Maverick vs. Ranger: Which Small Truck Fits Your Life?

A side-by-side look at the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Ford Ranger for fuel economy, towing, payload, and trail capability in Southern Utah.

Want a pickup that’s easier to park than a full-size truck but still pulls its weight?

At Ken Garff St. George Ford, two names come up in almost every small-truck conversation: the Ford Maverick and Ford Ranger. Both are contenders for the best small truck in St. George, UT, but which one fits the way you actually drive?

The biggest difference is purpose. The Maverick is a compact truck focused on efficiency and everyday convenience, while the midsize Ranger is built for heavier towing, hauling, and trail work.

The Maverick’s standard 2.5L hybrid on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims produces 191 combined horsepower. An available 2.0L EcoBoost makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft and is standard on the Lobo and Tremor. The Ranger rides on a steel frame with a solid rear axle. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft, the available 2.7L EcoBoost steps up to 315 hp and 400 lb-ft, and the Raptor’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 delivers 405 hp and 430 lb-ft.

For drivers who spend most weekdays on pavement, the Maverick makes a strong case. Its standard hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city with front-wheel drive, and its shorter length makes tight parking easier.

If your commute runs along I-15 or across town between errands, those numbers add up. With available AWD, the Maverick hybrid is still rated at an EPA-estimated 40 MPG city. A 13.2-inch center display with SYNC 4 is standard, and the FLEXBED Storage System makes the bed easy to customize. The Ranger’s fuel economy is lower, but its turbocharged power makes merging on the highway feel effortless.

The Ranger, by a wide margin. Properly equipped with the available Trailer Tow Package, Ranger XL, XLT, and Lariat models tow up to 7,500 lbs; the Raptor is rated at 5,510 lbs.

The Maverick’s standard towing capacity is 2,000 lbs, and the available 4K Tow Package increases it to 4,000 lbs with a Class III hitch, a trailer brake controller, and an upgraded cooling fan. If you’re hauling a boat to Sand Hollow or a camper toward the trailheads, the Ranger’s frame and extra torque give you more headroom. One bonus for RV owners: the hybrid Maverick can be flat-towed behind a properly equipped RV.

Both can leave the pavement, but the Ranger has the deeper toolkit. It offers 9.3 inches of ground clearance and an available FX4 Off-Road Package, while the Raptor adds FOX Live Valve shocks and 10.7 inches of clearance. The Maverick Tremor counters with 9.1 inches of clearance, Advanced 4WD, and Trail Control.

Start with how you’ll use the truck most days.

• Lean toward the Maverick if fuel economy, easy parking, and light-duty hauling matter most.
• Lean toward the Ranger if you tow regularly, need a longer bed, or plan serious trail time.
• Test-drive both on your usual routes to compare ride and cabin space.

Planning to use a trade-in? Bring it along so our team can appraise it as you compare options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Test-Drive Both at Ken Garff St. George Ford

Visit us at 145 West Auto Mall Drive in St. George to drive the Maverick and Ranger back to back on your usual routes.

Maximum horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. Maximum payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. Always properly secure cargo. Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear. Actual mileage will vary. Sources: kengarffstgeorgeford.com and official manufacturer information. Ken Garff St. George Ford, 145 West Auto Mall Drive, Saint George, UT 84770.