Are you looking for agile and compact trucks? The Ford Maverick and Ranger are two models that deliver on both these fronts. However, there are clear distinctions between them. With sleek dimensions and a unibody design, the Ford Maverick gives off a more SUV-like appeal. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger, with its body-on-frame layout, is more rugged and suited for off-roading. Choosing between the two is best done after understanding their features. At the same time, you must also consider your needs and budget. Let’s look closely at both tricks to find out the differences between them.
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2024 Ford Maverick: Features at a Glance
The Ford Maverick, with its distinct unibody design, is a compact pickup truck. The vehicle looks and feels upscale. Thankfully, that’s not reflected in its price, as it’s more affordable than one might believe.
New Changes
Ford has made quite a few changes to the new truck model for 2024. To start off, if you desire the vehicle’s hybrid powertrain, get ready to pay $1500 more. Also, the turbocharged 2.0-litre has now become standard.
Performance
Ford Maverick with the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine zooms to 60 mph in an impressive 6.4 seconds! However, the vehicle with the base 2.5-liter hybrid engine zipped to 60 mph at 8.4 seconds. We won’t consider it a con as both the engines are highly fuel efficient. An area where Ford Maverick can improve is steering and handling. In these aspects, its performance is pretty much the same as a traditional truck. This is especially evident in mid-corner bumps, which tend to disturb the vehicle’s handling.
Towing Capacity and Payload
The Ford Maverick has 2000 pounds of towing capacity. If you take the optional Tow package, the vehicle’s capacity increases to 4,000 pounds. The payload capacity is 1500 pounds.
Level of Comfort
The base models of Ford Maverick are equipped with standard features. These include lumbar support for front seats, remote keyless entry, and a telescoping and tilting steering wheel with audio controls. If you want more features, upgrade to its XL, XLT or Lariate levels. They have more niceties, which include ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power seats. All Mavericks have a spacious backseat and full-sized doors. Still, the legroom in the rear seat is limited for the base models. It is also true for the space for feet under the front seats.
Tech Integration
Maverick offers basic tech in the form of Android Auto smartphone integration and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. The stereo has a simplified design. However, you may have some trouble adjusting the output volume. Driver aids like adaptive cruise control are only available for the Lariat trim.
Fuel Economy
According to EPA, Maverick’s hybrid versions are suitable for 42 mpg and 33 mpg highway. Its non-hybrid variants with front-wheel drive are rated for 30 mpg highway and 23 mpg city. The non-hybrid versions with all-wheel drive are rated for 29 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.
Price
Ford offers Maverick in various trim levels. The most basic is XL which costs $25, 410. The next is XMT, priced at $27,910. It adds features like cruise control, 17-inch aluminium wheels, power exterior mirrors, and a power lock for the tailgate. XLT Tremor Off-Road is priced at $34,275 and the Lariate is priced at $35,730. Finally, the most expensive model is the Lariate Tremor Off-Road, which comes equipped with a range of comfort and driving facilities.
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2024 Ford Ranger: Features at a Glance
The Ford Ranger is a strong pickup truck and easy to maintain. It has a high-strength construction, which has made it the choice of drivers.
New Changes
To begin with, the 2024 model has a bolder front-end style. There’s an optional powerful twin-turbo gas-fire V6 engine. Ford has also unveiled the Ranger Raptor variant of the truck that’s known for its high performance. Other areas where changes are visible include the presence of an infotainment system and driver assistant features.
Performance
Ford Ranger’s entry-level variants have a turbocharged 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine that generates 270 horsepower. The new 2.7-liter V-6 produces 315 horsepower. Our tests on the Lariate saw the vehicle accelerating to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The steering is good, but it can feel a bit sluggish when driving at low speeds.
Towing Capacity and Payload
The Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. However, this capacity drops to 1711 pounds for a four-wheel drive system and 1805 pounds for rear-view drive variants.
Level of Comfort
Ford Ranger offers a smooth ride. It is equipped with comfortable front seats suitable for long drives. The Raptor version has more plush features, with seats bolstered to keep you safe off-road. The interior is chic and modern, with honeycomb-patterned air vents, textured dashboard trim, and a digital gauge display. There’s a hidden upper glove box in the dashboard and storage areas below the rear seat of the truck. The only drawback to comfort is the noise the truck makes. When driving at fast speeds, the engine makes coarse sounds, which may not be pleasant.
Tech Integration
Ford Ranger buyers can upgrade to a bigger, 12.4-inch infotainment display. The vehicle’s Sync 4 interface gives access to its controls, such as turning on zone lighting. It illuminates the truck’s exterior and can be used to light a job site. The vehicle is integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additional features include a SiriusXM satellite, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-dash navigation.
Fuel Economy
EPA has estimated 22 mpg in combined driving for four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive variants of the Ford Ranger. Both have a four-cylinder engine. This fuel economy is standard for a medium-sized truck.
Price
Ford Ranger comes in three trims. The basic one is XL, priced at $34,265. The XLT variant is next, which is upgraded with 17-inch aluminium wheels, LED exterior lighting, and power-folding side-view mirrors, among others. The final option is the Lariate, priced at 445,225.
Ford Maverick vs. Ranger: Which Ford to Buy?
Ford Maverick is a compact truck ideal for the needs of various buyers who are frequently on the road. In other words, if you need a fuel-efficient truck for city driving, Ford Maverick will be the best choice. On the other hand, for those with off-road driving needs, the Ford Ranger will be an ideal choice. The truck is suited to handle rough terrains and is appropriate for outdoor activities like camping, hunting, and off-roading.
