Ford Ranger vs Ford Maverick

The 2024 Ford Ranger presented a design reminiscent of a smaller F-150, featuring C-shaped daytime running lights and double chrome bars that intersected the headlights and grille. The XLT model, equipped with the Chrome Appearance Package, even had fog lights with C-shaped surrounds to match the headlight design. While the Ranger was a handsome truck, it didn't quite match the ruggedness of competitors like the Colorado or Canyon. The Ranger Raptor, despite its 33-inch all-terrain tires, lacked the menacing stance of the Bronco Raptor and F-150 Raptor. The Ranger's subtlety made it an appealing choice for those seeking a midsize truck with understated aesthetics.

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its familiar chunky styling, with large wheel arches reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the Ranger and F-150. However, Ford removed the crossbar that previously bisected the headlights, giving the Maverick a more conventional look and opening up the grille for various designs depending on the trim level. The Maverick offered a range of trims, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, along with specialty models like the Tremor and Lobo. The Maverick Tremor was an off-road model with dedicated suspension tuning, while the Lobo paid tribute to the street truck trend with a cleaner front fascia and lowered suspension. The Maverick's design updates aimed to provide a fresh yet familiar appearance.

The 2024 Ford Ranger catered to American tastes with its power options. It offered three engine choices: a standard 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 315 hp and 400 lb-ft, and the Ranger Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 producing 405 hp and 430 lb-ft. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds, with payload capacities of 1,711 pounds for 4WD trims and 1,805 pounds for RWD. The Raptor, with its race-ready suspension, towed up to 5,510 pounds and carried up to 1,375 pounds. Fuel economy varied, with the base four-cylinder achieving 20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, while the Raptor was less efficient.

The 2025 Ford Maverick retained its two powertrain options, with notable changes to drivetrain configurations. The standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged engine delivered 238 hp and 275 lb-ft. The Maverick Lobo featured a unique seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, lowered suspension, and performance enhancements like dual-piston front brake calipers and a track-focused drive mode. The Maverick's unibody platform contributed to its car-like ride and handling, making it a versatile choice for both daily driving and spirited driving experiences.

The 2024 Ford Ranger boasted a longer wheelbase and a 2.2-inch wider body, providing more rear-seat room and a higher loading floor with fold-flat seatbacks. The Ranger's back seat felt roomier than its competitors, and visibility from the front was excellent. The interior featured physical climate controls and a volume knob, though some climate features were duplicated on the touchscreen. The Ranger's bed offered 43.5 cubic feet of space, with optional features like a spray-in or drop-in liner and a 400-watt AC outlet. Ford's Zone Lighting illuminated the truck's surroundings for extended periods with the ignition off.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which could be increased to 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K Towing Package. The Maverick's bed featured specially-designed pockets for cargo dividers and a 110-volt outlet. The tailgate could be locked at an angle to accommodate larger cargo, and a bed extender was available. Inside, Ford optimized space with intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The Maverick's unibody platform provided similar headroom and legroom to the larger Ranger, making it a practical choice for those seeking efficient use of space.

The 2024 Ford Ranger's Lariat trim featured a widened gear selector, push-button engine start, and advanced parking and trailer reversing technologies. The Lariat also included a 12.4-inch instrument panel with crisp animations and unique gauges. The standard 10-inch portrait touchscreen on the XL and 12-inch on other trims offered a layout similar to the Mustang Mach-E. While the menus were slow to load, the infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lariat and Raptor trims came with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and 360-degree cameras.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded to the Sync 4 infotainment system with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous eight-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard, along with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster. The Maverick's tech was straightforward, though the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was less convenient. The Maverick borrowed towing tech from larger Ford trucks, with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on Lariat and Tremor models.

The 2024 Ford Ranger had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, and previous model years were not comparable. The base XL trim lacked driver assists, but XLT and above trims included forward and reverse emergency braking, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, front cross-traffic braking, and evasive steering assist. Adaptive cruise control was optional on the XLT and standard on Lariat and Raptor.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered standard forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams on the base XL. Upgrading to the XLT added lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning, while the Lariat and Tremor included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and stop-and-go functions. The Maverick received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. IIHS ratings were mixed, with a "Good" rating in the updated side crash test but only "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front test.