Choosing between the 2023 Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger is all about your priorities. Do you want a compact truck that delivers a very thrifty ride? Or would you prefer a midsize truck with stronger towing and hauling capabilities? Our buying guide is here to help you figure out which Ford truck is best suited to your drive.
Key Takeaways
- The Maverick (starting at $22,595) gives you a better deal than the bigger Ranger (which starts at $27,400).
- Both trucks will impress you with their strong, swift performance. The Ranger is the more powerful option, but the Maverick has higher EPA ratings.
- The Ranger can tow and haul more than the Maverick, though both trucks are pretty capable.
- These trucks have a lot of features in common, but availability differs between each truck’s three trim models.
Price
The 2023 Maverick has a very friendly price tag, starting at $22,595. The 2023 Ranger will cost you a little more, with an MSRP of $27,400.
Power & Efficiency
The 2023 Ford Maverick puts a thrifty twist on trucking. The standard hybrid powertrain will impress you with its EPA ratings of 37 mpg combined (40 city/33 highway). And this compact truck is also a smooth operator, offering your choice of two powerful engine options. To get all-wheel drive, you need to upgrade to the optional turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque) with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive
- Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) with eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
The midsize 2023 Ford Ranger is the more powerful pickup. In fact, this Ford delivers very impressive mid-range torque, which translates into speedy acceleration. And all-wheel drive is more widely available for the Ranger, because it’s optional for every trim model.
- Turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive
Performance
It might be a compact truck, but the 2023 Ford Maverick provides pretty strong towing and hauling capabilities. With the hybrid powertrain, these small trucks can haul up to 1,500 pounds and tow up to 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged Mavericks can tow a little extra, maxing out at 4,000 pounds, though they still haul max payloads of 1,500 pounds.
Meanwhile, the midsize 2023 Ford Ranger is the more capable option. Properly equipped, these trucks can tow up to 7,500 pounds. Payloads reach 1,860 pounds. If you need a truck that can tow a much bigger trailer than the Maverick can handle, this is the Ford for you.
Features
Both trucks are available as three trim models: the base XL, mid-level XLT, and snazzy Lariat. And since they’re both Fords, they have a lot of features in common. However, features availability varies from truck to truck. For example, the Maverick comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. But these features are optional for the base Ranger (and standard on the XLT and up).
The top-trim Ranger can also be a little more luxurious, with optional leather seating and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Maverick Lariat’s available upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control and faux-leather upholstery.
The Best Ford Truck for You
So, which Ford truck has your interests at heart? The 2023 Ranger gives you the most capable performance. If you need to tow or haul more weight, choose this midsize truck. Meanwhile, the 2023 Maverick is the much thriftier option, plus it comes at a significantly lower price. If you want impressive trucking capabilities at a great rate, the Maverick is your pickup.