Aug 7, 2026

Two black Ford pickup trucks parked side-by-side on a paved driveway with green trees and a blue sky in the background. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

The choice between a compact truck and a midsize truck often comes down to how you plan to use the cargo bed and how you handle your daily drive. Drivers navigating State Route 170 in Calcutta, located in eastern Ohio, often find themselves weighing these two distinct designs: the unibody build of the Maverick and the traditional body-on-frame construction of the Ranger. While both trucks deliver the utility of an open bed and modern cabin technology, they serve very different lifestyles.

At Tri State Ford, we see many buyers trying to decide which of these pickups fits their driveway and budget. If you are searching for a Ford dealership near me, our showroom is stocked with both models to let you compare them side by side. The compact Maverick is built on a unibody platform, giving it the smooth, comfortable ride of a crossover. The midsize Ranger uses a rugged truck chassis, making it the clear choice for heavier hauling, towing, and off-road weekend trips.

When you purchase your next truck from us, we make ownership seamless by offering convenient perks like Ford pickup and delivery for your vehicle needs, as well as on-site assistance from Ford mobile service. To learn more about our current inventory or to ask questions about our available models, you can give our team a call at (330) 462-7578 or stop by our East Liverpool showroom to see these trucks in person.

Table of Contents

Comparing the Physical Size and Cabin Space of the Ranger and Maverick

A difference of nearly 11 inches in total length changes how a truck behaves in tight spaces. The Maverick measures about 200 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, making it highly maneuverable. Maneuvering through the busy parking lots of Boardman Plaza in Boardman is a great way to appreciate how easily this compact truck slips into standard parking spaces. In comparison, the midsize Ranger is about 211 inches long, 76 inches wide, and 74 inches tall, giving it a much more commanding presence.

Despite the Ranger’s larger exterior dimensions, cabin packaging reveals a surprising detail. The Maverick actually offers about 36 inches of rear legroom, which is slightly more than the Ranger’s about 35 inches of rear legroom. However, the Ranger’s extra width translates into more shoulder room and hip room for five passengers, making it feel more spacious overall.

When it comes to the cargo box, the Ranger is the clear winner for hauling bulky gear. Its 5-foot bed provides about 44 cubic feet of volume, whereas the Maverick’s 4-foot bed offers about 33 cubic feet of cargo volume. If you need even more space for serious commercial jobs, you might want to look at our F-Series work truck inventory. For those looking for pre-owned options, we also invite you to shop Carfax one-owner vehicles in our used lineup. Whichever truck you choose, we can help you find the right accessories, including using our tool to order tires by year, make, and model when it is time for a fresh set.

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Towing Capacity and Performance Options for Both Ford Pickups

Powering these trucks are two very different approaches to performance. The Ranger comes standard with a brawny 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine generating 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. For those who want maximum muscle, the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 pumps out 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This heavy-duty setup allows the Ranger to tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry a maximum payload of about 1,788 pounds when properly equipped.

The Maverick keeps things highly efficient but surprisingly capable. Its standard 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain produces 191 horsepower, while the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 250 horsepower. The hybrid version has a standard towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is plenty for a light utility trailer or a pair of kayaks. Opting for the EcoBoost engine and the 4K Tow Package bumps that capacity to 4,000 pounds, alongside a respectable 1,500-pound maximum payload rating.

If you are ready to upgrade your current ride to a more capable vehicle, you can easily check your KBB trade-in value online to see how much equity you can apply toward a purchase. We also have a rotating selection of used vehicle specials if you are shopping on a budget. To ensure your new or pre-owned truck stays in top shape, our team is always ready to assist with keeping your vehicle running smoothly, including routine battery service and diagnostics.

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Real-World Fuel Economy and Daily Commuting Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is where the Maverick truly shines, especially for drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. The standard Maverick Hybrid achieves an exceptional EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined, including up to 42 MPG city. If you opt for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with all-wheel drive, the real-world fuel economy remains highly practical at an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway, or about 25 MPG combined.

The larger, heavier Ranger naturally trades some fuel efficiency for its brawny towing and hauling capabilities. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with rear-wheel drive is rated at 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, yielding roughly 23 MPG combined. Upgrading to the robust 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with four-wheel drive brings estimates of 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway, which is about 20 MPG combined.

For businesses or drivers who need even larger cargo solutions, we also carry a great selection of Transit work vans to fit commercial fleets. If you already know exactly what features, colors, and options you want on your next truck, you can submit a new vehicle custom order directly through our site. Of course, the best way to feel the difference in acceleration and ride quality is to schedule a test drive with our sales team.

​Two grey Ford pickup trucks parked side by side on a paved driveway in front of a green hill. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Evaluating the Maverick as a First-Time Truck Versus the Ranger

First-time truck buyers often ask us whether the Maverick is a better starting point than the Ranger. For someone transitioning out of a sedan or a compact SUV, the Maverick is an incredibly approachable entry point. Its unibody construction means it drives, steers, and brakes just like a car, eliminating the learning curve of a traditional, heavier truck. It is the perfect option for those who want the everyday convenience of a cargo bed for weekend home improvement projects or outdoor gear without the bulk of a midsize platform.

On the other hand, if your first truck needs to handle demanding towing tasks or rugged off-road trails right out of the gate, jumping straight into the Ranger is the smarter move. The Ranger’s body-on-frame design, high ground clearance, and traditional selectable four-wheel-drive system are built for durability under pressure. It provides an authentic truck experience that handles rough terrain and heavy trailers with absolute confidence.

We make it simple to explore both paths. You can browse our comprehensive new truck inventory to see what we have on the lot today. If you need a heavy-duty option for your business, feel free to check out our used work truck inventory. Before you buy, you can also get a firm valuation on your current vehicle by securing a KBB Instant Cash Offer through our online appraisal tool.

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Pricing Ranges and Estimating Monthly Payments for Your Next Truck

Price is a major deciding factor for most truck buyers, and these two models occupy very different price brackets. The Maverick is widely recognized as a popular pickup choice on the market, with starting MSRPs ranging between $28,145 and $41,425 depending on the trim and options you select. Trims like the street-performance Maverick Lobo or the off-road-focused Maverick Tremor sit at the higher end of that range but offer specialized styling and capability.

Stepping up to the midsize Ranger requires a larger investment, reflecting its heavier chassis and brawnier engine options. The Ranger starting MSRP begins at $35,445 for the base XL trim and climbs to $45,850 for the premium Lariat trim. If you want the ultimate off-road machine, the high-performance Ranger Raptor sits at the top of the lineup, featuring a 405-horsepower twin-turbo engine and heavy-duty trail hardware.

To help you find the perfect fit for your budget, we encourage you to check out our latest manufacturer vehicle specials for current purchase incentives. When you are ready to take the next step, you can fill out our secure online credit application to get pre-approved for financing. We also offer great long-term support for our customers, including rotating current service information to help keep your vehicle running like new.

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Common Questions About the Ranger and Maverick Lineups

Q: Will the Ford Maverick fit in a standard residential garage?

Yes, the Maverick is specifically designed to be garage-friendly. With a total length of about 200 inches and a width of 73 inches, it fits comfortably inside almost any standard single-car residential garage. This makes it an excellent choice for buyers who want to protect their vehicle from harsh winter weather without sacrificing driveway space.

Q: Does the Maverick Tremor package have the same capability as the Ranger Raptor?

While both are off-road packages, they serve different levels of trail riding. The Maverick Tremor offers about 9 inches of ground clearance and upgraded trail hardware suitable for dirt roads and light obstacles. The Ranger Raptor is a high-performance desert racer featuring up to about 11 inches of ground clearance, a 405-horsepower engine, and a long-travel suspension designed for extreme terrain.

Q: Which truck is better for a daily highway commute?

The Maverick is generally the more comfortable highway cruiser due to its unibody construction and car-like suspension. However, the Ranger offers a higher seating position and a quieter cabin at high speeds, which many drivers prefer for longer trips. You can explore both driving dynamics by looking through our new vehicle inventory or checking our specialized new work truck inventory.

Q: What drivetrain configurations are available on these pickups?

The Maverick is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with an optional twin-clutch rear unit featuring an electronic-locking rear differential. The Ranger offers a more traditional truck setup, available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations with a selectable four-wheel-drive system. If you have questions about which drivetrain fits your driving needs, our finance department can help you explore options that match your budget.

Q: Do both trucks offer modern safety and driver-assist technologies?

Yes, both models feature Ford’s advanced driver-assist suites, though standard features vary by trim. The Maverick comes standard with a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen on newer models, while the Ranger offers a vertical 10-inch infotainment touchscreen or an optional 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected on the go.

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Find Your Perfect Ford Truck

Choosing between the Ranger and the Maverick comes down to matching a truck’s physical capabilities with your daily routine and budget. The Maverick is an incredibly efficient, easy-to-park companion that handles everyday commuting and light weekend projects with ease. The Ranger is a robust, midsize powerhouse built for those who need to tow trailers, haul heavier payloads, and tackle demanding off-road trails.

At Tri State Ford, our sales team is committed to helping you find the exact pickup that fits your lifestyle. We invite you to browse our latest new vehicle specials to find current information on our current inventory. When you are ready to experience these trucks in person, you can get directions to our dealership located at 1503 Pennsylvania Ave, East Liverpool, OH 43920. If you have any questions before making the trip, feel free to give us a call at (330) 462-7578 to speak with a member of our friendly team.

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