Find Your Perfect Ford Pickup Truck at McKie Ford in Rapid City, SD
Compact Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick vs. Competitors
What is a Compact Pickup Truck?
Compact pickup trucks are the smallest class of pickup, designed for urban driving and light-duty tasks. They typically feature:
- Overall length under 200 inches
- Payload capacity between 1,200-1,800 lbs
- Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs
- Excellent fuel efficiency (often 25+ MPG combined)
- Maneuverable size for city driving and parking
Ideal for: Daily commuters, small business owners, and those needing occasional hauling capability without the bulk of a full-size truck.
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Why Choose the Ford Maverick?The Ford Maverick redefines the compact truck segment with its hybrid powertrain, impressive fuel economy, and surprising capability. Key features to look for in a compact pickup:
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Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
| Feature | Ford Maverick | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.5L Hybrid (191 hp) | 2.5L I4 (191 hp) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 42/33 (Hybrid) | 21/27 |
| Max Payload | 1,500 lbs | 1,748 lbs |
| Max Towing | 4,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Starting Price | $23,815 | $26,650 |
Mid-Size Pickup Truck: Ford Ranger vs. Competitors
What is a Mid-Size Pickup Truck?
Mid-size trucks strike a balance between capability and daily drivability. Characteristics include:
- Overall length between 210-230 inches
- Payload capacity between 1,500-2,000 lbs
- Towing capacity between 6,000-7,700 lbs
- Better fuel economy than full-size trucks (typically 18-24 MPG combined)
- More interior space than compacts while remaining manageable
Ideal for: Those needing more capability than a compact but don't require full-size capacity, outdoor enthusiasts, and contractors with moderate hauling needs.
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Why Choose the Ford Ranger?The Ford Ranger offers the perfect balance of capability and daily drivability. Key features to look for in a mid-size pickup:
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Ford Ranger vs. Chevrolet Colorado
| Feature | Ford Ranger | Chevrolet Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost (270 hp) | 2.7L Turbo (237 hp) |
| Max Towing | 7,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Max Payload | 1,860 lbs | 1,550 lbs |
| Off-Road Package | FX4 (Standard skid plates) | Z71 (Optional skid plates) |
| Starting Price | $32,670 | $31,900 |
Full-Size Pickup Truck: Ford F-150 vs. Competitors
What is a Full-Size Pickup Truck?
Full-size trucks are the most popular segment, offering maximum versatility. They feature:
- Overall length between 230-250 inches
- Payload capacity between 1,500-3,300 lbs
- Towing capacity between 9,000-14,000 lbs
- Spacious crew cab interiors with full-size rear seats
- Wide range of configurations and trim levels
Ideal for: Serious haulers, families needing interior space, contractors, and those who want maximum capability with daily drivability.
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Why Choose the Ford F-150?The Ford F-150 continues to set the standard for full-size pickups with its combination of power, technology, and versatility. Key features to look for in a full-size pickup:
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Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500
| Feature | Ford F-150 | Ram 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 3.3L V6 (290 hp) | 3.6L V6 (305 hp) |
| Max Towing | 14,000 lbs | 12,750 lbs |
| Max Payload | 3,325 lbs | 2,300 lbs |
| Hybrid Option | PowerBoost (430 hp) | Not available |
| Starting Price | $33,835 | $37,090 |
Super Duty and Heavy Duty Trucks: Ford F-250 vs. Competitors
What is a Heavy Duty/Super Duty Pickup Truck?
Heavy duty trucks are built for maximum capability with features including:
- Overall length between 250-300 inches
- Payload capacity between 3,000-7,000 lbs
- Towing capacity between 14,000-37,000 lbs
- Reinforced frames and heavy-duty components
- Available dual rear wheels for maximum stability
Ideal for: Commercial users, serious towers, those hauling heavy loads regularly, and anyone needing maximum durability.
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Why Choose the Ford Super Duty?Ford's Super Duty trucks are built for maximum capability and durability. Key features to look for in a heavy-duty pickup:
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Ford F-250 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
| Feature | Ford F-250 | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 6.2L V8 (385 hp) | 6.6L V8 (401 hp) |
| Diesel Engine | 6.7L Power Stroke (475 hp) | 6.6L Duramax (470 hp) |
| Max Conventional Towing | 22,000 lbs | 20,000 lbs |
| Max Payload | 4,260 lbs | 3,979 lbs |
| Starting Price | $43,965 | $44,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider your primary uses: compact trucks like the Maverick are great for daily driving and light hauling, mid-size trucks like the Ranger offer more capability while remaining manageable, full-size trucks like the F-150 provide maximum versatility, and heavy-duty trucks like the F-250 are for serious towing and hauling. The team at McKie Ford can help you assess your needs.
These terms refer to payload capacity classifications. Half-ton (like F-150) typically handles about 1,000 lbs, three-quarter-ton (like F-250) about 1,500 lbs, and one-ton (like F-350) about 2,000 lbs or more. Modern trucks often exceed these traditional limits, but the classifications remain as size categories.
Gasoline engines generally cost less upfront and are better for lighter, occasional use. Diesel engines offer better fuel economy when towing and more torque for heavy loads, making them ideal for frequent towing or commercial use. The experts at McKie Ford can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Key towing features include: adequate engine power and cooling, proper hitch receiver, trailer brake controller, tow/haul mode, mirror extensions, and payload capacity. Ford offers advanced towing technologies like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Reverse Guidance on many models.
Follow Ford's recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Generally, oil changes are needed every 5,000-7,500 miles for gasoline engines or 7,500-10,000 miles for diesels. Heavy use or severe conditions may require more frequent service. McKie Ford's service department can create a maintenance plan tailored to your usage.
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