2025 RAM 1500 vs 2025 Ford Maverick

There's a new super-luxe trim joining the perennial favorites. There's lots and lots of new tech, including a hands-free driver-assistance system. There are new powertrain options, bringing more power at better efficiency. And we're told we can expect the fully electric Ram 1500 REV and plug-in hybrid Ram 1500 Ramcharger soon, too.

Verdict: The full-size truck market just seems to get more and more competitive every year, and Ram just brought its offering back up to the front of the pack. Whether it will stay there another five years remains to be seen, but this update has certainly proven the brand is motivated to fight.

The Ford Maverick really shook up the pickup-truck market when it arrived as a 2022 model. Ford’s compact pickup utilizes the same basic platform as the Escape and Bronco Sport crossovers, but it offers real truck capability and a hybrid powertrain to boot. The 2025 model features styling and tech updates, but the biggest news is a Maverick Lobo performance variant and an all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid, so that’s what we focused on for this first drive.

Verdict: The Maverick is still a great vehicle, but it’s not quite the bargain it once was.