Ford and pickup trucks are a combination nearly as iconic as bread and butter, with the F-series lineup being a shining example of pickup engineering for decades now. Two newer pickups sporting that Ford badge of quality on the grille are the Maverick and Ranger - two smaller cousins of the F-series that are respectable trucks in their own right.
Which takes the title of the best Ford pickup: Maverick or Ranger in 2025? In today’s article, we’ll be examining both in-depth, looking to compare their changes, pricing, and overall quality to find out who the outright winner is in this head to head comparison.
Key Takeaways:
- The Ford Maverick debuts the Tremor package as a new trim, slotted alongside the similarly new Lobo.
- The Ford Ranger changes around some color palette trims for 2025.
- The Maverick starts at a somewhat lower price than the two.
How much is the 2025 Ford Maverick going to cost?
Good question! For 2025, Kelley Blue Book has an in-depth report on all you can expect from the new Maverick, including some updates that should impact the overall price of the new model. For starters, all-wheel drive is newly available with the versatile hybrid powertrain, having the knock-on effect of doubling its towing capacity to 4,000 pounds.
The Tremor trim, previously an optional add-on package, is now a standalone trim at the top of the lineup, alongside the newly debuting Lobo trim. Each trim features a unique take on the updated grille design, while the gasoline-only engine sees a slight drop in output.
On the technology front, a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone integration, and remote software updates are just a few of the updates that are now standard across all models. Additional upgrades to the interior also include a brand new 360-degree camera system that offers a split-screen view.
Both the Lariat and Tremor trims also gain an advanced adaptive cruise control system, featuring stop/go functionality, lane centering, and predictive speed assistance. With these new changes considered, the 2025 Ford Maverick starts at $28,590, with the range-topping Maverick Tremor beginning at $41,945. The rest of the trims on the list read as:
- XL - $28,590
- XLT - $31,090
- Lobo - $36,850
- Lariat - $38,885
- Tremor - $41,945
Of these, take a look at the popular Lariat, as it brings a much larger uptick in features when compared to the XLT and Lobo trims. They note that the XL and XLT trims offer a similar experience as well, making those trims viable options as well.
The 2025 Ford Ranger is in a similar position, receiving a few minor updates that are also set to have an effect on the price you can expect to pay for a new Ranger. Car and Driver reports that you can expect changes on the aesthetic side for the most part, as the first tweak of the Ranger this year is immediately noticeable: the exterior paint colors of Cactus Gray, Iconic Silver, and Hot Pepper Red are replaced with new color options: Ruby Red Metallic, Desert Sand, and Marsh Gray. A Black Appearance package is now available for added customization.
Pricing for the 2025 Ranger starts at $34,675 and goes up to $45,475, depending on trim and options, with a full list of trims listed below.
- XL - $34,675
- XLT - $37,205
- Lariat - $45,475
The mid-range XLT strikes the best balance between affordability and features, making it the recommended choice from Car and Driver. The XLT trim includes LED exterior lighting, 17-inch aluminum wheels, power-folding side-view mirrors, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a power outlet in the truck bed.
It also comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 driver-assistance suite, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. For additional convenience, the Technology package is worth considering. It adds adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and front parking sensors.
Summary
In our comparison of the two, it’s really a matter of what you’re looking for in a pickup that’ll be the decision maker in this head to head. The Maverick is certainly best suited to smaller families, or even single drivers, but it can’t match the practicality of the Ranger when it comes to heavy jobs and for those with more little ones to carry around. Overall, both are solid truck options, and it’s a surefire bet that no matter which you buy, you’re sure to be satisfied.