FORD MAVERICK: A small truck that's surprisingly mighty and innovative
PROS:
CONS: Not as customizable as other trucks of the same size; adding packages makes the Maverick pricey; ride is stiff despite its size.
VERDICT: The Maverick is the ideal truck for drivers who want an environmental pickup truck that has plenty of prowess but isn't a behemoth.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Hyundai Santa Cruz
- The Maverick was a discounted model from the 1970s that Ford has revived to become part of a new generation of small pickups that pack a punch.
- Unlike other Ford trucks such as the Ranger or F-150, the Maverick's unibody is similar to that of the Escape and Bronco Sport, making it more agile on the road.
- The Maverick comes equipped with a 2.5-liter FHEV hybrid engine as standard; opting for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine costs extra.
- Despite its compact size, this pickup can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the hybrid engine and up to 4,000 pounds with the optional four-cylinder engine.
How about the prices and trims?
All three trims of the Maverick are considered affordable. XL, the base trim, begins at nearly $20,000, while Lariat, the top-tier trim, costs $25,860. Adding packages can increase the price significantly if you're not careful.
As expected, the XL's low price means its creature features are minimal, such as no cruise control, no wireless charging pad, and no front tow hooks. Many of these features are standard or optional on the XLT and Lariat trims, so there are opportunities to customize them. Keep in mind that the Lariat opens the door to more optional elements instead of standard ones.
Which one do we recommend?
If you're looking for a barebones work truck, the XL is the one to choose, though you may need to swap out the hybrid engine for the regular one and add AWD. Shoppers looking for a more well-rounded one should opt for the XLT, the middle tier trim. Keep it as a hybrid to save yourself money (both now and on gas), and maybe add a package or two.
What about its availability?
The Maverick is now on sale. Select models are available at local Ford dealerships or shoppers can order this vehicle from Ford's website.
What about its performance and handling?
The basis for the Maverick's body is SUVs, which means it's a little easier to drive in the city and around tight corners than other trucks.
- Despite that flexibility, the ride can feel stiff, especially if this is your first go-around with pickups.
- The hybrid engine version has an average of 37 mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient truck on the market. Opting for the other engine lowers your fuel efficiency to 26 with FWD or 25 with AWD.
- All Mavericks come with an ergonomically-placed rotary gear shift dial within the driver's reach.
Since the Maverick comes standard with the hybrid engine, this truck signals a new era in the automotive industry. The hybrid motor-engine combo only generates 191 horsepower, compared to the 250 the four-cylinder engine does. Additionally, the hybrid one gets paired with front-wheel drive and CVT automatic. If you need AWD, you have to choose the four-cylinder, which adds nearly $4,400 to the ticket price.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
The Maverick only offers one cabin-bed combination, at least for now: a crew cab and a 4.5-footbed. In other words, the cabin has four doors, can seat 5, and the bed is one of the shortest out there. (Mid-size trucks, for example, come with 5-foot beds.) Though that seems small, the backseat is surprisingly spacious, even for adults. Cloth upholstery is standard, but stylized upholstery and vinyl seats are available if you opt for the XLT or Lariat trims. The backseats also fold over if you need more space to haul equipment or gear.
As mentioned above, XL comes relatively bare-bones and, as such, there are several features we recommend considering for the cabin. Chief among them is the dual-zone climate control element (as opposed to manual air conditioning), a rest armrest with cupholders, and perhaps the heated seats if you live in a cold area. The optional moon roof could also add a little flair if you're into that. Adding those, however, won't necessarily upgrade the Maverick's interior to plush due to all the cheap-looking plastic.
Infotainment and connectivity
An eight-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and audio controls on the steering wheel come standard on the XL. If you want a wireless charging port, Bang & Olufsen speakers, or remote start options, you'll have to upgrade to a different trim. However, we imagine most shoppers would be happy with the infotainment basics.
LIKES: Though the XL is quite basic, it comes with many of the infotainment features most folks need and want.
DISLIKES: Infotainment options aren't all that exciting
How about the technology and features?
The Maverick isn't for drivers looking for an exceptionally modern cabin. Only a rearview camera and pre-collision assist come standard on the XL trim. Other safety features or tech perks such as adaptive cruise control or a power tailgate lock require the XLT or Lariat trims.
LIKES: There are excellent storage cubbies throughout the cabin, and the bed comes with thoughtful additions such as USB charging ports. The Maverick comes equipped to tow, thanks to a standard integrated trailer brake controller and two connectors (four-pin and seven-pin)
DISLIKES: Too few tech features come standard on the Maverick.
Quick Quirks: Though the backseat is spacious, it's difficult to load a child seat. Additionally, all trims come with a rear under-seat storage box, but you need to lift the entire rear seat to get to it. |
Some additional features:
- The bucket seats are surprisingly comfortable, even on the XL trim, though tall drivers and passengers may slightly feel squeezed when taking tight corners.
- An off-roading package is available for XLT and Lariat if you're interested in taking the Maverick on an adventure.
- According to Ford, the bed can hold up to 18 sheets of 4x8-foot 3/4-inch plywood.
How's the exterior?
In terms of looks, the Maverick looks like a regular truck. A confident stance, modern curvatures on the corners, the crew cab, and large tires helps make it look like a mid-size pickup, even though it's smaller. A variety of optional exterior features are available, but we're not particularly excited by them. An option worth considering is adding the optional tailgate lock, lighting for the bed, or extra dividers so you can store all you need on the bed.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
Mavericks don't come with many of the safety features you would expect, so we recommend adding a few, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist. The warranty program is minimal as well:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates this model five out of five stars.
- All trims include a rearview camera and emergency braking.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Hybrid warranty for 100,000 miles or eight years.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Maverick?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some franchise dealerships may offer additional incentives, rebates and manager's specials. Get in touch with your local Ford dealer to learn more.
