor models. The hybrid models had a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds with AWD and 1,500 pounds with FWD. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured innovative cargo management solutions, including slots for 2x4 dividers and a tailgate that could be locked at an angle to accommodate larger items. Inside, the Maverick offered clever storage solutions, such as intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The unibody platform provided ample headroom and legroom, comparable to larger trucks like the Ford Ranger.

The 2026 RAM 1500's interior was spacious and well-organized, with a vertically oriented central touchscreen available in three sizes. The Crew Cab configuration offered abundant head, shoulder, and legroom for passengers, while the smaller Quad Cab had less rear-seat legroom. The RAM 1500 featured numerous storage options, including a massive center console and the optional RamBox cargo management system. The Multifunction Tailgate provided versatility with its split design, allowing for different opening configurations.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded its tech with the Sync 4 infotainment system and a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous eight-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard, along with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. The Maverick also introduced Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist on Lariat and Tremor models, enhancing towing capabilities. However, the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was a drawback.

The 2026 RAM 1500 featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. Screen sizes varied by model, with a 10.25-inch passenger screen optional on mid- and upper-grade models. A wireless charging pad, multiple audio system options, and a head-up display were available. The RAM 1500 also offered advanced towing technology, including a Tow mode, Integrated Trailer Health Monitor, and Trailer Reverse Guidance system.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring on the base XL, with additional features available on higher trims. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS ratings were mixed, with a "Good" rating in the updated side crash test but only a "Marginal" rating in the moderate overlap front test.

The 2026 RAM 1500 came with standard adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage. The Tungsten grade included additional features like Evasive Steer Assist and Intersection Collision Warning. The Hands-Free Active Driving Assist was available with the Advanced Safety Group II package. The NHTSA awarded the Quad Cab a five-star overall safety rating, while the Crew Cab received four stars.