Looking to compare the power of the 2023 Ford Maverick to that of the Honda Ridgeline? Look no further! These capable trucks are sure to give you everything you need out of a workday. But which one is better? Our comparison guide has the answer. We’ve got the expertise to help you make the best choice when choosing between these two new trucks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Maverick competes against its Ford siblings in a new way as an alternative to the F-150 or the Ranger.
- The Honda Ridgeline can carry a bigger payload than the Ford Maverick.
- Spectacular gas mileage for a truck on the Maverick, especially in comparison to the Ridgeline.
- Better gas mileage comes from the Maverick’s fuel efficient, hybrid engine option.
FUEL EFFICIENCY: THE “MAVERICK” LIVING UP TO ITS NAM
The 2023 Ford Maverick introduces truck drivers to a brighter horizon in the fuel efficiency department. Anyone who owns a truck or has owned one before knows that gas mileage is something to keep in mind when selecting a truck. Thanks to the Maverick’s 2.5L 4 cylinder gas/electric hybrid engine, drivers can start worrying more about the job that needs to be done and not as much about gas prices before they start. This truck allows for upwards of 40 MPG while in the city and 33 on the highway according to EPA estimates. The Honda Ridgeline, on its traditional 3.5L V6 cylinder engine, gets half of that. There is a certain trade off made when selecting a hybrid truck and foregoing the gas engine. The Maverick seeks to compensate by offering more to other departments. If you’re uncertain about the gas economy moving forward but still want the benefits of owning a truck, the Maverick is for you. That being understood, the Ridgeline doesn’t offer any other engine upgrades outside of its standard engine, whereas the Maverick gives drivers the option to upgrade to a fully gas powered 2.0-liter V4.
BETTER UPFRONT COST: MAVERICK
The Maverick is looking to save you money not only well-after you drive it off the lot but way before. Just look at the starting estimates for each vehicle, and you’ll see why the Maverick is overall the less expensive truck in every way. Estimates on the Maverick start at $21,000, while starting prices for the Ridgeline are at close to $45,000.
POWER & EFFICIENCY: GAS BEATS ELECTRIC
Potential buyers may worry that with the hybrid engine of the Maverick, paired with its perceived starting cost, they may be getting a cheap vehicle that is incapable of towing or hauling. With the Maverick, it isn’t the case. The Maverick, as its name suggests, just does things differently. But that doesn’t mean it completely forgoes all the benefits of owning a truck. For instance, it still has a max towing power of 3,000 pounds and has the same size truck bed as the Ridgeline which has plenty of space for hauling tools and gardening materials. Both seat five passengers very comfortably with similar head and leg room.
The Maverick offers more ground clearance than the Ridgeline and drives much smoother than the Ridgeline thanks to a higher turning radius. There’s not going to be as much secondary noise coming from the Maverick as well because of its hybrid engine. The main distinction here is that gas is going to provide more horsepower, which then in turn translates to better hauling on the Ridgeline. With its 280 horsepower, the Ridgeline can tow 2,000 pounds more than the Maverick. Choosing between these two will come down to what your workday looks like, and how often you are towing loads that are above 3,000 pounds.
WHICH TRUCK IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
It’s a classic case of traditional vs new. It will all come down to what you’re looking to get out of your next truck. Do you need trailering and hauling statistics that have been reliable for years, or are you willing to take a chance on something different? We suggest going out with the old and in with the new by driving off in a Maverick. There’s little risk involved when trying something as well-developed and reliable as the Maverick. It’s going to work for you every day if you know what your workday looks like, and it's going to save you plenty of money in the long run with its unheard of gas mileage for a truck.