2025 Ford Maverick: SMALL TRUCK, BIG AUDIENCE

2025 Ford Maverick:

 SMALL TRUCK, BIG AUDIENCE

SUGAR CREEK VISTA, Ark. — Misty and magical, the morning fog lifted to reveal the grandeur of Sugar Creek Valley in the Ouachita National Forest.

A navigational anomaly — not lost, just headed the wrong way — added 20 extra miles and an hour and a half to our route. The reward was twofold: a soul-stirring pastoral view and a reminder that the 2025 Ford Maverick, though small and fuel-efficient, is every bit a real pickup.

You don’t need to spend big to get a truck that works hard. The Maverick hauls, tows, and takes a beating like the big boys, yet leaves more in your wallet for whatever you’re hauling home. Call it the “VolksTruck” if you like. I call it smart.

A Compact game-changer

When Ford revived the Maverick nameplate in 2022 it pulled off a neat trick: building a truck that rides and drives better than many cars while delivering superior fuel economy.

Our $36,860 XLT AWD with the Luxury Package returned 37.4 mpg over 400 challenging miles.

Starting at about $25,500 for the base XL and topping out in the mid-$30Ks for well-equipped trims, the Maverick undercuts most midsize trucks by $8,000–$10,000 and full-size models by nearly half. Average transaction prices run $28,000–$35,000.

Its chief rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, starts slightly higher and leans toward crossover-like refinement. In the first half of this year, Maverick sales rose 26.3% while Santa Cruz sales fell 21%. Don’t expect dealer discounts — Ford sells every Maverick it can build.

The Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline tow and haul more but are larger, thirstier, and pricier (Tacoma transactions often exceed $40K; Ridgeline hovers near $45K). The Maverick’s sweet spot is its manageable size, strong efficiency, and multiple personalities — from frugal hybrid to sporty Lobo to trail-ready Tremor.

Looks like a truck

For 2025 Ford keeps the Maverick’s design familiar but fresh. A slightly larger grille, reshaped headlights, and trim-specific cues — the Lobo’s lower stance, the Tremor’s orange accents — distinguish each variant.

At about 200 inches long and 72 inches wide, it’s compact by truck standards and easy to park. The squared-off wheel arches, upright fascia, and functional bed with integrated tie-downs align with Ford’s truck family. Functional touches include a multi-position tailgate, available bed cubbies, and the “Flexbed” system for DIY dividers and racks.

Truck-like performance

The big news: the 2.5-liter hybrid (191 hp) is now available with AWD — a combination buyers have wanted since launch. Paired with an eCVT, it delivers EPA estimates of 40 mpg city/33 highway in FWD form; AWD trims that slightly but still leads the class. Motor Trend reports the AWD hybrid “easily clearing 37 mpg in mixed driving” — unmatched by any other pickup.

About that CVT: Ford licenses its CVT setup from Toyota, using planetary gears (durable) instead of belts and pulleys (wear-prone).

The optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo four (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) comes with an eight-speed automatic, hitting 0–60 mph in the mid-6-second range. It’s standard in the Lobo and Tremor, tuned for sportier road manners or low-speed off-road control.

Car-like ride

The Maverick rides more like a crossover than a more traditional, body-on-frame truck. Steering is light but precise, and body roll is well-controlled. The Lobo’s lowered, firmer suspension sharpens turn-in, while the Tremor’s lifted setup and all-terrain tires add compliance over rough surfaces.

Our XLT’s ground clearance was ideal for deeply rutted, rocky trails. Car and Driver calls the Maverick “one of the most maneuverable pickups you can buy” — equally at home in city traffic and on rural two-lanes.

Capability

• Towing: 2,000 lbs (hybrid) to 4,000 lbs (EcoBoost with tow package)
• Payload: Up to 1,500 lbs — enough for weekend projects, or outdoor gear
• Off-Road: Tremor adds skid plates, locking rear differential, and upgraded cooling for light-trail work

Reliability

The hybrid powertrain has been solid since its 2022 debut, with few widespread issues. The EcoBoost is shared across Ford’s lineup and has proven durable with proper maintenance.

Functional cabin

Inside, the Maverick favors function over flash: durable plastics, straightforward controls, clever storage in both doors and under the rear seat. Higher trims add soft-touch surfaces and upgraded upholstery.

Seating is comfortable for four adults; a fifth fits for short trips. The upright seating position aids visibility.

Technology

• Standard: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Available: Wireless charging, premium audio, SYNC 4, physical knobs for volume/tuning
• Driver Assistance: Forward collision warning with AEB standard; adaptive cruise, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are optional
• OTA Updates: Keep software current

Safety

The 2025 model is unrated as of press time, but the 2024 earned a 5-star NHTSA score and “Good” IIHS ratings.

Standard:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic high beams
• Rearview camera

Available:

• Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go
• Lane-keeping assist
• Evasive steering assist

Pricing & Value

Bottom line

The Maverick’s blend of low entry price, high efficiency, and real-world capability is unmatched in the small-truck segment. As Edmunds puts it: “The Maverick delivers the truck essentials without the truck bloat.”

It’s an ideal work truck and everyday driver that will wear well over time.