At the recent 2025 Ford Maverick briefing, the folks at Ford called its littlest truck a “midsize,” and I was like, um, I wouldn’t compare this to a Ranger. Then when I was driving the 2024 Honda Ridgeline, I heard several people call it “compact.” I kept hoping to see a Maverick somewhere, so I could park the Ridgeline next to it for comparison. I did not. So, here’s the next best thing: a quick comparo of the Ford Maverick vs Honda Ridgeline.
How different – or similar – are they?
Srsly, Maverick is a lot smaller
Sure. Both Maverick and Ridgeline have unibody construction, but that’s where the similarities end. Though I didn’t compile an exhaustive list of specs below, I did enough to show the Maverick is smaller. A lot smaller. It’s nearly a foot shorter in length. It’s also less wide and tall. Plus, passenger volume is more than 9 cubic feet less, and it weights almost 1,000 pounds less in its base form.
Ridgeline has more capability
In addition to the voluminous in-bed storage, Ridgeline just generally has more capability. It has a little more payload and a lot more towing capacity – especially if you look at the Maverick without the 4K Tow Package. If you don’t shell out the extra cash for the package, Maverick can only tow 2,000 pounds.
Ford Maverick vs Honda Ridgeline specs
| 2025 Ford Maverick | 2025 Honda Ridgeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $27,890 - $42,090 | $41,125 - $47,725 |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Drivetrain | FWD, AWD | AWD |
| Engine (s) | 2.5L, I-4 (hybrid), 2.0L I-4 turbo | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 191 (hybrid), 238 | 280 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 155 (hybrid), 277 | 262 |
| Transmission | CVT (hybrid), 8-speed AT | 9-speed AT |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 37 (hybrid), 21-26 (depending on drivetrain, trim) | 20-21 mpg (depending on trim) |
| Length (inches) | 199.8 | 210.2 |
| Width (inches) | 77.9 | 78.6 |
| Height (inches) | 68.8 | 70.8 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 121.1 | 125.2 |
| Ground clearance (inches) | 8.3 | 7.64 |
| Truck bed length (inches) | 54.4 | 64 |
| EPA passenger volume (cu. ft.) | 100.3 | 109.7 |
| Curb weight (lbs) | 3,674 -3,731 | 4,420 |
| Total payload (lbs) | 1,500 (FWD), 1,400 (AWD) | 1,583 |
| Towing capacity (lbs) | 2,000 (standard), 4,000 (with 4K tow package) | 5,000 |
The bottom line
Just because the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline both have unibody construction doesn’t make them the same kind of truck. Maverick is compact. Ridgeline is midsize. From pricing to specs, these two trucks aren’t even close. Someday, maybe I’ll be able to get them side by side for a visual comparison, but until then, you get specs.
