The midsize Ford Ranger and the compact Ford Maverick are successful pickup trucks. The sales of the Maverick, in particular, are very high. However, for the 2024 model year, the Ranger has something in its favor. There’s one big reason why the 2024 Ford Ranger is better than the 2023 Ford Maverick: an excellent redesign. 

Unlike the 2023 Ford Maverick, the 2024 Ford Ranger has a redesign

In recent years, the Ford Ranger was starting to get outdated. It has also been overshadowed by its smaller sibling, the Maverick, which has been selling in droves. However, with its pleasing redesign, the 2024 Ford Ranger is much improved. Conversely, the 2023 Ford Maverick is a carryover model with only minor changes. If you desire the freshest look for a pickup truck, then the 2024 Ranger could be a good choice for you.

The redesigned Ranger has bold exterior styling. It has similar design cues as the Ford F-150 full-size truck, especially for the front end. There’s a new large grille, as well as matrix LED headlights. Along the side, the Ranger features strong character lines. And at the rear, it has new taillights. 

The interior of the Ranger is redesigned, too — with a more premium look and feel than the Maverick. It has high-quality soft-touch materials, the SYNC 4 infotainment system, and a  prominent portrait-style center touchscreen.

It’s important to note the next-generation Ranger will be available in the United States for the 2024 model year, but for some global markets, it’s offered for the 2023 model year.

2024 Ranger is better for off-road use, especially with the new Raptor model

The current-generation 2023 Ford Ranger is already better for off-road use than the 2023 Ford Maverick. Its four-wheel drive system is more effective for driving over challenging terrain than the all-wheel drive system in the Maverick. Also, all-wheel drive isn’t available for the standard hybrid version of the Maverick. 

Additionally, the off-road capabilities are even better for the 2024 Ranger with the introduction of the Ranger Raptor off-road model to the American market. With its higher ground clearance and features such as Fox shock absorbers, a rear coil-spring suspension, and beefy all-terrain tires, the Ranger Raptor is ready to head far out into the wilderness.

Other strengths of the Ford Ranger over the Maverick

The 2024 Ranger also offers more powerful engines than the 2023 Maverick. The U.S.-spec Ranger comes standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Ranger Raptor features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which churns out 288 horsepower and 491 lb-ft of torque.

In comparison, the standard hybrid powertrain in the Maverick produces only 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Maverick also offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, its output of 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque doesn’t come close to matching the output of the Ranger’s engines.

Furthermore, the Ranger can tow a heavier load. It has a 7,500-pound maximum towing capacity, compared to 4,000 pounds for the fully gas-powered Maverick and 2,000 pounds for the Maverick Hybrid. Also, the Ranger provides a higher maximum payload capacity for hauling things in the pickup bed (1,860 vs. 1,564 pounds).

With its excellent redesign, the 2024 Ford Ranger is better than the 2023 Ford Maverick in a significant way. When deciding which pickup truck to get, this is a key factor to consider.