Ford trucks come in all sizes. Offering something for everyone, the lineup includes small, medium, large, and extra-large trucks. You can also get them in mild, medium, or extra spicy. Okay, maybe I’m thinking of a plate of chicken wings since I skipped lunch. But the analogy still fits Ford trucks. The question is, which Ford truck is best for you?
Starting with the new Maverick, I put together this lineup. The list isn’t a ranking but a comparison of Ford trucks by size, price, and capability. No matter what truck you pick, you can’t go wrong. But some trucks might be better than others for your specific needs.
Ford Maverick
- MSRP: $19,995 (base); $25,500 (Lariat w/o options)
- Power: 191 hp/155 lb. feet of torque (2.5-liter Hybrid); 250 hp/277 lb. feet of torque (2.0-liter Ecoboost)
- Max Payload: 1,500 lbs.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 to 4,000 lbs.
I can’t think of a reason why you wouldn’t buy a Ford Maverick. If you need something inexpensive, the closest vehicle is the Nissan Versa. But please – at the risk of sounding like a Ford fanboy, nothing comes close to the Maverick. Not in terms of capability or in terms of something you actually want to drive. Even if you only needed a truck one day out of the year, the Maverick is a better vehicle than anything else in its price range.
There are two downsides to the Maverick. First is the price – Mavericks are in short supply. You can build one on the Ford website for $21,490 including destination charges. But you will have to wait. And if you want to buy one today, prepare to pay through the nose. Most of the Mavericks I’ve seen for sale start at $30K, either because they are loaded or due to dealer price gouging. The other drawback to the Maverick is the light payload and tow ratings. But if you need more truck, there’s the Ranger.
- BUY a Ford Maverick if… you need a truck, but don’t want anything large or expensive.
- SKIP the Maverick if… you need more payload, towing, and storage capacity, or don’t want to wait.
Ford Ranger
- MSRP: $26,795 (base); $34,885 (Lariat w/0 options)
- Power: 270 hp/310 lb. feet of torque (2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder)
- Max Payload: 1,860 lbs.
- Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs.
The Ford Ranger is a step up from the Maverick and offers more towing capacity. There are also more Rangers available in dealer inventory. That means you may be able to buy more truck for less than the cost of a Maverick. It’s also a much better truck for off-road use, especially with the FX4 or Tremor package. So while the Maverick may be a better all-around vehicle, the Ranger is a better truck.
The only problems with the Ranger are its dated design and it’s not great to drive on regular pavement. It also comes with one engine – the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder. It’s a good engine, but why not also offer a V6? Finally, there is the Ranger’s size. Compared to the F-150, it’s not much smaller in size but is a less capable truck. But that may be about to change because a new Ranger is expected for 2023.
- BUY a Ford Ranger if… you need more towing, payload, and space offered in a Maverick, but don’t want a full-sized truck.
- SKIP the Ranger if… you want a more economical truck (Maverick) or want a faster truck with more room (F-150).
Ford F-150
- MSRP: $31,685 (base); $47,835 (Lariat 2wd)
- Power: 290 hp/265 lb. feet of torque (3.3-liter V6); 325 hp/400 lb. feet of torque (2.7-liter Ecoboost); 400 hp/410 lb. feet of torque (5.0-liter V8)
- Max Payload: 3,250 lbs.
- Towing Capacity: 6,000 to 13,800 lbs.
There is an F-150 for everyone. From body configurations, bed lengths, engines, and trim packages, you can be basic or load up with enough luxury to make a Lincoln jealous. The F-150 is consistently the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and it’s easy to see why. Ford brings its A-game with features, safety, and performance. And speaking of performance, I’ve got two words for you – Shelby Raptor.
The F-150 has few drawbacks. But if I’m nitpicking, the biggest issue is price. Check the right boxes and you’re in it for $70 grand. Then again, $70K isn’t an outrageous number anymore for a luxury vehicle that can also serve as a work truck, tow as much as previous-generation Super Duties, and go off-roading. So if you’re going to spend the money, a nice truck makes more sense than just about anything.
- BUY a Ford F-150 if… you need a do-everything vehicle for family, work, and play.
- SKIP the F-150 if… you either want to save money or don’t need a full-sized pickup.
Ford Super Duty
- MSRP: $38,190 (base); $88,325 (Limited)
- Power: 385 hp/430 lb. feet of torque (6.2-gas V8); 430hp/475 lb. feet of torque (7.3-liter gas V8); 475 hp/1050 lb. feet of torque (6.2-liter diesel V8)
- Payload: 3,040 to 7,850 lbs.
- Towing Capacity: 12,400 to 35,200 lbs.
The Ford Super Duty should come with a big Superman ‘S’ on its grille. It will haul or tow anything short of a small planet. The 6.2-liter diesel puts out more power than some Peterbilt trucks. By comparison, my old one-ton looks like Steve Rogers before he transformed into Captain America. The Super Duty includes all of the things that make the F-150 so good, in a great package for people who use their trucks for a living.
The downsides are few. MSRP starts high and almost reaches six figures. Playing on Ford’s configurator, I spec’d an F-350 Platnum and it came to $84,115. The other issue is size. The Super Duty is an open-range truck. Driving one around town is like riding a bull in your living room. But if you commute in wide-open spaces, and haul things measured in tonnes, there isn’t a better truck.
- BUY a Ford Super Duty if… you need a work truck for towing and hauling first and foremost.
- SKIP the Super Duty if… you primarily drive in a city. The other three Ford options are a better fit.
All prices and specifications provided courtesy of CarsDirect.com
Source: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
