autorrive
save your searchSaved0
Back to all videos
Affordable trucks2 minutes 8 seconds

Affordable Trucks: What Extra Capability Costs

Affordable trucks · 2 minutes 8 seconds · English captions available

Compare Ford Maverick Hybrid, Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger fuel costs, towing needs and ownership expenses before paying for extra capability. The example uses specific 2026 two-wheel-drive configurations, 15,000 miles per year and gas at $3.50 per gallon. Vehicle images are illustrations; model year and trim may differ.

Browse all videos
View transcript

00:00 — How much truck do you pay for?

Extra capability can be valuable. It can also become a bill you pay every week without using it. To compare affordable trucks, separate the job you need done from the fuel, financing, insurance, and maintenance that follow you home.

00:16 — One year. Same driving.

Consider three 2026 configurations: the Ford Maverick XL hybrid with front wheel drive, Nissan Frontier S crew cab with two wheel drive, and Ford Ranger XL with the two point three liter engine and two wheel drive. Compare each using the same annual mileage and fuel price.

00:36 — The annual fuel bill

The combined fuel ratings are thirty eight, twenty one, and twenty three miles per gallon, respectively. Assume fifteen thousand miles a year with gas priced at $3.50 per gallon. The Maverick uses about fourteen hundred dollars of fuel per year. The Frontier uses about twenty five hundred. The Ranger uses about twenty three hundred.

01:00 — Fuel is one line of the decision

That gives the Maverick roughly eleven hundred dollars a year of fuel advantage over the Frontier in this example. It does not guarantee the lowest total cost for every buyer. Obtain matching insurance quotes, compare financing, and budget for tires and service. Keep depreciation separate from full loan payments so you do not count the purchase twice.

01:24 — Capability sets the boundary

The front wheel drive hybrid Maverick in this comparison has a two thousand pound towing limit. A four thousand pound Maverick requires different equipment, including all wheel drive and the required tow package. If your loaded trailer exceeds the smaller truck's rating, its fuel savings do not make it the right tool.

01:45 — The affordable choice has to do the job

For ordinary light duty use, the Maverick's purchase and fuel advantages make it our affordability starting point. The Frontier and Ranger deserve consideration when their additional capability has a real purpose. Price the truck you need, then compare complete ownership costs. Avoid paying every day for a maximum you never use.

More car buying videos

Search the video library