Summary
Ford’s Maverick has owned the compact-pickup conversation since 2021 with hybrid efficiency, usable towing, and a city-friendly footprint. Now Ford appears to be cooking a new midsize/compact EV pickup potentially reviving the Ranchero name for a 2027 debut. Below we separate confirmed Maverick facts from Ranchero speculation, explain what that could mean for buyers in the U.S., and deliver a clear verdict on who should buy the Maverick now and who might consider waiting for Ranchero.
The Short Version: What We Know vs. What’s Rumored
- Maverick (2025 MY): Hybrid now standard with available AWD; 13.2-inch screen; 4.5-ft bed; max 1,500-lb payload and 2,000-lb towing standard or 4,000-lb with 4K Tow (EcoBoost). Bed length is 54.4 in. inside; width between wells 42.6 in. EPA-rated mpg varies by powertrain; FWD hybrid remains the efficiency play.
- Ranchero (2027, rumored): Ford filed “Ranchero” trademark; executives outlined a $30K-target EV pickup for 2027, focusing on smarter manufacturing and smaller batteries. Vehicle and name are not officially confirmed, and broader EV timing at Ford is in flux after schedule adjustments in 2025. Expect midsize-ish footprint, likely four-door, and emphasis on affordability and efficiency details pending.
Ford Maverick (Confirmed) vs. Ford Ranchero (What’s Likely)
| Category | 2025 Ford Maverick (confirmed) | 2027 Ford Ranchero (expected/rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform/Type | Unibody compact pickup | New EV pickup (midsize/compact), name unconfirmed |
| Powertrain | 2.5L hybrid (FWD std; AWD available), 2.0L EcoBoost available | Fully electric; battery size and motors TBA |
| Fuel economy / range | Hybrid FWD rated high MPG; AWD hybrid near-class-leading; EcoBoost lower | EV range TBA; focus on efficiency and lower battery cost |
| Towing | 2,000 lb standard; up to 4,000 lb with 4K Tow (EcoBoost) | TBA; EV packaging may enable competitive tow with caveats |
| Payload | Up to 1,500 lb | TBA |
| Bed | ~4.5 ft (54.4 in. floor length) | TBA; likely similar “everyday” utility |
| Interior tech | 13.2-in screen, SYNC 4, modern driver assistance | New UX hinted; specifics TBA |
| Price target | Starts high-20s depending on trim/market | Target around $30,000 (Ford’s stated goal) |
| Release | On sale now | Target 2027 (subject to change) |
Citations: Maverick specs and bed: Ford; towing/payload: Ford/Car and Driver/Edmunds; Ranchero timing/price: Bloomberg/Business Insider; trademark: Car and Driver; EV timeline caveats: Reuters.
Deep Dive: What Shoppers Should Weigh
1) Price & Release Date
- Maverick: Real inventory exists today; transaction prices vary by trim and demand. Ford’s configurator and dealer listings show active 2025 MY sales.
- Ranchero (2027): Ford leadership publicly targeted a $30K EV pickup around 2027, but 2025 updates reshuffled some EV launch timing, so build in uncertainty.
2) Fuel Economy (Small Trucks)
- Maverick Hybrid: Continues to set the segment’s efficiency tone; FWD hybrid returns standout mpg; new AWD hybrid adds traction with modest economy trade-offs. Independent testing has found real-world hybrid mpg in the mid-30s.
- Ranchero EV: Expect zero tailpipe emissions and home-charging convenience; Ford says it’s rethinking battery sizing to keep costs down—range and charging specs TBD.
3) Towing Capacity & Payload
- Maverick: 2,000 lb standard; 4,000 lb with 4K Tow and EcoBoost. Payload up to 1,500 lb depending on configuration. If you regularly tow small campers or boats, Maverick’s 4K setup is proven.
- Ranchero EV: Unknown. EVs tow well at low speeds but can see steep range loss when pulling; Ford’s development focus suggests careful aero/weight management.
4) Bed Size & Interior Dimensions
- Maverick: The short bed works for urban life: 54.4 in long, 33.3 cu ft inside the sidewalls, 42.6 in between wheel wells—enough for common DIY loads with a bed extender. Cabin space fits five adults better than most expect.
- Ranchero EV: Body size likely similar to Maverick or slightly larger; bed and cabin details pending.
5) Ownership Experience & Value
- Maverick Today: Predictable costs, established dealer service, and known resale. Hybrid power is a wallet-friendly daily driver; EcoBoost + 4K Tow covers light-duty toys.
- Ranchero Later: The draw is next-gen affordability and fresh tech. If Ford hits the $30K mark with useful range, it could reset expectations for small electric trucks. But first-year EV models often come with learning curves and potential delays.
Who Should Pick Maverick vs. Who Should Wait for Ranchero
Buy the Maverick now if you:
- Need a proven, affordable compact truck for commuting, DIY, and weekend projects.
- Want hybrid efficiency or up to 4,000-lb towing with EcoBoost today.
- Prefer established resale, servicing, and known capability versus future promises.
Consider waiting for Ranchero if you:
- Can comfortably wait until 2027+ and want to be an early adopter of Ford’s next-gen EV pickup concept at a $30K target.
- Mostly do urban/suburban miles, can charge at home, and value cutting-edge UX and manufacturing innovations Ford says are coming.
Bottom line: The Maverick remains the compact-truck value benchmark for 2025 buyers. The Ranchero name not confirmed could be compelling if Ford delivers the price/tech promise, but timing and specs are not locked.
Practical Steps / Checklist
- Define your use case: Daily commute only → Hybrid Maverick. Regular towing (jet skis, pop-up) → EcoBoost + 4K Tow.
- Measure your stuff: The Maverick bed is 54.4 in; plan for a bed extender if hauling longer lumber.
- Run total cost scenarios: Hybrid fuel savings vs. EcoBoost towing needs; price out trims you’d actually buy (XLT/Lariat).
- Plan charging (if waiting): If Ranchero intrigues you, check home electrical capacity and local public fast-charging build-out now.
- Track Ford announcements: Watch for confirmed Ranchero naming, range, and U.S. on-sale date as Ford refines its EV roadmap.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Overestimating tow needs: Many buyers assume they need max tow. If you tow once a year, the 2,000-lb standard rating may suffice; rent bigger when needed.
- Ignoring payload: Camping gear + passengers add up fast; double-check the door-jamb sticker on any Maverick you’re considering.
- Assuming EV specs: Don’t bank on Ranchero range/tow until Ford publishes them. Timelines can slip.
- Forgetting bed dimensions: A 4.5-ft bed is versatile but shorter than mid-size trucks—budget for a bed extender.
Related: EV and Plug-In Hybrid Buyers: Guide to Choosing
FAQ
1) Is the 2027 Ford Ranchero confirmed for the U.S.?
No. Ford has filed a “Ranchero” trademark and outlined a $30K EV pickup target for 2027, but name, specs, and U.S. timing are not officially confirmed.
2) What’s the current Maverick starting price and trims?
Pricing varies by market and incentives; trims include XL, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, and the new Lobo performance variant. Check Ford’s site and inventory for current pricing.
3) Which Maverick is best for fuel economy?
The hybrid (especially FWD) leads on mpg; AWD hybrid trades a little efficiency for traction. Real-world testing has shown mid-30s combined.
4) Can the Maverick tow a small camper?
Yes—up to 4,000 lb when equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost and 4K Tow Package; otherwise 2,000 lb. Confirm the trailer’s weight and frontal area guidance from Ford’s towing docs.
5) How big is the Maverick bed, really?
54.4 inches long on the floor; 42.6 inches between wheel wells; 33.3 cu ft volume inside the sidewalls. A bed extender can accommodate longer items.
6) Will Ranchero be cheaper to own than Maverick?
Unknown. Ford aims at $30K upfront for the EV truck, but total ownership depends on electricity rates, charging access, incentives, and maintenance differences.
7) Should I wait or buy now?
If you need a compact truck within 12 months, buy the Maverick. If you can wait two years and want to bet on Ford’s next-gen EV, keep tabs on Ranchero news.
Related: Tesla lawsuit: What owners and shoppers need to know
Conclusion
For American shoppers eyeing a right-sized pickup, the Ford Maverick remains the safest, best-value buy today: mature product, standout efficiency, and real capability for daily life and light towing. The Ranchero concept, if that’s the final name could be a watershed EV truck at around $30K in 2027, but details and timing aren’t firm. If your projects and road trips won’t wait, the Maverick is ready. If you’re tech-curious, have home charging, and can ride out potential delays, keeping a spot on the Ranchero rumor watchlist makes sense.
