The gradual increase in the size of “midsize” pickup trucks has led to a space at the bottom of the market that Ford exploited by creating the Maverick. Other than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which suffered a failed launch, no other maker has joined Ford with a quasi-affordable pickup and the truck has been a big success. Ford eschewed the traditional body-on-frame truck architecture for a unibody structure, like the Honda Ridgeline. The sole body style offered is a four-door crewcab.

Despite is radical (for a pickup) structure, the Maverick reflects a very conservative styling philosophy which is what pickup intenders appreciate. The cabin design is quite straightforward. The driver faces a digital gauge display and the infotainment screen is now a full 13.2 inches. The HVAC controls are new for this year but are still easy to fathom.

Ford incorporated several interesting features into the tailgate area of the Maverick. There are vertical slots in the tailgate walls that will accept 2 x 4 wood pieces allowing owners to create their own barrier systems. Flat wheel arches can combine with a tailgate that can lock at an angle to allow 4 x 8 sheets or drywall or plywood to be carried flat in a tailgate that is shorter than eight feet.

Two engines, a 2.5L hybrid and a 2L turbo four, are available. The hybrid, previously restricted to front-wheel drive, is now offered with all-wheel drive, which is standard with the 2L. The hybrid uses a CVT whereas the 2L turbo is hooked up to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid combines good performance with excellent fuel economy. The battery pack of the hybrid is liquid cooled which delivers more consistent thermal environment and should enhance batter pack durability. Tow capacity for the hybrid model is 907 kgs (2000 lbs), with the gas model rated for 1814 kgs (4000 lbs).

On the road, the Maverick is a delight. The hybrid model delivers an enviable combination of solid performance and excellent fuel economy. The 2L turbo four is both smooth and fast, but fuel consumption is on the heavy side. With unibody construction, the truck feels very solid and ride and handling are quite car-like, in sharp contrast with the clunky driving characteristics of body-on-frame pickup trucks. Steering lacks feel but is quick and precise and braking is solid.

No pricing was available for the 2025 Maverick in early 2025.