Ford Maverick vs. F-150: Compact Efficiency or Full-Size Power?

The Ford Maverick and F-150 represent two very different design philosophies for Ford in the pickup market. Each vehicle is tailored to specific needs, demonstrating the brand's ability to meet the needs of different customers in diverse markets.

With its compact design, the Maverick offers greater fuel efficiency and flexibility for city driving, making it ideal for daily commutes and small homes. The F-150, with a larger body and greater towing capability, meets the needs of consumers who need high performance, load carrying and towing capability. Both, while positioned differently, offer Ford's classic durability and reliability in their respective market segments.

Overview

The Ford Maverick and F-150 represent two different directions in Ford's pickup lineup. Maverick is a compact truck that debuted in 2022 and is primarily aimed at first-time buyers with urban driving needs and those consumers who are concerned about fuel efficiency. It adopts integrated structure design and comes standard with hybrid power system. The F-150 is a full-size pickup designed for traditional truck buyers, contractors, and people who need large towing and transportation capabilities. The F-150 offers a variety of engine options, including V6, V8, hybrid and electric powertrains, for heavier duty use. Maverick's primary customer base includes young urban professionals, small families and first-time car buyers, while the F-150 appeals to construction workers, fleet operators and outdoor enthusiasts.

Base Configurations (2025 version):

Feature	Maverick	F-150
Starting Price	$26,995	$38,810
Standard Engine	2.5L Hybrid	3.3L V6
Max Towing	4,000 lbs	14,000 lbs
Cab Options	1	3

 

Different Versions of Ford Maverick and F-150

XL

As the entry-level version of both cars, the Maverick XL comes with standard front-wheel drive, a 2.5L hybrid powertrain, and basics like LED headlights and an 8-inch touchscreen. The F-150 XL, with a 3.3L V6 engine, vinyl flooring and manual Windows, is aimed primarily at commercial fleet buyers and those who need a basic work truck.

XLT

The Maverick XLT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control and mirrors, and offers an optional EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive system. The F-150 XLT has been upgraded to a chrome exterior, SYNC 4 infotainment system, carpeted floors, and added safety features such as blind spot monitoring.

LARIAT

The Maverick Lariat brings more advanced features like ActiveX seat surfaces, dual-zone climate control, and button start. The F-150 Lariat features leather seats, a 12-inch touchscreen, and LED exterior lighting, with advanced technology features and driver assistance systems added to the interior.

STX

The STX version highlights the sporty style, and the Maverick STX includes body-colored doorknobs, 17-inch alloy wheels, and privacy glass. The F-150 STX features a unique grille design, sports cloth seats, and STX-specific exterior badges.

TREMOR

The Tremor version focuses on off-road capability, and the F-150 Tremor is equipped with a lift suspension, all-terrain tires, and an enhanced four-wheel drive system. Note: Tremor version is not available for Maverick.

King Ranch

The F-150 King Ranch features a Western-themed luxury trim with exclusive Mesa brown leather, power-spread running boards and exclusive badges. And this version is unique to the F-150.

Platinum

The F-150 Platinum offers premium features such as multi-profile massage seats, a solid wood interior and an advanced technology package. This version is also not available for Maverick.

Raptor

The F-150 Raptor represents Ford's high-performance off-road truck with FOX Racing shock absorption, 37-inch tires and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The Raptor version is only available for the F-150.

Maverick Vs F-150 Comparison

Exterior and interior Spaces

The F-150 is significantly larger than the Maverick, measuring 232 inches long and 77.2 inches tall, compared to the Maverick's 199.7 inches long and 68.7 inches tall. The F-150's SuperCrew configuration offers more interior space, with 43.9 inches of front headroom and 43.9 inches of rear legroom. By comparison, the Maverick has 40.3 inches of front-row headroom and 35.9 inches of rear legroom. In terms of cargo capacity, the F-150's bed length ranges from 5.5 feet to 8 feet with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds, while the Maverick is equipped with a 4.5-foot bed with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds.

Performance and technology

The Maverick comes standard with a 2.5-liter hybrid system that delivers 191 horsepower and achieves 42 MPG. A 2.0L EcoBoost engine is also available, providing 250 HP. The F-150 has more engine options, offering different power levels:

• 3.3L V6: 290 HP
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 325 horsepower
• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 400 horsepower
• 5.0L V8: 400 horsepower
• 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid: 430hp

In terms of towing capability, the F-150 is far superior to the Maverick, with a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, compared to the Maverick's maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. On the technical side, the F-150 is equipped with a more advanced SYNC 4 infotainment system that offers a 12-inch display and adds Pro Power Onboard to provide up to 7.2kW of power output. Maverick uses SYNC 3, comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen, and offers a 400W/110V socket in the bed. In terms of safety, both cars are equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360, but the F-150 also adds the Blue Cruise hands-free driving feature.

Base pricing (2025 version):

	XL	STX	XLT	LARIAT	King Ranch	Platinum	TREMOR	Raptor	Lobo
F-150	$38,810	$42,015	$45,695	$63,360	$74,905	$74,905	$64,915	$79,005	-
Maverick	$26,995	-	$29,495	$37,290	-	-	$40,350	-	$35,255

 

How To Choose Based On Different Needs?

The Ford F-150 is for drivers who need maximum towing power. With a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload of 3,325 pounds, the F-150 is ideal for heavy duty missions. Its larger cabin and more spacious passenger space make it ideal for families and staff who need to comfortably transport multiple people or carry more cargo. The F-150's advantages in towing and cargo carrying capabilities make it ideal for jobs that require heavy loads and large towing.

The Ford Maverick, on the other hand, is better suited to city drivers, especially those looking for practical features and a smaller size truck. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed meets basic transportation needs with better mobility, making it ideal for urban parking. It also has excellent fuel economy, with a standard hybrid system offering 42 miles per gallon, perfect for daily commuting and light use. Maverick is a more attractive option for buyers with a limited budget or higher requirements for fuel efficiency. With a low starting price, the Maverick is much cheaper than the F-150, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Ford F-150 and Maverick each serve different market segments, with significant differences in size, performance, and price. The F-150 offers superior towing capability and enhanced cargo carrying capacity for users who need a high-performance work truck. Its variety of engine options and larger body size make it ideal for drivers who do heavy work.

Maverick, by contrast, stands out in terms of fuel efficiency, urban mobility and affordability. Its compact design and standard hybrid powertrain make it easier to drive in urban environments and boasts impressive fuel consumption performance. With a lower starting price, the Maverick is better suited to buyers on a tight budget, especially those looking for basic truck features. The F-150 is perfect for those who need more towing power and more work space, while the Maverick is perfect for buyers who want to enjoy the versatility of their truck in a smaller, more efficient way.