{"id":4616,"date":"2026-03-06T10:30:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/?p=4616"},"modified":"2026-03-11T12:09:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:09:19","slug":"ford-maverick-vs-ford-f-150-efficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/ford-maverick-vs-ford-f-150-efficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"Ford Maverick vs Ford F-150: why the smaller pickup is the smarter choice for most American families"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2014 it was pretty loved despite being discontinued<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ford F-150 vs. Ford Maverick: Price<\/h2>\n

One of the biggest talking points in American car culture right now is the rapidly increasing price of new vehicles<\/a>. To compete with China’s fleet of cheap EV pickups, Ford has a master plan to reveal a $30,000 electric pickup<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ford F-150 vs. Ford Maverick: Efficiency and mileage<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why are we always ignoring the Ford Maverick? When you think of a Ford pickup, you probably automatically think of … <\/p>\n

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