Two Completely Different Approaches to the Same Question

Put a midsize SUV-based truck next to a compact hybrid workhorse and you’ll see just how wide the truck market has become. The Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick both have beds and four doors, but that’s about where the similarities end. Honda built the Ridgeline for families who occasionally need truck capability. Ford designed the Maverick for people who want a truck without paying for one at the pump or the dealership.

• The Ridgeline delivers 280 horsepower and 5,000 pounds of towing capacity with a smooth V6 and SUV-level comfort. Base price starts around $40,595.
• The Maverick comes standard with a 191-hp hybrid that hits 42 city mpg, or you can grab the optional 250-hp turbo four-cylinder. Either way, you’re starting at $28,145.
• Bed size matters here. The Ridgeline’s 5.3-foot bed includes a lockable in-bed trunk that doubles as a cooler. The Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed is tighter but functional for most weekend projects.

Quick Reference Comparison

Specs	2026 Honda Ridgeline	2025 Ford Maverick
Starting Price	$40,595 (Sport)	$28,145 (XL Hybrid)
Engine Options	280-hp 3.5L V6 (only)	191-hp 2.5L Hybrid or 250-hp 2.0L Turbo
Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs	4,000 lbs (with 4K package)
Fuel Economy	18 city / 24 hwy mpg	42/35 mpg (hybrid) or 22/30 mpg (turbo)
Bed Length	5.3 feet	4.5 feet
Payload Capacity	~1,600 lbs	1,500 lbs
Drive Configuration	AWD standard	FWD standard, AWD available

Power and Performance: V6 Muscle vs Hybrid Efficiency

Honda keeps things simple. Every Ridgeline comes with a 3.5-liter V6 making 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic. It’s got plenty of punch and feels smooth around town. All-wheel drive comes standard. Ford gives you options. The base hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 191 combined horsepower. The instant electric torque makes city driving feel livelier than you’d expect. Want more? The optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo delivers 250 horsepower.

Towing and Hauling: Who Pulls More Weight?

The Ridgeline maxes out at 5,000 pounds. That’s enough for a boat, ATVs, or a camping trailer. The 5.3-foot bed beats the Maverick on space, and Honda added a dual-action tailgate that swings out or drops down. The real genius? A 7.3-cubic-foot lockable trunk under the bed floor with a drain plug so you can use it as a cooler. The Maverick caps out at 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K package. You’re giving up 1,000 pounds of towing, and the 4.5-foot bed is cramped. But for weekend projects and hardware store runs, it works.

Fuel Economy: Where the Maverick Dominates

Here’s where the 2026 Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Maverick debate tilts hard in Ford’s direction. The Ridgeline gets 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The Maverick hybrid? Try 42 city and 35 highway with front-wheel drive, or 40 city and 33 highway with all-wheel drive. That beats most sedans. Even the turbocharged EcoBoost gets 22 city and 30 highway. Your daily commute will cost a lot less with the Maverick.

Price: $12,000 Buys You More Truck

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,595 and tops out at $47,695 for the Black Edition Two-Tone. The 2025 Ford Maverick undercuts that by more than twelve grand, starting at $28,145 for the base XL hybrid. The XLT runs around $30,645, the loaded Lariat hybrid sits around $38,440, and the off-road Tremor tops out near $40,995. That’s still less than a base Ridgeline.

Ride Quality and Cabin Space

Honda built the Ridgeline on the same platform as the Pilot SUV, so it drives more like a crossover than a traditional truck. The ride is smooth, the cabin stays quiet, and there’s real room for adults in the back. The Maverick’s cabin is tighter but comfortable for daily use. Every trim gets a 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ride is firmer, especially with the turbo and sport suspension, but not harsh.

Which Truck Fits Your Needs?

The Ridgeline costs more, but you’re paying for better towing, more space, and family-vehicle comfort. The Maverick wins on fuel economy and price. That hybrid powertrain makes it one of the smartest truck buys available, and the $12,000 savings leave room for options or just stay in your wallet.

Test Drive the Ridgeline in Richmond

Curious about the Ridgeline? We stock the full lineup at Gates Honda in Richmond. Stop by to see that in-bed trunk, test the dual-action tailgate, and feel how the V6 pulls. Our team can break down trim differences, towing specs, and current deals. We’ve been helping Central Kentucky drivers for over a hundred years, so we know what works for families around Lexington, Berea, and Winchester. Come take one for a spin.

Tags: 2026 Honda Ridgeline vs Ford Maverick, Ford Maverick towing capacity, Honda Ridgeline specs, Honda truck bed size, Maverick hybrid mpg, midsize truck fuel economy, Ridgeline vs Maverick comparison, truck towing ratings
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