When it comes to choosing a pickup truck, drivers have a lot of options. And, if you're looking for a compact truck with certain needs and capability, wants and budget, the 2024 Ford Maverick (first introduced in 2022) and the redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger provide great choices with different appeal!
Here are some comparative advantages for both 2024 Ford compact pickups that can get the job done for your specific requirements./p>
Powertrain and Mileage Ratings
The popular Maverick now comes standard in 2024 with a turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission that produces 250 horsepower. This standard front-wheel drive Maverick “is capable of 23 city/30 highway mpg. AWD may chip away at that with an estimate of 22 city/ 29 highway mpg.” Reports Mark Elias in 2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger Comparison on the Kelly Blue Book website (kkb.com).
If you're looking for more efficiency, the Maverick offers a hybrid option with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor generator that produces 191 combined horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates the hybrid Maverick at 40 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is the best fuel economy of any gasoline engine pickup.
The new 2024 Ranger is available with only one powertrain choice, “… a 270-horsepower turbo four-paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission,” as described in Ford Maverick vs. Ford Ranger: Head to Head by Jim Travers and edited by Cody Trotter and Jill Leonard in a U.S. News & World Report cars and trucks review.
The article goes on to state, the Ranger’s rear-wheel versions can get an EPA-estimated 20-21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, “which is still good for a compact pickup truck.” Mileage drops to 20/24 mpg city/highway on the four-wheel drive (4WD) models and even lower to 19 mpg in city and highway driving with the Tremor off-road package
Payload and Towing Capacity
The Ford Maverick vs. Ford Ranger: Head to Head reports “Ford Ranger is a better choice for hauling heavy loads, particularly in rear-wheel drive SuperCab models,” with a maximum payload of 1,905 pounds. Other Ranger drivetrain-body styles can haul between 1,478 and 1,808 pounds.
The Maverick with only a 4-foot-6-inch box can only carry a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds.
Most Mavericks have a towing capacity of only 2,000 pounds. When properly equipped with the turbo-four engine, all-wheel drive, and the 4K tow package with a transmission cooler and trailer brake controller, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds.
The up to 7,500-pound tow rating of the Ranger, depending on equipment, is an impressive number among all compact pickups, exceeding the Maverick by an enormous 3,000 pounds.
Prices, Ride and Comfort
Prices for the new 2024 Maverick range from about $23,400 for the XL trim to just under $35,000 for a Lariat model, making it the most affordable compact pickup. The mid-range XLT trim model Maverick costs about $3,000 more than the based version XL.
The XL Ranger starts at about $27,500, with the XLT at costing approximately $31,500 and the Lariat rising to roughly $35,500. Adding 4WD increases the price of various models in the area of $3,500 and selecting a SuoerCrew to any trim raises the price by approximately $2,000.
Most auto reviews say the Maverick has ample leg and head room for the front passengers, but rear passenger seat will be uncomfortable on long trips. The Maverick rides more like a car but with a slightly stiffer suspension.
The Ranger ride is truck-like. The Ranger’s front seats are contoured and generally comfortable, while the rear seats in the SuperCrew have slightly more room. Rear seats in a SuperCab are best used for storage, not for sitting.
Before You Choose
So, the question you need to answer before choosing between the 2024 Maverick and the 2024 Ranger is, “What are my daily driving needs?” Am I mainly driving to commute on the highway or, am I hauling large work gear and tools? Do I want the compact pickup for maneuverability, more modern interior options, hauling golf clubs and shopping? Do I need a compact pickup to haul heavier workloads, pull a trailer, go off-roading and backwoods camping?
Both compact pickups have their own unique advantages. And, your satisfaction with your choice of compact pickup will depend upon how well you match your needs with the features of the 2024 Ford Maverick or the 2024 Ford Ranger.
Also, when you make your choice, you may want to protect your investment for the “long haul” with a Ford Protect Extended Service Plan.
You can also use our Quick Quote Calculator to obtain a quote for any Ford Protect ESP Plan.
5-6-2024