2026 Ford Ranger vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Looking at Ford's truck lineup, two options stand out: the Ford Ranger and the Ford Maverick. The Maverick is a compact, fuel-efficient pickup that fits into city life while still hauling weekend gear, and the Ranger is a tougher midsize truck ready for bigger jobs with serious pulling power. We'll compare these two models to help you pick the one that best suits your Rio Rancho lifestyle.
Quick Comparison Overview
Starting at $29,840, the Ford Maverick is the cheaper option compared to the Ranger's $35,245 starting price. You can choose between five trims for the Maverick and four trims for the Ranger. For 2026, features remain mostly unchanged from both the 2025 Ford Ranger's specs and the 2025 Maverick's ones.
These models differ the most in size and construction. The Maverick uses a smaller unibody design for car-like handling, while the Ranger sticks with a body-on-frame design for strength. For 2025, both earned four-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings overall, so Rio Rancho families get solid protection either way.
Size and Dimensions Breakdown
The base Maverick XL trim measures 199.7 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 68.7 inches tall. In comparison, the Ranger XL measures 210.6 inches long, 86.7 inches wide, and 74.4 inches tall.
The Ranger offers more ground clearance at 9.3 inches vs. the Maverick's 8.1-8.3 inches. The smaller Maverick offers more rear legroom at 35.9 inches vs. 34.6 inches, but you'll get more front legroom in the Ranger at 43.2 inches vs. 42.8 inches.
Truck Bed Specifications
The Maverick's bed is 53.3 inches wide and 54.4 inches long. The Maverick's FLEXBED system includes organizational slots and tie-downs that double as bottle openers. The Ranger's bed is 48.2 inches wide and 59.6 inches long, so you can pack an extra 5 inches of lumber. These trucks are both perfect for hauling Home Depot supplies.
Performance and Engine Specifications
The Maverick's unibody design and efficient engines deliver smooth driving and better mileage. It's great for commuting from Rio Rancho to Albuquerque. On the other hand, the Ranger's body-on-frame design and powerful engine options allow it to handle a heavy workload.
2026 Ford Maverick Engine Options
Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for 191 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission. If you want more power, you can choose the gas-powered 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Ford Ranger Engine Lineup
The Ranger offers three engines for 2026. The base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder outputs 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. A twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 delivering 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque is also available. On the Ranger Raptor, a 3.0-liter V-6 producing 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque comes standard. Inside each trim, you'll find a 10-speed automatic transmission. The extra muscle helps with climbing the Sandia Mountains or hauling ATVs to the dunes.
Fuel Economy Comparison
Fuel economy shows one of the biggest gaps between these trucks. The 2026 Maverick XL should achieve the same numbers as the previous year, getting 42 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. You'll save money at the pump thanks to its standard hybrid system. The non-hybrid version still gets up to 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway. The Ranger manages 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway with two-wheel drive. While the Ranger V-6 delivers more power, the hybrid Maverick's efficiency means hundreds in annual savings for Rio Rancho commuters.
Technology and Safety Features
You'll find similar safety technology in each truck thanks to the Co-Pilot360 suite, including a collision warning system, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Ranger adds AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. These features help keep you safe in New Mexico's varied driving conditions.
As for infotainment, the Maverick includes a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Ranger comes with a 10.1- or 12-inch touch screen and digital gauges.
Capability and Work Features
The Maverick's quick and nimble design is perfect for grabbing supplies from the hardware store, moving some furniture, or hauling bikes to the trails. It's built for the person who wants a truck but doesn't need the full muscle and bulk of a traditional pickup.
The Ranger is better for contractors, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts who regularly push their vehicles to the limit across New Mexico's rough landscape.
Towing Capacity
The Ranger pulls 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, easily handling campers, boats, and work trailers. You won't have any problems taking all your stuff when heading to Navajo Lake for a fun weekend.
The Maverick can tow up to 2,000 pounds with both engines. You can add a towing package for an increased 4,000-pound capacity. This is enough for small trailers and family weekend trips.
If you need to regularly haul heavy goods across New Mexico, the Ranger wins.
Towing Equipment and Features
Both trucks offer helpful technology to make towing less stressful, such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist on both models. The Maverick adds extra safety tools, such as Trailer Reverse Guidance. These features help first-time trailer towers gain confidence.
Payload Specifications
Payload capacity tells you how much weight you can safely haul in the bed and cab combined. Maxing out at 1,500 pounds, the Maverick carries plenty for its size. You can load it up for home projects, garden center runs, or weekend trips without worry.
The Ranger hauls even more with up to 1,788 pounds. These differences matter for contractors, ranchers, and serious DIYers who need to load stone, feed, or building materials for various projects.
Off-Road Performance
The Maverick handles decent trails with its FX4 Off-Road Package, which includes skid plates and a tuned suspension. The four-wheel-drive (4WD) Maverick Tremor delivers a best-in-class 30.8-degree approach angle, 21.6-degree departure angle, and 9.1 inches of ground clearance for moderate Rio Rancho trails. You'll also get all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, and orange accents.
In addition to better ground clearance, a stronger frame, and beefier engines, the Ranger's 4WD, locking rear differential, heavy-duty skid plates, and aggressive tires provide serious confidence on New Mexico backcountry adventures. The Ranger Raptor delivers more power, a stronger suspension, and extra ground clearance for exploring the wilderness. Driving modes for different terrain and FOX shocks are some other features you'll find in the Raptor.
Test-Drive Both at Chalmers Ford
When deciding between the Ford Maverick vs. Ford Ranger, you should consider their size and capability to see which one fits your life best. Before making a decision, come to Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho to see these trucks in person. We'll set up a test-drive and help you find your perfect truck.
