The Maverick is Ford’s popular compact pick-up that’s seen sales grow every year since its introduction. It’s affordable, fuel-efficient, and a great option for consumers who don’t want the expense and larger footprint of a full-size pick-up. While it can’t tow and haul as much as the big trucks, The Maverick is still capable, especially for those honey do tasks, and is comfortable as a daily driver with its smooth ride and easy handling. It also has the lowest starting price of any midsize pickup in the U.S.
The Maverick was added to the Ford line-up for the 2022 model year, using the same name as the old compact Maverick fastback that debuted way back in 1970.
Unlike full-size pickups, the Maverick has unibody construction instead of body-on-frame which makes it drive more like a car or crossover instead of a truck. This is a big part of its appeal.
For 2025, this small pick-up gets a mid-cycle refresh. Most notably, all-wheel drive is now offered with the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, addressing one of the most common criticisms of previous Mavericks. This upgrade also allows hybrid models equipped with the 4K Tow Package to tow up to 4,000 pounds, matching the capability of the turbocharged EcoBoost variants. The Maverick also gets updated exterior styling including revised headlights and trim-specific grille. In the cabin, there’s a new 13.2-inch landscape infotainment touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 system, replacing the smaller eight-inch display.
The 2025 Maverick comes in five trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, Lobo and Tremor. The sporty Lobo trim is new for 2025, and the off-road oriented Tremor is offered for the first time as a stand-alone trim. Starting prices range from $28,145 to $40,995. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available on the XL, XLT and Lariat trims. AWD comes standard on the Lobo and Tremor trims.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
Two excellent powertrains are offered. One is a 2.5-liter hybrid inline four that makes 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. This engine is standard on the XL, XLT and Lariat trims.
The Tremor and Lobo trims get a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged producing 250 horses and 277 pound-feet. The Tremor trim has an eight-speed automatic, while the Lobo trim gets a seven-speed quick-shift automatic.
The XL, XLT and Lariat trims are also available with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission, or the 2.0L Ecoboost with AWD.
These engines serve distinct buyers. The hybrid delivers the best fuel economy for any pickup sold in the U.S., while the EcoBoost engine is the better choice for those who want peppy acceleration or plan to tow frequently, and pairs well with the Lobo and Tremor trims that emphasize performance and off-roading.
My XLT tester with the hybrid engine does indeed handle like a crossover. Steering is light, brakes are responsive, and it’s relatively small size makes it easy to maneuver in busy city traffic and tight parking lots. Acceleration is fine for merging and passing at highway speeds. While the ride is a bit firmer than a sedan or crossover, it’s still mostly compliant though you will feel some bumps on rough roads. Visibility is good all the way around.
Fuel economy is excellent for a compact pickup. EPA ratings for the hybrid models with front-wheel drive are 42 mpg city, 35 mg highway and 38 mpg combined. The Hybrid models with AWD are rated at 40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 37 combined. Models with the EcoBoost and AWD are rated at 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 combined. The Lobo trim with AWD gets 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The Tremor with AWD is rated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.
I got 37 mpg during my week with the XLT AWD model with a mix of city and highway driving.
The Maverick can’t tow or haul as much as a full-size pickup, but its capacities are very good for a smaller vehicle. When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 2,000 pounds or 4,000 pounds with the available 4K tow package. Hauling capacity is up to 1,500 pounds. The bed is 4-foot-six inches. This means you can reach most of the bed without having to open the tailgate or climb in.
The cabin is much improved for 2025. It’s attractive and things are thoughtfully laid out. There’s still a fair amount of hard plastics, but that’s to be expected at this price point. Upper trims have some upscale touches. The dash now has a modern look thanks to the new 13.2-inch touchscreen. Front seats are comfortable and supportive with good leg- and headroom. The second row isn’t as roomy, but a couple of average-size adults will be fine.
Standard features include remote keyless entry, rearview camera, manual climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, eight-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with 13.2-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, two front USB ports, Wi-Fi hot spot and automatic high-beam headlights.
Available features include remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, surround-view camera system, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation, eight-speaker B&O premium audio system, wireless device charging, two rear USB ports, ambient LED interior lighting, sliding rear window, LED projector headlights, two household-style power outlets, and a moonroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.
Available driver assistance technologies include lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, evasive-steering assist, automatic post-collision braking, cross-traffic braking assist, traffic-sign recognition, reverse collision warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors
Ford has been making user-friendly infotainment systems for years. Every Maverick now comes with the Sync 4 system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Graphics are sharp and look modern, menus are logically arranged, the touchscreen is easy to see and reach, and the system responds quickly to inputs. And there are handy physical knobs for volume and tuning – thank you, Ford!
The good:
Two excellent powertrain choices
Great fuel economy – hybrid mileage is better than any other pickup
Easy to drive
Affordable
Updated cabin
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Hard plastics in cabin
Not as capable as full-size pickups
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $28,895. Equipment Group 301A is $2,220 and includes all-wheel drive, 17-inch Carbonized gray wheels, unique cloth bucket seats, heated steering wheel, heated seats, remote start, LED box lighting, 400W inverter, and upgraded mirrors. Bed tie down locking rails are $225. The XLT Luxury Package is $1,890 and includes a power eight-way driver seat. Ford Co-Pilot 360 is $795. The spray-in bedliner is $495. The destination fee is $1,595, bringing the grand total to $36,115.
Bottom line:
With its 2025 refresh, Ford makes the popular Maverick even better by expanding the trim offerings and modernizing the cabin. It offers the capability of a truck and drivability of a car, and gets great gas mileage to boot. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a compact pickup.
