Ford just took the wraps off of the 2022 Maverick, its newest and smallest pickup truck.- It's cheaper and more compact than its big sibling, the
Ford Ranger . - Both pickups offer a less expensive and smaller alternative to the F-150.
The recently-unveiled Ford Maverick goes on sale this fall as the Blue Oval's newest and smallest truck.
However, the new model isn't the only option buyers have if they're loyal to the Ford name but want something cheaper and more compact than an F-150. There's also the mid-size Ranger, which was resurrected in 2019 after eight years off the US market.
Here's how Ford's smallest and lowest-priced pickups stack up against each other:
Size
The Maverick and Ranger aren't particularly small vehicles, but they're both considerably more compact than full-size trucks, which seem to get bigger and bigger.
The Ranger is about 211 inches long, a solid 21 inches shorter than the F-150 and roughly the length of some of the biggest SUVs on the road, like the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
The Maverick is even smaller, coming in at just under 200 inches. That's not exactly tiny - it's about the size of an SUV like the Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Atlas - but it's set to be one of the smallest pickups on the market by far.
Starting price
The Maverick hits dealerships this fall as both the cheapest pickup on the market and the cheapest vehicle in Ford's lineup. It starts at $19,995, while the Ranger has a starting price of $25,070.
Trims
The Maverick comes in three trim packages - a base model, medium, and a fancy trim. Here's how their prices break down:
- XL: $19,995
- XLT: $22,280
- Lariat: $25,490
The XLT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power-locking tailgate, and cruise control, among other features. The Lariat steps things up with a more premium interior, push-button start, and bigger wheels. All-wheel drive can be added to any model for around $3,300.
The Ranger has the same three trims, with the upper-tier models offering more in the way of comfort features, driver-assistance tech, and appearance add-ons. Here's how much they cost:
- XL: $25,070
- XLT: $29,120
- Lariat: $33,160
There's also an off-road-focused Tremor model, which costs an extra $4,300. Like on the Maverick, four-wheel drive is an option.
Interior
The Maverick comes only in a four-door, five-seat configuration. The Ranger offers a SuperCab option (with rear half-doors) as standard and a larger four-door SuperCrew body style for an extra $2,400. The SuperCab offers extra bed space, while the SuperCrew gives more interior room.
Engines
Although other trucks have hybrid powertrains as an option, the Maverick is the first pickup to come with one standard. Ford claims the base Maverick can get 40 mpg in the city - better than a Honda Civic.
Buyers also have the option of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 250 horsepower.
All Rangers, meanwhile, get their power from a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, according to Ford.
Towing and payload
The Maverick is meant more for recreation than hardcore truck stuff, so it doesn't have all the towing and hauling power of Ford's bigger trucks. It can tow 2,000 pounds as standard and 4,000 pounds when equipped with an optional towing package. Payload capacity is 1,500 pounds.
The Ranger can tow 3,500 pounds, but a towing package ups that to 7,500 pounds. When it comes to payload, the Ranger can handle 1,860 pounds. The Ranger sports a six-foot bed, while the Maverick's is 4.5 feet.
The verdict
The Maverick and Ranger both present solid alternatives to Ford's bigger and more expensive trucks.
With its small footprint and hybrid engine, the Maverick is probably best suited for urbanites who prioritize compactness and price over bed size and overall functionality. The Ranger is better for people more serious about hauling heavy payloads and towing big trailers, but may not need an all-out work truck.