Clyde sits between Fremont and Sandusky where people need trucks that work for both hauling stuff and daily driving. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick represent two different approaches to this problem. One is a full size truck trying to be comfortable, the other is basically a car with a bed.
Firelands Honda can show you Ridgelines in person, and their truck inventory lets you see what's actually available instead of just reading specs online.
Bed Size Differences That Actually Matter
The Ridgeline has a 5.3 foot bed. The Maverick offers either 4.5 or 6 foot beds depending on cab configuration. That difference sounds small but it affects what you can haul. Full sheets of plywood don't fit flat in either truck without dropping the tailgate, so forget that old benchmark.
The Ridgeline bed is wider between the wheel wells. This matters for landscape materials, tool boxes, or anything that needs width more than length. The Maverick bed is narrower, which limits certain loads even though it might be longer in the extended bed version.
Both trucks have tricks to extend usefulness. The Ridgeline has an in bed trunk that's actually useful for securing tools or keeping things dry. The Maverick has slots built into the bed for creating dividers or mounting accessories. Which system works better depends on what you're actually hauling most often.
For Clyde residents doing yard work, home projects, or helping neighbors move stuff, either bed size handles most tasks. You're probably not hauling commercial loads daily. Weekend warrior use fits both trucks fine. The Ridgeline bed is more weatherproof with better sealing, while the Maverick bed is just open metal that collects water.
Cab Comfort for the Fremont to Sandusky Commute
The Ridgeline cabin feels like a Honda Pilot inside. Comfortable seats, good materials, quiet ride. If you're commuting to Whirlpool in Clyde or driving to Sandusky for work, the Ridgeline makes that 20 to 30 minute drive pleasant. Rear seats are spacious enough for adults, not just kids.
The Maverick cabin is smaller and less refined. It's based on the Bronco Sport platform, which is basically an Escape underneath. The materials are cheaper feeling and road noise is louder. Rear seat space is tight for anyone over six feet tall. But it still beats most compact cars for comfort.
Climate control in both works fine for Ohio weather. The Ridgeline has better sound insulation so highway driving is quieter. The Maverick feels more utilitarian, which some people prefer in a truck. You're not worried about getting it dirty or banged up like you might with the nicer Ridgeline interior.
Both have modern infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ridgeline screen is larger and the system responds faster. The Maverick screen works but it's not as polished. For quick trips around Clyde neither matters much. For longer drives the Ridgeline advantage becomes noticeable.
Towing Capacity for Boats and Trailers
The Ridgeline tows up to 5,000 pounds. That covers most boats people keep at Sandusky Bay or Lake Erie. Utility trailers, small campers, and equipment all fit within this limit. The all wheel drive system helps with traction when launching boats at ramps.
The Maverick tows 2,000 pounds with the base engine or 4,000 pounds with the optional EcoBoost engine. This still covers small boats and most utility trailers but leaves less margin. If you regularly tow near the limit, the Ridgeline provides more cushion.
Integrated trailer brake controllers come standard on the Ridgeline. The Maverick requires adding this as an option. Small detail but it matters when you're actually towing. Having everything set up properly from the factory beats retrofitting parts later.
For most Clyde residents, either truck handles occasional towing fine. If you tow heavy loads weekly, the Ridgeline makes more sense. If you tow a jet ski twice a summer, the Maverick saves money upfront even with less capacity.
Fuel Costs Add Up Over a Year
The Maverick hybrid gets around 37 mpg combined. That's shockingly good for a truck. The hybrid is front wheel drive only, which limits capability but saves serious money on gas. At current Ohio prices, you're spending maybe $1,200 a year on fuel with typical driving.
The Ridgeline gets about 21 mpg combined. Still decent for a larger truck with all wheel drive, but nowhere near the Maverick hybrid numbers. You'll spend closer to $2,000 to $2,500 annually on gas with similar driving patterns. Over five years that difference is $4,000 to $6,000.
The Maverick EcoBoost engine gets worse mileage than the hybrid, around 25 mpg. This narrows the gap with the Ridgeline while providing more power and all wheel drive. If you need capability beyond the hybrid, the EcoBoost becomes the compromise option.
Factor in Clyde driving patterns. Lots of short trips around town favor the Maverick hybrid. Highway commutes to Fremont or Sandusky reduce the hybrid advantage. Your actual savings depend on how and where you drive most often.
How They Handle Rough Roads and Potholes
The Ridgeline rides smoothly for a truck. The independent rear suspension handles bumps better than solid axle designs. Rough roads around Clyde and rural Sandusky County get absorbed without beating up passengers. It feels more like driving an SUV than a traditional truck.
The Maverick ride is firmer and you feel more road imperfections. It's not harsh, but it's clearly a more basic setup. Potholes and frost heaves get transmitted to the cabin more than in the Ridgeline. For occasional truck use this might not matter. For daily driving it becomes noticeable.
Both trucks have adequate ground clearance for gravel roads or muddy paths. Neither is a serious off road vehicle. The Ridgeline all wheel drive system is better in snow and slippery conditions. The Maverick all wheel drive is optional and works adequately but isn't as sophisticated.
Steering feel is better in the Ridgeline. It's more precise and gives better feedback. The Maverick steering is vaguer and takes more correction. Neither is sports car level, but the Ridgeline feels more planted and confident at highway speeds.
Reliability and Keeping Them Running
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability. The Ridgeline shares many components with the Pilot which has proven durable over multiple generations. Maintenance costs stay reasonable and parts are widely available. Any Honda dealer or independent mechanic can work on them.
The Maverick is too new to have long term reliability data. Early reports are mostly positive but it's only been out a few years. Ford's small EcoBoost engines have had some issues in other vehicles. The hybrid system borrows from the Escape which seems reliable so far.
Warranty coverage is similar between both trucks. Three year basic warranty and five year powertrain for both. Extended warranties are available if you want additional coverage. Whether these make sense depends on how long you keep vehicles and your risk tolerance.
The Ridgeline holds value better historically. Used Ridgelines command strong prices because demand stays high. The Maverick is too new to know how it will depreciate long term. Initial resale has been strong due to limited supply, but that could change as production ramps up.
Price Reality and What You Actually Pay
The Maverick starts around $25,000 for a base hybrid. That's remarkably cheap for a truck. Add options and you're still under $35,000 for a well equipped model. This pricing makes it accessible for buyers who couldn't afford traditional trucks.
The Ridgeline starts around $40,000 and climbs past $50,000 for loaded models. You're paying significantly more upfront. The question becomes whether the refinement, capability, and reliability are worth the premium. For some buyers yes, for others no.
Consider total cost of ownership beyond purchase price. The Maverick saves on fuel but might cost more in depreciation if resale values drop. The Ridgeline costs more upfront but historically holds value well. Insurance, registration, and maintenance all factor into the real cost.
Financing terms affect monthly payments more than purchase price sometimes. A cheaper truck with higher interest costs more monthly than a pricier truck with better rates. Run the actual numbers with your credit situation before deciding based solely on sticker prices.
Which Truck Fits Clyde Life Better
The Ridgeline makes sense if you want one vehicle that does everything well. Daily driver comfort, adequate capability, proven reliability. You're paying more but getting a refined product that won't annoy you on commutes while still handling truck tasks when needed.
The Maverick works if you prioritize value and fuel economy. You accept compromises in refinement and capability to save money upfront and at the pump. For light truck duty and mostly car like use, it delivers surprising functionality at a great price.
Your actual needs matter more than specs. If you tow regularly, need rear seat space, or value ride quality, the Ridgeline wins. If you rarely use the bed, want amazing fuel economy, and can live with less space, the Maverick makes sense. You can also check used inventory for previous generation Ridgelines that offer similar capability at lower prices.
Disclaimer: Please note that features are dependent on trim levels and all features are not available on all trims. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
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