Ford Maverick: Price, Specs, Features & MPG
The Ford Maverick is a compact four-door pickup for buyers who want a useful truck bed without the size, fuel costs, or parking difficulty of a full-size pickup. The current lineup offers a standard hybrid powertrain on core trims, an available 250-hp turbocharged engine, and distinct Lobo and Tremor versions for street-focused and off-road buyers.
It is not a replacement for an F-150 if you regularly tow heavy trailers or carry large job-site loads. But for home projects, outdoor gear, small trailers, bikes, furniture, and everyday commuting, the Maverick is one of the most practical small trucks available.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.2/10
The Ford Maverick earns an 8.2/10 WheelPedia Rating for its useful bed, efficient hybrid system, compact size, strong feature set, and good value.
It loses points for its limited towing capacity compared with larger pickups, basic interior materials on lower trims, and a Marginal IIHS result in the updated moderate-overlap front test.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 7.5/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 8.0/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 8.5/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 9.0/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.0/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 9.0/10 | 10% |
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full methodology.
Key Highlights
- Compact four-door pickup with seating for five.
- Hybrid power is standard on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims.
- Hybrid front-wheel-drive models return up to an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city.
- Available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Maximum payload capacity is 1,500 pounds.
- FLEXBED system includes a 4.5-foot bed and multi-position tailgate.
- Maverick Lobo adds a lower, street-focused performance setup.
- Maverick Tremor adds off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and advanced four-wheel drive.
- Best for commuters, first-time truck buyers, homeowners, and active households.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Ford Maverick |
| Vehicle type | Compact four-door pickup |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Bed length | 4.5 ft. |
| Base powertrain | 2.5L hybrid |
| Available gas engine | 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Turbocharged output | 250 hp / 280 lb-ft |
| Hybrid transmission | eCVT |
| Gas transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard on selected hybrid models; AWD available |
| Maximum towing | Up to 4,000 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | Up to 1,500 lbs. |
| Best fuel economy | Up to 42 mpg city |
| Length | 199.8 in. on most trims |
| Width | 72.6 in. |
| Bed length | 54.4 in. |
| Seating | 5 passengers |
Expert Tip
The Maverick XLT Hybrid is the strongest all-round choice for most buyers. It keeps the hybrid’s low running costs while adding useful truck features, including a trailer hitch receiver and more flexible package options.
About the Ford Maverick
The Maverick is a unibody pickup, meaning it is built more like a crossover than a traditional body-on-frame truck. That gives it a lower floor, easier road manners, a more car-like driving position, and better fuel economy than larger pickups.
For 2026, Ford’s lineup includes XL, XLT, Lariat, Lobo, and Tremor models. The core trims focus on affordable hybrid truck ownership. The Lobo is aimed at buyers who want a small street truck with sharper handling, while the Tremor is designed for dirt roads, trails, and rougher terrain.
The Maverick works best for people who need a truck bed occasionally or regularly, but do not need full-size towing or a large cab. It is easy to park, useful around town, and more efficient than most alternatives.
Price and Trims
The current Maverick starts in the high-$20,000 range in the United States before destination charges, taxes, registration, optional equipment, and dealer fees. Pricing changes by trim, drivetrain, packages, and region.
| Trim | Powertrain Focus | Best For |
| XL | Hybrid standard | Lowest-cost Maverick ownership |
| XLT | Hybrid standard; more options | Best overall balance of price and usefulness |
| Lobo | 2.0L EcoBoost, performance-focused AWD | Buyers wanting a compact street truck |
| Lariat | Hybrid standard; more comfort and technology | Buyers wanting a better-equipped daily truck |
| Tremor | 2.0L EcoBoost, off-road-focused AWD | Light off-road use and rougher terrain |
Choose the XL if price matters most and you want a basic, efficient truck. Choose the XLT if you want the most balanced Maverick. The Lariat makes sense if you will use its added comfort, camera, driver-assistance, and towing features frequently.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
Core Maverick trims use a 2.5-liter hybrid system with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It is tuned for efficiency and relaxed daily driving, especially in city traffic.
The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and gives the Maverick stronger acceleration, more confident loaded performance, and access to certain towing and off-road configurations.
The Lobo uses the turbocharged engine with a seven-speed quick-shift transmission, paddle shifters, torque vectoring, performance-tuned steering, and a dedicated Lobo drive mode. It is the Maverick for drivers who care more about road response than towing or trail ability.
The Tremor also uses the turbocharged engine, but its priorities are different. It adds advanced four-wheel drive, a rear drive-unit lock, off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and Trail Control with Trail 1-Pedal Drive.
0–60 MPH Performance
Ford does not publish official 0–60 mph times for every Maverick version. Independent testing generally places the lineup in these ranges:
| Model | Typical Independent 0–60 MPH Range |
| Maverick Hybrid | Around 7.5–8.0 seconds |
| Maverick 2.0L EcoBoost | Around 5.5–6.0 seconds |
| Maverick Lobo | Around the mid-5-second range |
| Maverick Tremor | Around 6 seconds |
The hybrid is quick enough for normal commuting and highway use. The EcoBoost models feel much stronger when merging, carrying passengers, or driving with a loaded bed.
Driving Experience
The Maverick is easier to drive than most pickups. Its compact footprint, lower step-in height, and crossover-like structure make it less intimidating in traffic and parking lots.
Hybrid models are the calmest daily drivers. They are smooth in low-speed traffic and make the most sense for buyers who commute regularly. The turbocharged engine feels more energetic and better suited to people who tow, travel on faster roads, or want more responsive acceleration.
The Lobo is the most road-focused Maverick. It has lower ground clearance than other versions, sportier steering, a performance suspension, and torque-vectoring hardware intended to make the truck feel more controlled in corners.
The Tremor gives up some road comfort and fuel economy for off-road ability. It is useful for unpaved roads, snow, campsites, and rough access routes, but it is not intended to replace a serious off-road truck.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy depends on powertrain, drivetrain, tires, packages, weather, payload, and driving style.
| Model | EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy |
| Maverick Hybrid FWD | Up to 42 mpg city |
| Maverick Hybrid FWD | Around 38 mpg combined |
| Maverick Hybrid AWD | Lower than FWD hybrid models |
| Maverick 2.0L EcoBoost | Up to 27 mpg highway, depending on configuration |
| Maverick Lobo | Up to 30 mpg highway |
| Maverick Tremor | Up to 27 mpg highway |
The hybrid is the clear choice for high-mileage commuters and buyers who want the lowest fuel costs. The EcoBoost is worth considering if towing, stronger acceleration, all-wheel drive, or specialized Lobo and Tremor hardware matter more.
Towing, Payload, and Bed Utility
The Maverick is useful, but buyers should be realistic about its limits.
| Capability | Maximum Rating |
| Payload | Up to 1,500 lbs. |
| Standard towing | Up to 2,000 lbs. |
| Maximum towing | Up to 4,000 lbs. with available equipment |
| Bed length | 4.5 ft. |
| Bed width | 53.3 in. |
| Lift-in height | Roughly 28–30 in., depending on trim |
The 4,000-pound towing rating is enough for a small camper, utility trailer, personal watercraft, small boat, or lightweight equipment trailer. It is not enough for many larger travel trailers, heavy boats, or commercial equipment loads.
The FLEXBED system is one of the Maverick’s best features. The multi-position tailgate, tie-down points, available bed outlet, and DIY-friendly slots make the bed more useful than its size suggests.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The Maverick has a practical cabin with simple controls, useful storage, and room for five people. Material quality is basic on lower trims, but the layout is functional and easy to live with.
Standard and available features include:
- 13.2-inch center touchscreen
- SYNC 4 infotainment system
- 8-inch digital gauge display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ford Connectivity Package with one year included
- Rear under-seat storage
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Available ActiveX-trimmed seats
- Available B&O sound system
- Available power driver’s seat
- Available 360-degree camera
- Available Pro Power Onboard outlet
The front seats are comfortable enough for daily use. Rear-seat space is acceptable for children and average-sized adults, but tall rear passengers may prefer a larger midsize pickup or SUV.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Maverick XL / XLT | Lobo | Tremor |
| Length | 199.8 in. | 200.9 in. | 200.6 in. |
| Width | 72.6 in. | 72.6 in. | 72.6 in. |
| Height | 68.8 in. | 67.7 in. | 69.4 in. |
| Bed length | 54.4 in. | 54.4 in. | 54.4 in. |
| Ground clearance | 8.1–8.3 in. | 7.4 in. | 9.1 in. |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
The Maverick’s main practicality advantage is that it behaves like a compact crossover but adds an open truck bed. It is more useful for dirty gear, landscaping supplies, furniture, bikes, and weekend projects than an SUV.
However, the bed is shorter and narrower than a larger truck bed. Buyers who regularly carry long building materials, full-size ATVs, or heavy commercial loads should consider a midsize or full-size pickup.
Exterior Design
The Maverick has a squared-off compact-truck design with a short hood, four-door cab, and small but useful bed. XL and XLT models look straightforward and functional, while the Lariat adds more polished exterior details.
The Lobo has a lower stance, black-painted roof, body-color trim, dark wheels, ground effects, and a more aggressive street-truck look.
The Tremor is easier to identify by its all-terrain tires, raised ride height, orange-accented grille and wheels, and off-road-oriented front bumper.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard and available safety features include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Rearview camera
- Available blind-spot monitoring
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping support
- Available rear automatic braking
- Available adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go
- Available lane centering
- Available Intersection Assist
- Available 360-degree camera
The Maverick has a mixed but useful IIHS safety record. For 2026, IIHS gives it Good results in small-overlap front and updated side-impact testing. Its standard pedestrian front-crash-prevention system earns a Good rating.
However, the Maverick receives a Marginal rating in the updated moderate-overlap front test because of rear-passenger restraint and injury measures. Headlight ratings vary by trim: Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor projector headlights are rated Good, while XL and XLT reflector headlights are rated Acceptable. Review the full IIHS Maverick rating details.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Maverick has a strong ownership case because it uses a familiar small-truck format, has broad Ford dealer support, and can deliver far lower fuel costs than larger pickups.
Still, hybrid, turbocharged, and all-wheel-drive models add complexity compared with a basic front-wheel-drive gas vehicle. Follow the maintenance schedule, check for open recalls, and inspect the exact truck carefully before buying used.
| Coverage | Length |
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion perforation warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Hybrid component coverage | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Hybrid battery coverage | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
For long-term ownership, the Hybrid XLT is a sensible middle ground. It offers lower fuel use without forcing buyers into the higher purchase costs and maintenance needs of specialized Lobo or Tremor models.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Hybrid efficiency is outstanding for a pickup
- Compact size makes city driving and parking easier
- Useful FLEXBED system and multi-position tailgate
- Up to 1,500 lbs. of payload
- Up to 4,000 lbs. of towing when properly equipped
- Five-passenger cabin
- Strong feature set, including a standard 13.2-inch screen
- Distinct Lobo and Tremor versions for specialized buyers
- Good value compared with larger pickups
What We Don’t Like
- Not built for heavy towing or commercial-duty loads
- Lower trims have basic interior materials
- Rear-seat space is limited for taller adults
- Hybrid AWD and turbocharged models cost more
- Maverick Tremor and Lobo reduce some of the base model’s value advantage
- Updated IIHS moderate-overlap front result is Marginal
- XL and XLT headlights receive only an Acceptable IIHS rating
Popular Competitors
The Maverick should be compared with compact trucks and small utility vehicles based on how you plan to use it.
- The Hyundai Santa Cruz is worth comparing if you want a more premium cabin and a sportier crossover-like feel.
- The Honda Ridgeline is better suited to buyers who need a larger, more refined unibody pickup.
- The Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado offer more towing and off-road capability, but are larger and use more fuel.
- Compact SUVs make more sense if you need enclosed cargo space and do not need an open truck bed.
Related Content
Before financing a Maverick, read how car financing works and consider getting a car loan preapproval before visiting a dealer.
First-time truck buyers should also review how to buy your first car and compare the costs in our new vs. used car guide.
Should You Buy the Ford Maverick?
Buy the Ford Maverick if you want a compact, efficient, easy-to-drive pickup that can handle household projects, weekend gear, light towing, and regular commuting.
Choose the XL Hybrid if you want the lowest entry cost. Choose the XLT Hybrid if you want the best mix of price, truck utility, and available equipment. Choose the Lariat if comfort and technology matter more than keeping the purchase price low.
Choose the Lobo only if you genuinely want a street-focused compact truck. Choose the Tremor if you will use its all-terrain tires, extra ground clearance, skid plates, and off-road hardware.
Skip the Maverick if you need to tow more than 4,000 pounds, carry very large loads, regularly transport tall rear passengers, or want the cabin and bed size of a larger midsize or full-size pickup.
FAQs
How much does the Ford Maverick cost?
The current Maverick starts in the high-$20,000 range in the United States before destination charges, taxes, registration, dealer fees, and optional equipment.
Is the Ford Maverick a hybrid?
Yes. The 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain is standard on the Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat.
Does the Ford Maverick have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on selected Maverick configurations. The Lobo and Tremor use specialized all-wheel-drive systems.
How much can the Ford Maverick tow?
The Maverick can tow up to 2,000 pounds as standard and up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available towing package.
How much can the Ford Maverick carry?
The Maverick has a maximum payload rating of up to 1,500 pounds, depending on trim and configuration.
What fuel economy does the Ford Maverick get?
Hybrid front-wheel-drive models return up to an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city. Turbocharged models offer lower fuel economy but stronger acceleration and more towing-focused capability.
Is the Ford Maverick good for daily driving?
Yes. Its compact size, easy maneuverability, available hybrid powertrain, and car-like road manners make it one of the easiest pickups to use every day.
Is the Ford Maverick good for off-road driving?
The Maverick Tremor is suitable for trails, dirt roads, snow, and rougher terrain. It is not meant for extreme rock-crawling or heavy off-road use.
What is the Ford Maverick Lobo?
The Maverick Lobo is a street-focused performance version with the 250-hp turbocharged engine, lower suspension, torque vectoring, paddle shifters, and Lobo Mode.
Is the Ford Maverick safe?
It has standard automatic emergency braking and a Good IIHS pedestrian front-crash-prevention result. Buyers should also consider its Marginal updated moderate-overlap front-test rating and check the features included with their chosen trim.
Final Verdict
The Ford Maverick is one of the most sensible new trucks for buyers who do not need full-size capability. It offers a real truck bed, useful towing and payload ratings, five seats, and hybrid fuel economy in a package that remains easy to park and affordable to run.
The Maverick XLT Hybrid is the best choice for most buyers. It keeps the core formula intact: useful, efficient, compact, and priced more realistically than larger pickups.
Prices, features, specifications, ratings, towing capacity, payload capacity, and availability can change by model year, trim, configuration, and market.