Which truck is more your speed, the 2025 Ford Maverick or Ford Ranger? Our comparison guide helps you figure out whether a compact or midsize truck best suits your Carolina lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- After recent updates, both trucks are big on modern features. However, the Ranger is available with a longer list of upgrades.
- Choose the Maverick for incredible efficiency and the Ranger for maximum muscle!
- The Maverick Tremor puts a great price on off-road fun, but the Ranger Raptor can take you deeper into the wild.
- The compact Maverick saves you the most money overall!
Creature Comforts & Tech Features
The Maverick gets a significant refresh for 2025, and its features lineup is more impressive than ever. For the first time, these compact trucks come standard with SYNC 4 infotainment, a 13.2-inch central touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Maverick’s low starting price also includes a few safety aids: forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. Shoppers can also choose from some classy new trim models, the low-rider Lobo and off-road-ready Tremor. Higher Maverick trim models enhance your comfort, adding features like heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.
After a major redesign for the 2024 model year, the 2025 Ford Ranger is equally modern. And since the Ranger isn’t designed as an economy option, like the Maverick, it offers an even longer list of available upgrades. Every trim model now comes standard with a digital gauge cluster, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the SYNC 4 system.
The Ranger’s new tech lineup includes class-exclusive items, like a blind-spot monitor with trailer coverage. Compared to the compact Maverick, luxury upgrades are a little more luxurious in Ford’s midsize truck. The leather is genuine and the premium sound system has more available speakers!
Power & Performance
Although the compact Maverick is certainly capable, it puts a bigger emphasis on efficiency. With its standard hybrid powertrain, the Mav earns up to 38 mpg combined (42 city/35 highway). And now that the hybrid is available with all-wheel dive, you can build a compact truck that’s both fuel-efficient and trail-ready! The 4K Towing package is also more widely available for 2025, giving trucks with either engine the ability to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Payloads reach 1,500 pounds for the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims — no additional equipment necessary!
2025 Ford Maverick Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Optional 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Continuously variable transmission (with hybrid) or 10-speed automatic transmission (with 2.0L engine)
- Front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
As Ford’s midsize truck, the 2025 Ford Ranger is the stronger option. Still, it does a pretty good job balancing power with fuel economy, earning up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway). But if you need to tow a bigger trailer than the Maverick can handle, the Ranger is the best option. Properly equipped, this pickup truck can tow up to 7,500 pounds or haul max payloads of 1,805 pounds.
2025 Ford Ranger Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 310 lb-ft)
- Optional for the XLT, Lariat: 2.7L turbocharged V6 (315 hp, 400 lb-ft)
- Raptor-exclusive 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive
Off-Roading: 2025 Maverick Tremor vs. 2025 Ranger Raptor
Both the Maverick and the Ranger offer their own off-road-ready trim models. The compact Maverick Tremor comes at the best price, and it’ll take you down Carolina woodland trails, no problem. The Tremor’s all-wheel-drive system is more advanced than the one in other Maverick trims. Its twin-clutch rear-drive unit enhances traction on soft surfaces, constantly altering your performance to suit real-time trail conditions.
2025 Ford Maverick Tremor (from $40,350)
- 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Advanced 4WD with twin-clutch rear-drive unit
- Off-road-tuned suspension with upgraded shocks
- Rear drive unit lock
- Underbody skid plates
- All-terrain tires
Compared to the more budget-friendly Maverick Tremor, the Ranger Raptor takes performance up a few notches. With a much stronger engine and speed-friendly suspension setup, you can travel further (and faster) into the wilderness. Plus, hardware upgrades like the Watts-link rear suspension and electronic locking differentials offer greater driver control in troublesome terrain.
2025 Ford Ranger Raptor (from $55,820)
- 3.0L turbo V6 (405 hp, 430 lb-ft)
- 2.5-inch FOX Racing Shocks with Live Valve Technology
- Watts-link rear suspension
- Electronic locking front and rear axles
- All-terrain tires
MSRP
The 2025 Ford Maverick impresses with its stylish new trim models and available upgrades, but the base model is specially designed for drivers on a budget. With a starting price of just $26,995, the Maverick XL offers a sporty yet efficient pickup at an unbeatable price.
On the other hand, if the Maverick doesn’t have enough towing power to lug your camper around, the higher cost of the 2025 Ford Ranger midsize truck is well worth it! Plus, the Ranger isn’t exactly a budget-buster. Its $33,080 MSRP is very competitive for the segment.
If you’re looking forward to sporty capabilities and off-road adventure, both trucks have what you need to get going! But for drivers who want to put an efficient, budget-friendly spin on their off-road excursions, the 2025 Ford Maverick is the best choice. Similarly, drivers who crave more muscle or high-speed off-roading capabilities will feel themselves drawn toward the 2025 Ford Ranger! Visit us at Lafayette Ford in Fayetteville, NC, to test-drive the truck that suits your personal style.