2024 Ford Maverick Review

Small pickups are back; besides, at the center of this emerging trend is the 2024 Ford Maverick, which has created its way onto our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list again this year. Built on the Escape crossover's mechanicals, it shoulders its technique into the Ford pickup truck lineup below the midsize Ranger. Although it might not be built on a truck platform like the F-150 or the Ranger, it offers stout payload and dragging capability. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is standard, using a front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain are both available. When suitably fortified, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds and handle as much as 1500 pounds of cargo in its compact bed. Its cabin is well laid out, and most models offer a generous list of equipment that makes it feel more fashionable than its affordable price would suggest. The base XL trim is quite spartan and best suited for fleets and work-site duty. Overall, the Maverick is a compelling small pickup truck with exceptional levelheadedness. We will no doubt see more compact pickup trucks entering the market in the coming years, but right now, the Maverick exists in a class of two, competing only against the more classy Hyundai Santa Cruz.

New Features

The Maverick's hybrid powertrain is no longer the average offering. Starting with the 2024 model year, ordering the 191-hp hybrid setup will add $1500 to the truck's price. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder becomes the de facto typical powertrain this year, coupled with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive remnants optional, but only with this engine.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2024 Ford Maverick twitches at $25,410 and goes up to $39,945, depending on the trim besides options. Ford offers the Maverick in three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with the XL being the best choice for keeping the price as low as conceivable. It lacks basic creature comforts that most buyers consider provisions but could make for a good work truck. Going with the XLT adds features such as 17-inch aluminum wheels, trip control, a power lock for the tailgate, and power exterior mirrors, making it the value-oriented model. We would stick with the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine but add all-wheel drive. We would also order the Tow set to unlock the maximum Maverick towing size of 4000 pounds.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Rather than jump with the Bronco Sport's turbocharged three-cylinder engine using the standard powertrain, Ford has dropped in a spunky 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, then an eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is optional through this powertrain. A hybrid powertrain is optional, consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder assisted by an electric motor for a joint 191 horsepower. This setup only has front-wheel drive and an uninterrupted variable automatic transmission (CVT). On the road, the Maverick feels flat and peppy with the optional turbo four, and at our test track, it reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The hybrid powertrain is a smaller perky and needed 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph in our testing, but it gets the job done. The Maverick's suspension is stiff to provide its impressive payload capacity, leading to a coarse ride over broken pavement.

Ford Maverick Towing Capacity and Payload

Even with the hybrid powertrain, the Maverick bids 1500 pounds of payload capacity and 2000 pounds of towing size. With the turbocharged four-cylinder and the non-compulsory Tow package, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds. Are you looking to tow even more with a small pickup? The Hyundai Santa Cruz is regarded to tow up to 5000 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that hybrid variations of the Maverick are good for 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway; the nonhybrid is valued at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, besides 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway by all-wheel drive. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, our all-wheel-drive XLT FX4 model through the nonhybrid powertrain matched its 29-mpg EPA rating, but the hybrid was off the EPA's mark through only a 30-mpg result. With all of its added off-road equipment, the Tremor model managed only 26 mpg in the identical test. Call the EPA's website for more information about Maverick's fuel economy.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

All Mavericks are squad cabs, which means four full-size doors besides a roomy back seat. Ford has incorporated many storage cubbies besides bins throughout the cabin, including large areas under the rear seat. Base models are far from plush but offer standard niceties such as a tilting and telescoping steering wheel through audio controls, remote keyless entry, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. More features come normal or as part of option packages on the XLT and Lariat trims, including dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and power front seats. Ford says the Maverick's 4.5-foot bed container fit up to 18 sheets of four-by-eight-foot, three-quarter-inch plywood without loading them at an angle. The bed likewise features a 12-volt power outlet, with a 110-volt outlet offered.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is typical on all Maverick trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are typical features; even the base model comes with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Options include SiriusXM satellite radio, an advanced B&O Play stereo system, and wireless smartphone charging capability.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

• Average automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning through lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Maverick offers the identical standard warranty package as other new Fords, which is essential. There is no gratis scheduled maintenance program

• The limited contract covers three years or 36,000 miles
• The powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid component warranty shelters eight years or 100,000 miles
• No gratis scheduled maintenance

Trims

It is accessible in three trim levels: the XL, XLT, and Lariat.

Competition

Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Ford Maverick has only one direct competitor, the similarly car-based Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, depending on configuration, the Maverick might go toe to toe with midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier, besides the Toyota Tacoma.

Conclusion

The Ford Maverick has been a bestselling sales success since its launch for the 2022 model year, leaving little doubt that superior is not always better.

FAQ's

Q1. Will there be any changes to the 2024 Ford Maverick?

The 2024 Ford Maverick release date did carry a significant change: The previously optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine today comes standard, and the previously standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine is now optional. FWD and AWD accessibility remains the same.

Q2. Who is the competitor of the Ford Maverick in 2024?

Cars similar to the 2024 Ford Maverick. Although it lacks a thrifty hybrid, Hyundai's Santa Cruz offers the Maverick its fiercest rivalry. Although it lacks a thrifty hybrid, Hyundai's Santa Cruz offers the Maverick its sternest competition. That is something of a wonder since Hyundai is otherwise a hybrid leader.

Q3. Is the Ford Maverick reliable?

We expect the 2024 Maverick Hybrid will have near-average reliability compared to the average new car. This guess is based on data from 2022 and 2023 models.