Ford knows its audience and it knew that a car-based pickup truck would only do well if it looked and acted like a truck. Hence the Ford Maverick. Introduced in 2022, the Maverick has been one of the most popular new entries into the Ford lineup.

The Maverick fits within a niche that many didn’t believe would be as large as it is. Compact pickup trucks, which disappeared from the North American market for a long time, are making a strong comeback thanks in large part to the Ford Maverick. With a low starting price and long list of packages and equipment options, the Ford Maverick is definitely an easy choice.

For buyers, finding capabilities options is a bit of a slog, given the amount of options available for the Maverick. If the Maverick is the fit, though, it will basically boil down to three basic needs: high fuel economy, towing and hauling, or going off-pavement. Choosing one of these will streamline the rest of the choices.

As a compact truck, there are limitations to the Maverick that could dissuade some people’s interest. It has a small cabin with limited seat and steering wheel adjustment and a cramped back seat. It’s also limited in towing and hauling, even when that is the focus. For urban or occasional-use truck needs, though, the Maverick is made to fit the bill. Its compact size makes for easy parking and its hybrid powertrain makes for an efficient commuter. And its styling is very much 100% truck.

Both the Maverick and the Santa Cruz are car-based trucks based on a respective small crossover-SUV model. The Santa Cruz is more car-like, however, with a sleeker design and more small-SUV design to its interior. Its adjustments and drive quality are more sophisticated and clean than that of the Maverick’s and it has higher capabilities in towing and hauling. What the Santa Cruz lacks, however, is that “truck cred” and low price point that the Maverick brings.

The Ford Ranger is the Maverick’s larger sibling, fitting in between the compact Maverick and the full-sized Ford F-150. Comparatively, while there are nominal similarities in engine sizes and design bits, the two are quite different. The Ranger is less fuel efficient and higher-priced than the Maverick and offers more in the way of capabilities thanks to its larger size and design. The choice will largely come down to needs, with the Maverick filling in where the Ranger is just a bit much.

In its segment of only two options, the Maverick is by far the lowest priced. With a starting price under $24,000 and an average buy price at about $26,500, the Ford Maverick is one of the cheapest vehicles to buy in any segment right now.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The Maverick debuted in 2022 and carries into 2023 with only one change: the addition of a new Tremor package. The Tremor Off-Road package is added to the XLT and Lariat models (middle and top trims respectively). This package adds about an inch of ground clearance via suspension changes and larger tires. It also adds underbody skid plates, a towing kit with an upgraded transmission cooler, an advanced four-wheel drive system, and a locking rear differential. Unique Tremor badging and interior details as well as a full-sized spare tire and extra terrain modes for the more advanced off-road system are also added.

In addition to the Tremor Off-Road package, there’s a Tremor Off-Road Plus Appearance package that can be added on top to bring gray “non-glare” color changes to the hood, roof, and mirrors.

The Tremor package can only be added when the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is opted for.

The Ford Maverick has two powertrain options. The default is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid-electric system with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combines to output 191 horsepower to the front wheels. This fuel-efficient setup is well-powered and will likely fit most user’s needs. Towing is limited to 2,000 pounds, which may be a concern for some buyers.

We drove the hybrid setup in 2022 and were greatly impressed by its fuel sipping nature and easygoing drive appeal. This version of the Maverick is what many compact truck buyers have been asking for in a pickup. Steering is good, maneuverability is excellent, and the little Maverick hybrid, while sometimes struggling to make freeway speeds, feels workaday in its design.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder option adds a lot more umph to the truck and our test drive with the Tremor package was a fun drive. The qualities of the base level Maverick were still there, but the faster punch of the turbocharged engine and the well-mannered eight-speed automatic transmission were much more robust when doing work and off-road. Towing is upped to 4,000 pounds with the turbo engine and geared transmission while capability off the pavement is raised thanks to the Tremor’s all-terrain tires and underbody protection.

The latest NHTSA crash test returns are from the 2022 model year. The Maverick has not changed since its introduction in 2022, however, so those still apply to this new model year.

The Ford Maverick is considered better than average in reliability according to most consumer evaluation groups. Several recalls have fixed relatively minor issues with the Maverick since its debut last year.

Given the high rank of Ford overall for reliability with its pickup trucks and the fact that the Maverick shares so much with the well-established and reliable Ford Escape, we think the Maverick will continue to be considered better than average.

Our best bet for most Ford Maverick buyers is the mid-grade XLT package. This adds alloy wheels, better interior upholstery, and a power-locking rear tailgate. The latter makes adding a tonneau cover or bed cap an option. The added rear center armrest with cup holders is also nice.

We’d recommend staying with the base hybrid powertrain unless towing or heavier hauling are in your plans. Then the turbocharged 2.0L is a good upgrade.

The warranty that Ford offers on the Maverick is about average for the industry and segment. The powertrain warranty which is 5 years or 60,000 miles, is the most important here.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• Ford offers extended warranties for certified pre-owned cars
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

The Ford Maverick is new to the market, having been introduced in 2022. So finding a used model is not very likely. Most buyers will find that a new model is their only choice for now. Finding one at MSRP may be a challenge in some areas, as dealerships are marking up new Mavericks as a result of high demand and low inventory.

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