Ford's bread and butter is trucks, particularly the F-150, but Ford's smaller truck, the Maverick, is showing that it too, can contribute to Ford's truck success by providing a perfect alternative to buyers that feel many pickup trucks can be intimidating, both in size and price. The Maverick seems to calm both of those issues.
The Ford Maverick comes in below the Ford Ranger and of course, Ford's shining star, the F-150. And it's quite different from the Ranger and F-150 in that it uses a unibody construction rather than a body-on-frame that its larger siblings use. In fact, the Maverick is based off the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs.
The Ford Maverick sports a four-door crew cab with a 4.5-foot bed. One can make the case that the Maverick is an economy car, as it comes standard as a hybrid, using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. It makes a combined 191 horsepower and brings in an EPA estimated 38 mpg combined. For a more truck-like feel, there is an optional EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 hp and gets 24 mpg. Front wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. The Maverick competes against the Hyundai Santa Cruz and can even make a case against the Honda Ridgeline, although the Ridgeline is slightly larger.
Following in the footsteps of both the F-150 and the Ranger, the Maverick is available in many trim levels. The base XL is simple with its steel wheels and cloth interior. It comes with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so if those are the only necessities needed, the XL is good choice, especially with its under $30,000 price tag. If you want a little nicer Maverick, opt for the XLT which adds alloy wheels, an upgraded interior and a power locking tailgate. The XLT can be had with a luxury package that adds a power driver's seat, heated front seats and remote starting. Likewise, you can opt for the XLT to be equipped with the FX4 Off-road package. It requires the EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive and adds in all-terrain tires, hill descent control and skid plates. The Lobo trim level takes the Maverick in the other direction. It features a lowered sport-tuned suspension for better on-road handling, performance brakes, sport-tuned steering, 19-inch black painted alloy wheels and torque vectoring all-wheel drive that helps to improve cornering performance and stability. The Lariat adds to the XLT with dual-zone climate control, a premium sound system, and adaptive cruise control. Finally, there is the Tremor. Based off the Lariat, it adds most of the FX4 Off-road features along with some additional terrain drive modes, as well as some unique exterior styling and badges.
The tester is a Lobo, featuring the EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive. It has an MSRP of $45,870.00.
In previous reviews of the Maverick, I found it to be an ideal city runabout. But in the Lobo trim level, it really gets a boost in its driving characteristics that should appeal to most driving enthusiasts. Various driving modes let you dial in your experience. One setting, Lobo mode (really!), sharpens throttle response, tweaks gear ratios, and maximizes handling characteristics to improve cornering and overall road feel. And it all works well with the EcoBoost engine. Even though there is no increase in power from the powerplant, the Maverick Lobo just feels much more alive and responsive.
While the cabin of the Maverick is far from plush, it does offer standard necessities such as a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. The front seats, which on the Lobo are synthetic leather, are comfortable and the dash layout is simple and easy to get acclimated with. Visibility outside is good thanks to the Maverick's large windows and boxy cab design. Seating in the rear is decent although legroom is limited. Storage in the cabin is plentiful - with water bottle holders in the doors, a larger center console to hold items as well as a large underseat storage area. If a complaint is to be made, it is with the gear shifter. A truck, no matter how big or small, just shouldn't have a rotary knob as a shifter.
Being a unibody vehicle, the Maverick isn't the truck of choice for big jobs. Nonetheless, it still can do its share of work. Maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds while the payload can carry 1,500 pounds - ideal for a small boat or utility trailer. An integrated trailer brake controller is even available.
For 2026, the only change to the Maverick lineup is that the optional EcoBoost engine can now be paired with front-wheel drive Mavericks, no longer requiring all-wheel drive. Otherwise, the Maverick goes unchanged for 2026.
My time in the Maverick Lobo brings back memories of my early days of driving, when mini trucks made the scene. Low to the ground, inexpensive, practical and most of all fun, the Lobo follows a similar recipe and adds to the appeal of those who just want a small truck that is able to tackle crowded city streets, haul some stuff, be fuel efficient and, like the mini trucks of yesterday, be fun.