While the 2023 Ford Ranger and 2023 Ford Maverick are not yet released, it is possible that you might be cross-shopping these two Ford trucks. After a long hiatus, the Ford Ranger came back to the United States and the Ford Maverick was all-new for 2022. Both pickups represent the effort the blue oval is willing to put into its trucks. And although the Ranger and Maverick are in different segments, you may be wondering which truck is the right pick for your specific needs. 

Should you buy a Ford Ranger or Ford Maverick?

Both of these trucks are fairly different, but if you are shopping for a smaller truck, they might be on your radar. The 2023 Ford Ranger is considered a mid-size truck. It should have serious improvements when compared to the outgoing model. 

In terms of engine options, the 2023 Ranger will likely keep the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine which makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-foot of torque. According to Ford Authority, Ford has also teased a Ranger Raptor which will get a V6 engine that makes significantly more power. 

The 2023 Ford Maverick will probably stay largely unchanged. And that is because it was just released in 2022. That said, it does have two engine options including a standard hybrid engine. As a compact truck, the Maverick uses unibody construction. And that makes it less capable than the Ford Ranger. 

How expensive are these trucks?

There’s no getting around it, the 2023 Ford Maverick will be cheaper than the new Ford Ranger. Because of that, if you have a certain budget in mind, the Maverick may ultimately be the winner. This truck has a base cost of around $20,000, and that puts it closer to a compact car than a pickup when it comes to cost. 

The 2023 Ford Ranger mid-size truck will likely have a starting MSRP of around $30,000, and that’s before you add options. If you get this pickup fully loaded, you will probably be paying over $40,000 which is significantly more pricey than the Ford Maverick. If money is not an issue and you want a truck with more capability, the Ranger should satisfy your needs.  

Which Ford truck should you buy?

Whether or not you should buy a 2023 Ford Maverick or 2023 Ford Ranger mid-size truck really depends on your needs. Budget will also play a key factor on which Ford pickup you decide to buy. The Ranger is more expensive, but it is larger and has more capability. Plus, the interior feels slightly more upscale than the Maverick. 

Now, that does not mean the Ford Maverick is not a good truck. It has been so popular that Ford has been forced to place a temporary pause on customer orders on this model. So, clearly, a fair number of people are interested in the benefits of a small truck. Additionally, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs, which should be ample enough for folks who want a compact pickup. The best method to determine which truck is right for you is by test driving them. That is if you can find a 2023 Ford Maverick at a dealership once it’s released.