KBB Review: Maverick vs Ranger

[bradFORD]

2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger Comparison | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)

2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Ford Ranger Comparison
11/16/2021 10:00am

The choices for a less-than-full-size Ford pickup just doubled. Thanks to the new 2022 Ford Maverick and 2022 Ford Ranger, you now have two options to get the job done. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Ford Maverick

2022 Ford Maverick Starting Price: $19,995

Above Average: Standard hybrid powertrain; exceptional mileage; available all-wheel drive; max 4,000-pound towing; 1,500-pound payload.

Below Average: Hybrid model not available with AWD; some advanced safety features optional, 4-door crew cab only; even on top trim levels.

Consensus: An old name now graces a new compact pickup truck. The Maverick rides on an SUV-style unibody platform it shares with its Bronco Sport and Escape siblings. It is standard with a hybrid powertrain, has real truck capabilities, and can actually go off-road. Best of all, it has a price of entry around $20,000.

2022 Ford Ranger

2022 Ford Ranger starting price: $25,285

Above Average: Powerful standard engine; can tow 7,500 pounds; carries 1,905-pound payload; standard forward-collision warning; good fuel economy; SuperCab and SuperCrew Cab body styles.

Below Average: One engine and transmission choice; somewhat stiff ride; due for an update in 2023.

Consensus: The Ranger features high-tech infotainment and safety features in addition to a great tow rating and best-in-class payload. New for 2022, the Splash trim package joins the Tremor Off-Road package as available options.

Maverick vs. Ranger: Big Things in Smaller Packages

Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is all-new for 2022 and marks the Blue Oval’s return to the true compact pickup segment. It features an easy-on-the-wallet entry price of $19,995, a unibody platform for an SUV-like ride, and a standard hybrid powerplant under the hood. It competes with the slightly smaller Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The Maverick is powered by a front-wheel-drive 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor-generator. Producing 191 combined horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, it achieves an EPA city rating of 42 mpg.

For those wanting more power, consider the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 EcoBoost engine with standard front- or available all-wheel drive. Matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission, it is capable of 23 city/30 highway mpg. AWD may chip away at that with an estimate of 22 city/29 highway mpg.

Trim levels range from XL, XLT, and top-line Lariat models with the standard hybrid powertrain. We recommend the required 2.0-liter turbo EcoBoost engine if you plan to tow, which adds $1,085 to the price. All-wheel drive adds another $3,305, along with other options.

Inside is plenty of storage space for water bottles and other items that are part of your daily kit. Rear seating folds up to reveal two storage bins. (The hybrid only has one since the battery pack takes up the other.) An 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is FordPass Connect with an embedded modem and Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices. A Bang & Olufsen 660-watt sound system is also available.

The Maverick’s Flexbed truck box is 4.5 feet long and wide enough for 4×8 sheets of plywood with its adjustable tailgate. A low lift-in height makes loading easy, and the bed can be equipped with 12-volt power. Two 110-volt outlets are optional.

Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger carries on for 2022 in the midsize truck segment as a highly capable and adaptable midsize truck that makes everyone forget the previous Ranger. It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder engine making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Using a 10-speed automatic transmission, Ranger moves with authority regardless of whether it is equipped with rear- or all-wheel drive. By the way, all-wheel drive will set you back about $4,000, which seems a bit steep.

The 2022 Ranger offers a choice of SuperCab or larger 4-door SuperCrew options with two different bed lengths. If you haul passengers regularly, we recommend the SuperCrew over the tight-fitting SuperCab. If you tow, the Tow-Optimized Blind Spot Monitoring System, which extends its vision to include whatever is being towed behind, is a good bet.

Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite is available on all models, but you will pay for it on the XL. It is standard on the XLT and Lariat trim levels.

For 2022, the Ranger gets a new Splash edition, available with exclusive orange and black side graphics and black 18-inch wheels. Inside is orange accent stitching, steering wheel, shifter knob, and parking brake boot. It’s a throwback to the 1990s when the Splash edition Ranger last appeared.

Similarities

Both are competent pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company. The choice for a buyer is deciding how much truck they may actually need.

2022 Ford Maverick Advantages
Standard hybrid power; available turbo-4 and AWD; lower entry price; SUV-like ride.

2022 Ford Ranger Advantages
More power; nearly class-leading towing and payload; comfortable crew cab.

Which One is Right for Me?
The new 2022 Ford Maverick offers compact dimensions in a fuel-efficient and affordable package. It even has some off-road chops that will take you off the beaten path in SUV-like comfort, thanks to its unibody construction.

The 2022 Ford Ranger may be showing its age but offers nearly class-leading capabilities, not to mention a comfortable SuperCrew cabin. Both are equally good on and off-road.

	2022 Ford Maverick	2022 Ford Ranger
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter I4 Hybrid	2.3-liter turbo I4
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5,600 rpm	270 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission	CVT automatic	10-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	37 mpg (42 city/33 hwy)	23 mpg (21 city/26 hwy)
Also Available	2.0-liter turbo I4; 8-spd automatic; AWD	AWD
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	n/a	4 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	121.1 inches	126.8 inches
Overall Length	199.7 inches	210.8 inches
Width	72.6 inches	77.8 inches
Height	68.7 inches	71.1 inches
Turning Diameter	40.0 feet	42.0 feet
Headroom, Front	40.3 inches	41.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.6 inches	38.3 inches
Legroom, Front	42.8 inches	43.1 inches
Legroom, Rear	35.9 inches	34.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	57.3 inches	56.7 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	55.6 inches	56.3 inches
EPA Passenger Volume	100.3 cubic feet	97.6 cubic feet
Max Payload	1,500 pounds	1,905 pounds

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[Decayed]

One thing that article fails to note is that the 2.0L ecoboost maverick has more HP and torque per pound of curb weight than the ranger. Yeah, the Ranger has higher HP and torque from the 2.3L engine but it's higher curb weight makes the ratios inferior to the maverick.

This is one really interesting thing Ford pulled off. If you want economy, it's outstanding with the hybrid. If you want performance, it's outstanding with the ecoboost and the efficiency is still pretty good.

Judging from the split we see on this forum, there are people who want one or the other and Ford is hitting both sides of the market.

 

[Deleted member 6544]

One thing I learned is if I'd have ordered the hybrid I would not have had to pay sales tax on it, 6.5% in the socialist state of Ct. Wouldn't have mattered as I prefer the performance over the $$ savings and mpg advantage.
Won't it be great to smoke a Ranger!

 

[pxpaulx]

One thing that article fails to note is that the 2.0L ecoboost maverick has more HP and torque per pound of curb weight than the ranger. Yeah, the Ranger has higher HP and torque from the 2.3L engine but it's higher curb weight makes the ratios inferior to the maverick.

This is one really interesting thing Ford pulled off. If you want economy, it's outstanding with the hybrid. If you want performance, it's outstanding with the ecoboost and the efficiency is still pretty good.

Judging from the split we see on this forum, there are people who want one or the other and Ford is hitting both sides of the market.

So I had a 2019 FX4 Ranger which I sold when I picked up my FX4 Maverick.

Over 13,800 miles my Ranger averaged 20.5mpg with a best, but rare, tank at 25.6mpg (calculated, you can check it at my fuelly link).

I'm over 3,600 miles on my Maverick - just drove 2,000 miles Minneapolis to Toronto and back, and am averaging 26.7mpg in the Maverick! The trip ended up being into strong direct or cross winds for 90% of the drive. The worst part of the trip was primarily driving in Toronto and was still 24.45mpg, that included 45 minutes of true stop/go due to an accident as well.

I'm loving the Maverick and don't really baby it during acceleration, but do mind my foot once at speed. It is great so far, and so much better than the Ranger was for gas savings.

With that said, interestingly at this point I would say that even though pound for pound the Maverick should be faster, the Ranger felt faster. Perhaps it was the overly silly bouncy suspension that made it kind of fun, or that the rear would occasionally kick out. The Maverick feels a lot more planted and sporty, which is great, but it is a little less thrilling at the same time.

Anyway, my wife hated the bouncy ride (it is fun for the driver, but not for passengers...or maybe that is just my driving?!). We both really like the Maverick's ride - it is firm but not stiff, no bounce and it takes the bumps extremely well. At least for the FX4, it actually feels quite sporty.

 

[Decayed]

So I had a 2019 FX4 Ranger which I sold when I picked up my FX4 Maverick.

Over 13,800 miles my Ranger averaged 20.5mpg with a best, but rare, tank at 25.6mpg (calculated, you can check it at my fuelly link).

I'm over 3,600 miles on my Maverick - just drove 2,000 miles Minneapolis to Toronto and back, and am averaging 26.7mpg in the Maverick! The trip ended up being into strong direct or cross winds for 90% of the drive. The worst part of the trip was primarily driving in Toronto and was still 24.45mpg, that included 45 minutes of true stop/go due to an accident as well.

I'm loving the Maverick and don't really baby it during acceleration, but do mind my foot once at speed. It is great so far, and so much better than the Ranger was for gas savings.

With that said, interestingly at this point I would say that even though pound for pound the Maverick should be faster, the Ranger felt faster. Perhaps it was the overly silly bouncy suspension that made it kind of fun, or that the rear would occasionally kick out. The Maverick feels a lot more planted and sporty, which is great, but it is a little less thrilling at the same time.

Anyway, my wife hated the bouncy ride (it is fun for the driver, but not for passengers...or maybe that is just my driving?!). We both really like the Maverick's ride - it is firm but not stiff, no bounce and it takes the bumps extremely well. At least for the FX4, it actually feels quite sporty.

My old toyota pickup used to scare the crap out of me at any speed over about 65 so I know what you mean.

 

[BlueOval5.0]

I am glad to hear this. I currently have a Ranger FX4. The ride leaves something to be desired as does the fuel economy, completely agree with you. Nice review and best of luck with the Maverick.

So I had a 2019 FX4 Ranger which I sold when I picked up my FX4 Maverick.

Over 13,800 miles my Ranger averaged 20.5mpg with a best, but rare, tank at 25.6mpg (calculated, you can check it at my fuelly link).

I'm over 3,600 miles on my Maverick - just drove 2,000 miles Minneapolis to Toronto and back, and am averaging 26.7mpg in the Maverick! The trip ended up being into strong direct or cross winds for 90% of the drive. The worst part of the trip was primarily driving in Toronto and was still 24.45mpg, that included 45 minutes of true stop/go due to an accident as well.

I'm loving the Maverick and don't really baby it during acceleration, but do mind my foot once at speed. It is great so far, and so much better than the Ranger was for gas savings.

With that said, interestingly at this point I would say that even though pound for pound the Maverick should be faster, the Ranger felt faster. Perhaps it was the overly silly bouncy suspension that made it kind of fun, or that the rear would occasionally kick out. The Maverick feels a lot more planted and sporty, which is great, but it is a little less thrilling at the same time.

Anyway, my wife hated the bouncy ride (it is fun for the driver, but not for passengers...or maybe that is just my driving?!). We both really like the Maverick's ride - it is firm but not stiff, no bounce and it takes the bumps extremely well. At least for the FX4, it actually feels quite sporty.

 

[Nighowl2000]

Another thing they didn't mention is the maverick has a wider back seat by 2 inches. Important if you have a family of 5 like I do. Also the maverick will fit in most home garages.

 

[Ron Neal]

I had a 20 Ranger XF2 and agree the ride was choppy. I only buy trucks that will fit in my garage and the Ranger fit fine, so did my Colorado and GMC Sierra (ext cab) but it was a little tight. If they made an ext or reg cab Maverick I would buy one since I don't use a back seat so see no need to pay extra for one but I know others need a back seat. If Ford refreshed the Ranger for 22 vice 23 I might of bought another one since I like their towing capacity. I will need to build a custom trailer for the Maverick so what I am saving on initial cost will be spent replacing my trailer.

 

[shark978]

Another thing they didn't mention is the maverick has a wider back seat by 2 inches. Important if you have a family of 5 like I do. Also the maverick will fit in most home garages.

I would assume the Ranger would too? I believe I have like 4 feet to spare with my 08 Canyon. I wouldn't imagine you get into any chance of garage fit trouble until you're looking at least at a Crew f-150, if then, but I could always be wrong.

 

[Nighowl2000]

I would assume the Ranger would too? I believe I have like 4 feet to spare with my 08 Canyon. I wouldn't imagine you get into any chance of garage fit trouble until you're looking at least at a Crew f-150, if then, but I could always be wrong.

Maybe the new ranger that was released in Australia. The current one has a smaller back seat width wise

 

[MrHomeGuy]

So I had a 2019 FX4 Ranger which I sold when I picked up my FX4 Maverick.

Over 13,800 miles my Ranger averaged 20.5mpg with a best, but rare, tank at 25.6mpg (calculated, you can check it at my fuelly link).

I'm over 3,600 miles on my Maverick - just drove 2,000 miles Minneapolis to Toronto and back, and am averaging 26.7mpg in the Maverick! The trip ended up being into strong direct or cross winds for 90% of the drive. The worst part of the trip was primarily driving in Toronto and was still 24.45mpg, that included 45 minutes of true stop/go due to an accident as well.

I'm loving the Maverick and don't really baby it during acceleration, but do mind my foot once at speed. It is great so far, and so much better than the Ranger was for gas savings.

With that said, interestingly at this point I would say that even though pound for pound the Maverick should be faster, the Ranger felt faster. Perhaps it was the overly silly bouncy suspension that made it kind of fun, or that the rear would occasionally kick out. The Maverick feels a lot more planted and sporty, which is great, but it is a little less thrilling at the same time.

Anyway, my wife hated the bouncy ride (it is fun for the driver, but not for passengers...or maybe that is just my driving?!). We both really like the Maverick's ride - it is firm but not stiff, no bounce and it takes the bumps extremely well. At least for the FX4, it actually feels quite sporty.

Great update. Glad to hear. Looking forward to the same milage on my XLT FX4 picking up tomorrow. Will be bouncing between my Raptor, Bronco Sport and the Maverick. Leaning towards the Maverick being my everyday driver. Just need to figure out the best way to carry skis. Skis fit in the Raptor cab or bed but I think I'll need an external rack or some type of bed rack on the Maverick that works with my roll up tonneau cover.

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