3 Reasons the 2022 Ford Maverick is Better Than the Ford Ranger
The 2022 Ford Maverick is a better pickup truck than the Ford Ranger in a number of ways. The Ranger has been unimpressive since its return to the Ford truck lineup, but the Maverick is taking it by storm. For the 2023 model year, the Ranger will be completely redesigned as it launches its new generation. That model may be a better competitor, but for now, the Maverick is the superior pickup truck.
The 2022 Ford Maverick has better fuel economy
The 2022 Ford Maverick’s biggest appeal comes from its remarkable fuel economy. The standard hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make up to 191-hp. As a result, the hybrid variant gets a remarkable 42 city and 33 highway mpg. Not only is that better than the Ford Ranger, but it’s also better than every other pickup truck, and some hybrid SUVs.
The 2021 Ford Ranger has only one engine option, the 2.3-liter four-cylinder with a 270-hp output. The Ranger is the only Ford truck to not offer a hybrid option. Consequently, its overall fuel economy suffers. The Ranger gets 21 city and 26 highway mpg with its rear-wheel-drive version, and the all-wheel drive brings it down to 20/24.
The Ford Ranger is more expensive
The 2022 Ford Maverick is incredibly affordable for what it offers. The price point is a big reason why the Maverick has received so many reservations ahead of its release. The XL base model starts at just $21,490, but even the higher trim levels don’t cost too much. The other trims offered are the XLT and Lariat models, which manage to stay under $27,000.
As for the 2021 Ford Ranger, it’s much less affordable. The Ranger offers the same three XL, XLT, and Lariat trims but each of them starts significantly higher. The XL base model is $26,015 according to CarAndDriver, and the other two trims quickly exceed the $30,000 mark. You’d get a very well-equipped Maverick for that kind of money.
| Trim | 2022 Ford Maverick Price | 2021 Ford Ranger Price |
| XL | $21,490 | $26,015 |
| XLT | $23,775 | $30,315 |
| Lariat | $26,985 | $34,355 |
The 2022 Ford Maverick is a better value for its capability
When properly equipped with the non-hybrid engine, all-wheel drive, and the towing package, the Maverick isn’t too far behind. Its standard towing capacity is just 2,000 pounds, which jumps up to 4,000 with these options. Luckily, those options don’t cost too much extra, but double the Maverick’s towing capability. Not to mention the payload capacity, which is 1,500 pounds across all models.
As for the 2021 Ford Ranger, it’s a capable pickup truck for its size. The price difference, however, makes it seem like it should be better than it is compared to the Maverick. The standard Ranger towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which leaps up to 7,500 with the towing package. That means a properly equipped Maverick can tow more than the standard Ranger, and it costs less.
Ford’s entire lineup of pickup trucks is highly capable and gets more luxurious every year. The newest entry, the 2022 Ford Maverick, instantly becomes one of the best options. The Ford Ranger is a little behind in a few different areas, which we hope to see improved with the 2023 redesign. Until then, the 2022 Ford Maverick is a better pickup truck than the Ford Ranger.
