Which truck is better suited to your Michigan lifestyle, the 2025 Ford Maverick or the 2025 Ford Ranger? Our buying guide helps you make the right choice and bring home the truck of your dreams.
Key Takeaways
- Starting at just $26,995, the 2025 Ford Maverick is the most budget-friendly option!
- Although both trucks offer modern technology and everyday comfort, the Ranger is available with more upgrades.
- Unsurprisingly, the hybrid Maverick will also save you the most at the pump.
- Choose the Ranger for an extra dose of rugged power and stronger towing capabilities!
Best Price
The world’s only compact truck, the 2025 Ford Maverick (starting at $26,995), was built for a budget. This price includes a thrifty hybrid powertrain and tech-savvy standard lineup. The midsize 2025 Ford Ranger (from $33,080) costs a little more, but it also introduces greater power and stronger capabilities!
Trim Models & Features
Both trucks offer three main options: the base XL, mid-level XLT, and upscale Lariat. But each truck added to its own list of trim models in recent model years. For 2025, the Ford Maverick introduced the rugged Tremor and low-riding Lobo trims. Each delivers performance upgrades, but while the Tremor is meant for the trail, the Lobo boosts speed agility on the pavement. Meanwhile, the Ranger added the high-speed, off-road-ready Raptor trim to its lineup just last year.
Although both trucks are handsomely equipped, the midsize Ranger is the most handsomely equipped! That’s especially true if you’re shopping for luxury. Where the Maverick offers faux-leather ActiveX upholstery and an eight-speaker B&O premium sound system, for example, the Ranger provides genuine leather and a 10-speaker B&O audio upgrade.
Fuel Savings
No spoilers here — the compact 2025 Ford Maverick delivers the most efficient ride. Thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, this modern truck earns up to 38 mpg combined (42 city/35 highway)! Upgrade to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost (standard on the new Lobo and Tremor trucks) for a sportier performance that’s somehow still pretty thrifty, earning up to 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway).
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
The 2025 Ford Ranger’s base engine is also its most efficient option, earning up to 23 mpg combined (21 city/26 highway). Instead of maximum efficiency, the Ranger’s draw is its blend of smooth power and fuel economy. It’s the better option for drivers who crave speed and available V6 performance!
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
Muscular Performance
As you may have guessed, the more powerful truck, the 2025 Ford Ranger, can tow and haul the biggest loads. Properly equipped, this midsize pickup can tow a camper or boat trailer weighing up to 7,500 pounds! Payloads max out at 1,805 pounds, making the Ranger the best choice for drivers who don’t tend to travel light.
Although it definitely makes fuel economy is first priority, the new 2025 Ford Maverick is more capable than ever. Previously, the 4K Towing Package, which boosts tow ratings from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds, was only available with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. But the new truck makes this package available for hybrid models as well! The Maverick’s 1,500-pound max payload rating isn’t too shabby, either.
So, what’s the final verdict on the best small truck for Michigan snow and rural roads in 2025? The answer is that it depends! If you’re after a capable truck with incredible fuel economy, then get behind the wheel of a 2025 Ford Maverick. But if you crave more power or interior luxury, make the 2025 Ford Ranger your first choice. No matter which truck suits your Midwest lifestyle, you can find it here, at Lunghamer Ford in Owosso, MI!