Ford F-150 vs. Maverick: Two Very Different Trucks for Two Very Different Buyers

Ford builds two pickup trucks for two very different kinds of truck buyer. One is a full-size workhorse with six engine options, three cab configurations, and a max towing capacity of 6,123 kg (13,500 lbs). The other is a compact hybrid-first truck with a 1,382 mm bed, fuel consumption as low as 5.6 L/100 km city, and a starting price that makes it the most affordable new pickup in Canada. Both wear the Blue Oval. Both are Built Ford Tough. But the buyer who needs one is rarely the buyer who needs the other.

If you're weighing the 2026 Ford F-150 against the 2026 Ford Maverick, the right question isn't which truck is better — it's which truck fits your actual life. At Reliable Ford in Fergus, we work with both, and the choice almost always comes down to three things: what you haul, where you drive, and what you spend at the pump. Here's how the two stack up.

At a Glance: F-150 vs. Maverick

Powertrains and Efficiency

The F-150 and Maverick take completely different approaches to their engines, and that difference tells you a lot about what each truck is built for.

The F-150 offers six powertrain options. The entry-level 2.7L EcoBoost V6 produces 325 hp and 542 N·m (400 lb-ft) of torque. Step up to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and you get 400 hp and 678 N·m (500 lb-ft), which is what unlocks the full 6,123 kg (13,500 lbs) towing capacity. The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 brings 430 hp, up to 5,080 kg (11,200 lbs) of towing, and Pro Power Onboard capability — plus the ability to run tools or charge devices directly from the bed. For serious off-road or performance work, the Raptor's high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers 450 hp, and the Raptor R's 5.2L supercharged V8 tops out at 720 hp.

The Maverick leads with efficiency. Its standard 2.5L Hybrid engine is unique among trucks — it uses a self-charging hybrid system with no plug required, returning 5.6 L/100 km in the city on the FWD model and 5.8 L/100 km city on the AWD model. More than 800 km of range on a tank is realistic for city-heavy drivers. The available 2.0L EcoBoost engine is the choice for those who want more towing or need Advanced Four-Wheel Drive, and it's standard on the Tremor and Lobo trims.

F-150 powertrain highlights:

• Six engine options from 325 hp to 720 hp
• Max towing of 6,123 kg (13,500 lbs) with 3.5L EcoBoost V6
• PowerBoost Hybrid with Pro Power Onboard (up to 7.2 kW)
• 10-speed automatic transmission standard across all engines

Maverick powertrain highlights:

• Standard 2.5L Hybrid: 5.6 L/100 km city (FWD), 5.8 L/100 km city (AWD)
• Available 2.0L EcoBoost for higher towing and 4WD capability
• Hybrid AWD now available on XL, XLT, and Lariat
• Max towing: 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) with available 4K Tow Package

Towing, Payload, and Real Capability

This is where the two trucks move to opposite ends of the spectrum.

The F-150 is built to handle heavy work. With the right configuration, it tows up to 6,123 kg (13,500 lbs) — enough for a large fifth-wheel trailer, a pair of ATVs, or a substantial work trailer loaded with equipment. Max payload reaches 1,107 kg (2,440 lbs). Across the trim lineup, you get access to Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and available on-board scales that read tongue weight in real time. For contractors, farmers, and weekend campers pulling serious loads along the back roads between Fergus and Arthur, the F-150's numbers are hard to match.

The Maverick handles lighter but still practical loads. The 680 kg (1,500 lbs) payload covers a weekend's worth of landscaping supplies, a chest freezer, or a load of lumber from the hardware store. With the 4K Tow Package, towing climbs to 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) — enough for a small camper, a personal watercraft, or a utility trailer. The bed floor sits low and the multi-position tailgate lets it carry up to 18 full sheets of plywood flat without angling them. For buyers who want truck practicality without truck size or truck fuel bills, those numbers work well.

Size, Cab, and Everyday Usability

Cab and bed choices make a real difference once you're driving in town.

The F-150 offers three cab styles — Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew — paired with three bed lengths: 1.68 m (5.5 ft), 1.98 m (6.5 ft), and 2.44 m (8.0 ft). That variety gives buyers serious flexibility, but it also means the F-150 is a big vehicle. A SuperCrew with a 6.5-foot bed is nearly 6.1 m long. Parking in downtown Fergus or navigating a tight job site requires a bit more planning.

The Maverick is built for exactly those situations. At 4,386 mm long, it fits in a standard parking spot and handles urban driving without the stress that comes with a full-size truck. The bed is shorter — 1,382 mm at the floor — but still carries a meaningful load. Inside, the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite are all standard across the lineup.

Technology and Driver Assistance

Both trucks come well-equipped on the tech front, though the F-150's range of available features is considerably broader.

The F-150 offers SYNC 4 with a 12-inch touchscreen, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select trims, a Head-Up Display, FordPass Connect 5G Wi-Fi, and available connected navigation. The Maverick comes with a class-leading 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone connectivity, and a built-in 5G modem. Lariat and Tremor Mavericks now include Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition. Both trucks include the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with Pre-Collision Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking as standard equipment.

Which Truck Is Right for You?

The F-150 is the right truck for buyers who tow regularly, carry heavy loads, need multiple cab or bed configurations, or want access to high-output performance and off-road capability. If your work or weekend life demands real pulling power — whether you're hauling equipment on a farm property north of Fergus or backing a large trailer down a boat launch — the F-150 covers that ground with confidence.

The Maverick is the right truck for buyers who want the open bed and the versatility of a pickup, but don't need the payload ratings or the footprint of a full-size. If you commute, run errands, handle occasional hauling, and want fuel costs that stay competitive with small SUVs, the Maverick delivers that without compromise. The hybrid system requires no plugging in, no behaviour change — just lower fuel bills.

There's no wrong answer between them. They're genuinely built for different buyers.

Find Your Ford Truck at Reliable Ford in Fergus

The team at Reliable Ford in Fergus can walk you through both models in person — specs, configurations, and whatever questions you have about putting either one to work for you. Stop by the dealership or reach out to book a test drive.