10 Great Ford Maverick Competitors: Which Alternatives Stack Up
If you're looking for a fuel efficient, affordable truck alternative, we've rounded up 10 solid Ford Maverick competitors for your consideration.
In America, the love for pickup trucks goes way back. These tough and handy vehicles are more than just a means of transport, especially in places like Wyoming and North Dakota. Here, pickups are part of the local culture, a way of life. As such, it’s no surprise the Ford Maverick became a favorite on the highways, even among the giants of the pickup truck segment.
The Ford Maverick has quickly gained popularity due to its impressive fuel efficiency and an affordable starting price of $20k+. This affordability is achieved through cost-effective choices like stamped steel materials. However, if this compact truck doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, there are many Ford Maverick competitors to choose from.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz
As one of the other compact trucks in the market, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is pretty much your only one-to-one alternative to the Ford Maverick. It comes with a useful cargo bed and a high-tech interior. However, it has a less powerful base engine, and the higher-end models are expensive.
The Santa Cruz has a compact, unibody design that combines functionality and sportiness like the Maverick. The interior is designed for comfort and connectivity and can accommodate up to five passengers. However, you’ll need to go for higher trims to get premium amenities like all-wheel drive and LED headlights.
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2. Honda Ridgeline
If you don’t have a tight budget, the Honda Ridgeline is one of the best Ford Maverick competitors to check out. While you might be tempted by other popular models like the Maverick and Santa Cruz, the Ridgeline has been giving the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV for years. It’s slightly larger than some of its competitors and offers innovative storage, such as the signature in-bed trunk.
But what really sets the Ridgeline apart is its smooth driving experience – so smooth that you might forget you’re in a truck. Moreover, the interior is designed for practical comfort, thanks to its spacious interior and well-designed cabin.
3. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier boasts a 310 horsepower V6 engine with a substantial power advantage over the Ford Maverick. This advantage is complemented by advanced tech features such as a 9-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. In its third generation, the Frontier has received a much-needed design refresh – giving it some seriously rugged good looks.
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4. Ford Ranger
Many car manufacturers often find themselves competing against their own lineups. This is the case with the Ford Ranger and Maverick. Priced higher, the Ranger justifies its cost with a robust 2.3-liter engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the new Maverick. Plus, it boasts a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, so it’s more capable than the Maverick for heavy-duty jobs. Additionally, the Ranger’s slightly larger size translates to increased cabin space.
5. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator might fit the bill if you’re looking for off-road forward Ford Maverick competitors. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Wrangler, the Gladiator enhances versatility with its functional truck bed and a significant towing boost—capable of hauling an extra two tons.
The Gladiator is a competent off-road vehicle, although it may not match the Wrangler’s agility on rugged trails. There are also the unique detachable body panels that can transform it into an enjoyable open-air ride on hotter days. A 3.6-liter V6 engine powers the Gladiator, but handling at higher velocities can be noisy and tricky.
6. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been America’s top-selling midsize pickup for nearly twenty years and is also worth considering as an alternative to the Maverick. With two engine choices—the 2.7-liter four-cylinder or the more powerful 3.5-liter V6, which delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque—the Tacoma has got you covered in performance. This power allows it to tow up to 6,400 lbs, surpassing the Maverick’s capacity.
While its fuel efficiency, at a combined 21 mpg, doesn’t quite match the Maverick’s, it’s still respectable for a vehicle of its size and capabilities. Moreover, the Tacoma is a midsize truck, so it offers more interior space.
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7. Chevy Colorado
As a smaller cousin of the iconic Silverado, the Chevrolet Colorado offers you the utility of a truck in a package that’s easier to handle. You can pick from three engines: the basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a more potent 3.6-liter V6, or a 2.8-liter diesel that’s all about efficiency and torque. If you find the base engine a bit lacking, consider upgrading for a boost in performance. The spacious front seats provide plenty of comfort for you, but be warned, the crew cab’s rear seats might feel snug.
8. GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is one of the most versatile Ford Maverick competitors, delivering in both performance and luxury. Unlike the Maverick, the Canyon features an available 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel, which goes a long way for towing and fuel economy. With a towing capacity that significantly exceeds the Maverick’s, the Canyon is for those planning to put their trucks into some heavy work. Moreover, its Canyon’s interior is more refined, with available luxury touches that include leather seating and the latest infotainment technology.
9. Chevy Silverado
The Silverado would easily beat the Maverick in every category as a full-size and more expensive pickup truck. For instance, the Silverado towers over the Ford Maverick in size and capabilities, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed as an alternative. Besides that, the Silverado brings a wealth of options to the table, including an extensive range of trims, numerous cab configurations, and a trio of potent engine choices.
10. Ford F-150
Since we’re already recommending full-size pickup trucks, why not recommend the undisputed king of the segment, the Ford F-150? The legendary F-150 checks all the right boxes for a fantastic pickup truck, including a well-outfitted interior, a range of powerful engines, various trim options, and well-rounded performance. While larger and more expensive, the F-150 trumps the Maverick in versatility and capability.
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