Which truck is best suited for your drive, the 2023 Ford Maverick or the Ford Ranger? Each provides similar options when it comes to roomy comfort, safety features, and tech gear. And both trucks offer plenty of opportunity for adventure. However, they differ in terms of power and performance. Our comparison guide has the details you need to choose the Ford that’s better for your drive.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 Maverick (starting at $22,595) comes at a great price, and the 2023 Ranger (starting at $27,400) is only slightly more expensive.
- With its standard hybrid powertrain, the Maverick delivers excellent fuel economy. The Ranger, meanwhile, is the stronger option, with more power and greater towing and hauling capabilities.
- Although the Ranger offers longer bed options, these two trucks compete neck-and-neck when it comes to interior space. Both are roomy options.
- These Ford trucks offer the same three trim models, but with slightly different features available.
Price
The smaller Maverick comes at a great price, starting at $22,595. With more power, stronger capabilities, and a bigger truck bed, the Ranger starts at $27,400.
Power
Thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, the compact Maverick is changing the way we think about trucking. These pickups earn up to 37 mpg combined (40 city/33 highway). The hybrid engine helps the Maverick tow up to 2,000 pounds and haul up to 1,500 pounds.
For a sportier performance, the Maverick is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With it, you can add all-wheel drive to your truck and tow max loads of up to 2,000 pounds.
The 2023 Ford Maverick powertrain specs include:
- 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque) and continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Optional turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive (2.0L engine only)
The 2023 Ford Ranger is only available with one engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder that’s known for its hearty power. The midsize Ranger is also increasingly rugged, with sporty rear-wheel drive. For extra traction on the trail, four-wheel drive is available for every Ranger trim model.
The 2023 Ford Ranger powertrain specs include:
- Turbo 2.3L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional four-wheel drive
Overall Size
The compact 2023 Ford Maverick is available with one body style: a SuperCrew cabin paired with a 4.5-foot bed. The midsize 2023 Ford Ranger, on the other hand, offers two body styles, the extended SuperCab with a 6-foot bed and the SuperCrew with a 5-foot cabin.
Although the Maverick is technically a compact truck with a smaller bed than the Ranger, both trucks’ SuperCrew cabins offer a pretty similar amount of passenger space. The Ranger’s SuperCab provides slightly less rear-seat legroom by comparison. Whichever truck you select, you can count on a roomy, comfortable drive.
Comfort & Tech Features
These trucks are both available as three trim models — the base XL, midrange XLT, and upscale Lariat — but features availability is slightly different.
XL
The base Maverick XL is handsomely equipped, with LED headlights, an 8-inch central touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. This truck also includes forward collision mitigation and a six-speaker sound system. The Ranger XL is perhaps a little more basic. Its standard features include a 3.5-inch digital display, four-speaker sound system, and power accessories. Like the Maverick, the Ranger comes standard with forward collision mitigation.
XLT
The mid-level Maverick XLT doesn’t add a whole lot to the base model, which is already so handsomely equipped. But it’s the right choice if you want aluminum alloy wheels (rather than steel) and a power-locking tailgate. Inside, you’ll also find upgraded cloth upholstery.
The Ranger XLT, meanwhile, adds to its base model with an impressive collection of comforts and conveniences. It comes with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, a six-speaker sound system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The XLT also includes the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety aids, including blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistance. And this XLT also upgrades from steel to aluminum wheels.
Lariat
For the Maverick, the top-trim Lariat is as good as it gets, with standard dual-zone automatic climate control and faux-leather upholstery. Shoppers can add the Lariat Luxury package for upgrades like heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. The top-of-the-line Ranger Lariat is a little cushier, with genuine leather upholstery. The Lariat is the only Ranger that comes standard with LED headlights. It’s also the only Ranger available with the optional 501A package, which adds remote ignition and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, among other upgrades.
Your Ford Truck
The Ford truck that’s right for you is the one that best meets your priorities. With its thrifty engine options, the 2023 Ford Maverick can help you achieve your towing and hauling goals on a budget. The 2023 Ford Ranger, meanwhile, is the bigger, stronger option, and it can even be more luxurious.