Ford Maverick 70·Ford Ranger 60on the MotiveGrid Score·Ford Maverick about $7,362 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the cheaper one to own — roughly $7,362 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy. The Ford Ranger counters with more towing capacity (7,500 vs 2,000 lbs) and more cargo room (43 vs 33.3 cu ft).
Go with the Ford Maverick for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Ranger if you prioritize more towing capacity and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Maverick vs. Ford Ranger
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Maverick versus 2026 Ford Ranger.
Metric
Ford Maverick
Ford Ranger
MotiveGrid Score
70
60
Cost of Ownership
91
80
Powertrain
60
56
Driver Assistance
0
0
Livability
70
57
Safety
72
68
5-Year Cost to Own
$38,025
$45,387
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,371
$9,867
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$8,865
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,020
$9,520
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,675
$2,775
Tires (5-yr)
$2,000
$2,000
Financing (5-yr)
$4,235
$4,965
Registration (5-yr)
$860
$955
Starting Price
$28,145
$33,000
Horsepower
191 hp
270 hp
MPG (combined)
38 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
33.3 cu ft
43 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
7,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
Hybrid
2026$28,145
MSRP
$28,145
Mo · 5yr
$634
$38,025 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$33,000
MSRP
$33,000
Mo · 5yr
$756
$45,387 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Ford Maverick scores higher overall.
Ford Maverick
0
/ 100
Ford Ranger
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Maverick
91
Ranger
80
Winner: Maverick
$7,362 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Maverick
60
Ranger
56
Winner: Maverick
+4 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Maverick
0
Ranger
0
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Maverick
70
Ranger
57
Winner: Maverick
+13 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Ford Maverick is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $7,362 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Ranger still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Ford Maverick
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Ford Maverick
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Ranger
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Ford Maverick
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Ford Maverick
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Maverick
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$634
$38,025 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$634/mo
Ford Ranger
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$756
$45,387 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$756/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Ford Maverick comes out about $7,362 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
