Battle of the Trucks: Ford Maverick vs. Ranger
Ford Maverick vs. Ranger: which truck is better? (Hint: it depends on why you want a truck.)
Written by R.E. Fulton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2022 Ford Maverick compact hybrid pickup and its mid-size gas-powered Ranger cousin are both solid alternatives to Ford’s full-size pickup—but they’ve got different strengths.
For traditional truck lovers, the mid-size Ranger has everything you need, including an impressive towing capacity. But the new Maverick’s hybrid powertrain and surprising comfort make it a strong competitor, especially for anyone new to pickups. Either way, these trucks both prove that the Ford F-150 isn’t the only Ford pickup truck worth looking at.
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2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: the basics
What’s the difference between the Ford Maverick and the Ford Ranger? Four major differences separate these trucks from the beloved Blue Oval automaker:
- Size: The Maverick is a car-based compact pickup with a unibody construction, making it smaller and more car-like than the midsize Ranger’s body-on-frame construction.
- Pricing: The 2022 Maverick starts at just $22,470—almost $5,000 less than the Ranger’s $27,425 starting MSRP.
- Efficiency: A big part of the Maverick’s hype lies in its standard hybrid powertrain, which is rated for up to 37 mpg combined. The Ranger’s gas-powered engine is good for just 23 mpg combined.
- Towing power: While the Maverick wins in the efficiency battle, the Ranger’s 7,500 maximum towing capacity blows the Maverick’s measly 4,000 out of the water.
Those aren’t the only differences between these two Ford pickups, though. For a thorough comparison, check out the sections below.
2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: power & performance
Let’s start with some of the most important truck specs: powertrain, horsepower, and efficiency.
The Maverick’s standard powertrain combines a hybrid engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A non-hybrid engine is available, with a little more power on offer, but the fuel economy wins of the hybrid setup are probably worth the minor sacrifice in guts.
The Ranger, on the other hand, has just one engine: a 270-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder. This plucky engine gets married to a ten-speed automatic transmission and your choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Model | 2022 Ford Maverick (standard) | 2022 Ford Maverick (available) | 2022 Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|---|
Engine | 2.5L hybrid | 2.0L EcoBoost® | 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost® |
Horsepower | 191 hp | 250 hp | 270 hp |
Torque | 155 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
Transmission | CVT | Eight-speed automatic | Ten-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD | RWD or 4WD |
EPA fuel economy (combined) | 37 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg to 19 mpg (Tremor only) |
2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: interior & storage
Apart from powertrains, the most obvious difference between the Maverick and the Ranger is size. The Maverick’s car-based unibody construction gives it a smaller profile, tighter turning diameter (40 ft vs. the Ranger’s 42), and cushier interior.
You’ll notice the difference as soon as you get inside the cab. The Maverick is only available with a SuperCrew cab—the most generous seating option available on a Ford pickup truck. The result is a surprisingly roomy interior that features modern design and tons of small-item storage.
The Ranger, on the other hand, sticks to pickup tradition with simpler construction and two cab configurations: SuperCab or SuperCrew. Both are a bit smaller than the Maverick’s spacious interior, meaning rear passengers will need to make peace with a little squeezing. Depending on your cab size, you’ll also have a choice between a five-foot bed and a six-foot bed.
Model | 2022 Ford Maverick | 2022 Ford Ranger |
|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 121.1 inches | 126.8 inches |
Length | 199.7 inches | 210.8 inches |
Bed length | 54.4 inches | 60 to 72 inches |
Bed volume | 33.3 cubic feet | 43.4 to 51.8 cubic feet |
Headroom (front/rear) | 40.3 / 39.6 inches | 41 / 38.3 inches |
Legroom (front/rear) | 42.8 / 35.9 inches | 43.1 / 34.5 inches |
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2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: technology & trims
Technology isn’t necessarily the top priority for a lot of truck owners, so both the Maverick and the Ranger keep it fairly low-key.
Standard tech for the 2022 Maverick includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a six-speaker stereo, and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The sole driver aid that comes standard on the base Maverick XL is forward collision mitigation.
Level up to the XLT or Lariat trims, though, and you’ll unlock goodies like:
- Cruise control (XLT)
- Power-locking tailgate (XLT)
- Keyless entry and push-button start (Lariat)
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat (Lariat)
- USB ports (Lariat)
Even more tech is on offer with upgrade packages like the Lariat Luxury Package and the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety package.
The Ranger starts off with a fairly bare-bones tech lineup: a Wi-Fi hotspot, a four-speaker audio system, and the same forward collision mitigation as the Maverick. But there’s more available as you climb up through the XLT and Lariat trim levels and packages:
- Co-Pilot360 Package (standard on XLT and above)
- Larger infotainment display
- Keyless entry (XLT)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (XLT)
- Universal garage door opener (Lariat 501A package)
2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: towing & off-roading
Here’s where the Ranger stands out as the undeniable winner: if you’re looking for a pickup you can use for serious towing or off-road action, the Ranger is the better choice.
Both pickups are built for work, but the Maverick’s engine and unibody construction just aren’t up to the kind of heavy-duty haulage that you’ll get from the Ranger. With the right powertrain configuration and optional tow package, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Compare that with the Maverick’s maximum towing capacity of just 4,000 pounds, and you’ve got all the information you need.
There’s less difference between the trucks when it comes to payload capacity. The Ranger’s maximum payload capacity ranges from 1,860 pounds to a mere 1,430 with the Tremor package. The Maverick, meanwhile, has a maximum payload capacity of about 1,500 pounds across trims.
For off-roading, though, the Ranger wins once again, thanks to the Tremor Off-Road Package, available on either the XLT or Lariat trims. With extra ground clearance, an upgraded suspension, underbody protection, and massive 32-inch all-terrain tires, the Ranger Tremor is an off-road beast. Unfortunately, it also starts around $41,000—close to twice the starting price of the Maverick.
2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: safety
Safety isn’t a standout feature of either Ford truck—especially if you stick to the spare base trims. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety tech brings helpful driver assistance aids like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and lane keeping assist, but it’s not standard on either truck.
Neither truck has been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2022 Ranger mixed reviews (headlights, seatbelt reminders, and side passenger safety are weak spots). But as a compact truck, the Maverick is slightly less imposing on the road.
2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger: reliability
According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ford Maverick has a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5. Although there’s little data available, the new Maverick has already been recalled four times by the NHTSA.
The 2022 Ranger, on the other hand, gets a 4 out of 5 predicted reliability rating from CR. That’s no surprise; because it’s been around longer than the Maverick, Ford’s had longer to work out the issues with its midsize truck.
Which is better: Maverick or Ranger?
Okay, we’ve covered all the important differences between the 2022 Ford Maverick and the 2022 Ford Ranger—but which is the better truck?
The Maverick is better if affordability, efficiency, and comfort are your top priorities. Despite downfalls in the areas of reliability and towing power, the Maverick’s a delightfully capable pickup that delivers great value for a low price point.
On the other hand, if you’re a more traditional truck lover in need of serious towing capabilities, the Ranger is better. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a truck.
How to find cheap auto insurance for your Ford
Insurance costs for the Maverick are typically about $500 higher each year—but your exact rate depends on your truck’s trim level and upgrades, as well as your own driver profile, location, and other factors.
The easiest way to find the lowest rates on insurance for either truck is to download the
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