Why are we always ignoring the Ford Maverick? When you think of a Ford pickup, you probably automatically think of the F-Series, which sold nearly 830,000 units in 2025. The F-150 is the best-selling truck in the United States. Even the F-150 Lightning EV had okay sales in 2025 — it was pretty loved despite being discontinued.
America is obsessed with the F-150 pickup. But I’m here to argue that the Maverick is probably a better option for most families that are looking for a pickup truck.
Ford F-150 vs. Ford Maverick: Price
One of the biggest talking points in American car culture right now is the rapidly increasing price of new vehicles. To compete with China’s fleet of cheap EV pickups, Ford has a master plan to reveal a $30,000 electric pickup in 2027. Meanwhile, we will have to buy from the existing lineup, which includes the Ford F-150 at $39,330 for the base XL trim or the Ford Maverick starting at $27,145.
The winner of this comparison is clear: the Ford Maverick is way cheaper. Even the higher trims, like the Lariat and Tremor, are priced around the same as the base Ford F-150. It’s a no-brainer if you want a cheap pickup made in America.
But what are you losing when you drop down in price? The F-150 XL is 4,000 or so pounds with a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 400 feet of torque. It can tow 8,400 pounds and has a maximum bed capacity of 2,440 pounds.
Meanwhile, the base Maverick is 3,674 pounds with a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder that gets you 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. However, the higher trims can get you up to 4,000 pounds towing capacity and 1,500 pounds in the bed.
If we’re going by numbers alone, the Ford F-150 is more capable, sure. But the Maverick offers more than enough to go on a weekend camping trip or help a friend move across town. And let’s be real, are you really doing more than that? I would love to hear from a Ford F-150 owner that actually needs to tow 8,400 pounds consistently. In fact, I’d love to hear from an owner that has even towed something in the past six months.
All (semi) joking aside, most regular families would get all the pickup truck stuff they need from the Maverick. And you’re saving a lot of money at the same time.
Ford F-150 vs. Ford Maverick: Efficiency and mileage
Here is where the Maverick really shines. The Ford Maverick gets 42 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and that’s on the higher end of the estimation.
For the Ford F-150 owners that didn’t want to hear anything past numbers in the previous comparison, I guess we can say that the Maverick is the cut and dry winner here.
I think for most families, the Maverick is the best choice if you’re shopping for an American pickup. It’s cost-effective to buy and will cost you less to fuel up. It also has the right fuel economy and towing capacity to make a great weekend warrior. Despite this, only 155,000 or so were sold in the United States last year. I know we are a country blinded by size and presence, but just wanted to let you know that the Maverick will still get you the cred you want for less.
