Trucks are a big business, and Ford has the bestselling vehicle in America: the large F-150 light duty pick up. What if you want a truck, but don’t need something so big and pricey? Ford’s smallest truck, the Maverick, has gotten attention for being different.
You might think of the Maverick as something that’s big and brash with a V-8 that uses lots of gas, but that’s not the case. No big engine here. You can only get a four-cylinder engine with this smaller truck. My ride for the week came with the fuel efficient 2.5L hybrid engine that provides decent power and performance, while using less fuel. If you spend lots of time in the city or in traffic, this little truck will see 40 mpg. The big story for this year is that you can finally get AWD with the hybrid version, something that wasn’t possible until now.
You will also be treated to a crossover-like driving experience. The Maverick sits lower, so you don’t have the ground clearance of a large truck. It also offers more comfort, with a suspension that soaks up bumps and minimizes bouncing or shutters on rough pavement, than bigger pickups. The Maverick is easy to drive on narrow city streets and parking this truck is simple, even in the tighter garages.
Many pickups today are more like a large, luxury machine that you would rather not get dirty. The Maverick goes back to the basics of what made trucks so popular in the past. The cloth-covered front bucket seats are comfortable, but not as padded as the large F-150. Ford seems to have the corner on some of the hottest heated seats on the market, when on its top setting. Do not expect as much space as larger pickups. Still, the rear bench seat fits three children, and there’s cargo space under it. The truck bed is usable, but not as large as a midsize or large truck — 30 bags of mulch will need to be two trips, instead of one. Getting in and out of the truck bed is a snap, no step or boost needed to use it.
The Maverick has its own look compared to other Ford trucks. It looks simpler and utilitarian, without flashy chrome trim pieces or giant wheels to catch your attention. There is no separate truck bed and cabin, like most other trucks. If you’re looking at the side of the Maverick, it appears like a one-piece ride.
Cost: $28,895; as tested $36,505
MPG: 40 MPG city, 34 MPG highway. I managed 37.7 MPG in 552 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $2,220 equipment group, m301A oil filter; $225 bed tie down locking rails; $1,890 XLT luxury package; $795 Ford co-pilot 360; $390 Red Metallic; $495 bed liner spray-in; $1,595 destination chargers
Safety: Advanced security pack; BLIS with cross traffic alert; lane keeping assist; pre-collision assist with AEB; reverse sensing and rearview camera; evasive steering; Ford co-pilot 360; rear parking sensors; auto high beam
Things to know: The Ford Maverick, now can be equipped with AWD, and the hybrid version so you can have a small truck and get great MPG too.
Pros:
- Smaller size allows for easier maneuvering in the city and parking lots.
- Hybrid and AWD is the big story for 2025.
- The starting price is very low for a truck when you choose lower trim levels.
Cons:
- Not meant for towing heavy trailers and hauling large items.
- The vehicle is subject to tariffs.
- Cabin is smaller than many other pickups on the market.
