When the all-new Ford Maverick hit the market two years ago, its popularity overshadowed the existing Ford Ranger. However, Ford intends to level the playing field by introducing the newly redesigned 2024 Ford Ranger later this year. With the competition between Ford’s smaller pickup trucks heating up, an in-depth comparison of baseline models is worthwhile.

2024 Ford Maverick vs. 2024 Ford Ranger: power and drivetrain specs

Ford installs the same 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission across the 2024 Maverick lineup. While the standard configuration includes four-cylinder gas-only power and front-wheel drive, there’s an option for all-wheel drive. The Maverick’s optional 2.5-liter Hybrid powertrain returns better fuel economy but only offers front-wheel drive. 

Ford equips the 2024 Ranger with a turbocharged 2.3-liter gas-only four-cylinder. The XL, XLT, and Lariat trims’ standard driveline includes a ten-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, although four-wheel drive is optional. A Technical Specifications bulletin from Ford indicates the availability of a 315-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 turbo for the 2024 Ranger coming later in the model year.

A base model comparison of horsepower and torque favors the Ranger, of course. The Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost makes 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Still, the Maverick’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost keeps the competition close with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in a significantly lighter package. 

Comparing the truck-like capabilities of the Ranger and Maverick

The 2024 Ford Maverick has:

• A 54.4-inch truck bed.
• A payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• A tow rating of 2,000 pounds. 

The Maverick shares the same C2-platform unibody construction as the Bronco Sport and Escape. While its design makes the Maverick more comfortable and car-like, it limits the truck’s capabilities.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Ranger provides:

• A 59.6-inch truck bed.
• A payload capacity of 1,805 pounds.
• A maximum tow rating of 7,500 pounds.

The Ranger’s body-on-frame construction design provides a more substantial platform to handle the increased weight. However, both trucks feature Ford’s Super Crew Cab configuration.

Ranger vs. Maverick: a Super Crew Cab comparison

Both Super Crew Cab models feature seating for five. The Ford Maverick’s 100.3 cubic feet passenger compartment is larger than the Ford Ranger’s 98.3 cubic foot cabin. The interior measurements vary slightly between the two trucks when compared side-by-side. 

A comparison of measurements in inches: Ranger / Maverick 

• Front headroom 41.0 / 40.3
• Front legroom 43.7 / 42.8
• Front shoulder room 57.1 / 57.3 
• Front hip room 55.9 / 55.4
• Rear headroom 39.8 / 39.6
• Rear legroom 34.6 / 36.9 
• Rear shoulder room 56.7 / 55.6
• Rear hip room 54.1 / 54.1

How do the Ford Ranger and Maverick compare at the gas pump?

Based on previous testing, MotorTrend estimates the turbocharged 2.3-liter rear-wheel drive 2024 Ford Ranger will get 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, but the highway rating drops to 21 mpg with the four-wheel drive option. The Ranger’s 18.8-gallon gas tank will get around 390 miles between fill-ups. 

The front-wheel drive 2.0-liter turbo 2024 Ford Maverick should get 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, according to Car and Driver. Even with its smaller 16.5-gallon gas tank, it should still cover over 400 miles between gas station stops. As expected, all-wheel drive models see a slight reduction in fuel efficiency, while the available Hybrid powertrain returns much better fuel economy. 

How do the 2024 Ranger XL and 2024 Maverick XL compare in price?

The 2024 Ford Ranger XL carries a starting MSRP of $32,565 compared to the 2024 Ford Maverick’s $23,400 base price. As they’re from the same manufacturer, both trucks enjoy a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain protection. 

Which truck is the better value?

The compact 2024 Ford Maverick has a few advantages over the midsize 2024 Ranger. The most notable include its more comfortable car-like ride and handling, a $9,000 lower starting price, and superior fuel efficiency. However, if you prefer a midsize pickup that hauls payloads and tows trailers more like a full-size pickup truck, the 2024 Ford Ranger presents a more capable option. 

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