The pickup truck landscape is often dominated by size and brawn, where bigger is typically perceived as better. Full-size trucks reign supreme, boasting expansive cabins, powerful engines, and impressive towing and hauling capabilities. However, as trucks have grown in stature and price, a segment of buyers has yearned for a more sensible alternative. Enter the 2024 Ford Maverick. This compact, budget-friendly, and fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck has taken the market by storm since its debut a couple of years ago. Last year, eager buyers snapped up nearly 100,000 Mavericks, prompting Ford to ramp up production. However, the initial affordability has shifted, with the starting price climbing from $19,995 at launch to $23,815. The previously standard hybrid powertrain now comes at a premium, starting at $25,315. We spent a week behind the wheel of the 2024 Maverick to assess if it still holds its appeal in today’s market with its increased price tag.
Unassuming Design with Purpose
While most pickups, regardless of size, lean into a tough and aggressive aesthetic with sharp lines, imposing grilles, and muscular fenders, the Ford Maverick takes a different approach. Its design is intentionally understated, featuring a boxy silhouette with softened edges. The headlights are large and rectangular, yet gently rounded at the corners where they meet the fenders. The grille is subtle, avoiding any aggressive posturing. Wheel options range from 17 to 18 inches, maintaining a practical look. Even the off-road themed appearance packages, which introduce blacked-out wheels and headlights, retain the Maverick’s overall simplicity.
For us, the Maverick’s unassuming design is a strength. Its quiet styling speaks volumes about its unpretentious nature, a desirable quality for those seeking the utility of a truck bed without unnecessary flashiness. The Maverick shares its front-wheel-drive-based platform with Ford’s compact crossover SUVs, the Escape and Bronco Sport. Notably, unlike traditional pickups, the Maverick features a unibody construction, seamlessly integrating the cab and bed. Its petite dimensions are immediately apparent. Measuring 200 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, it’s significantly smaller than the mid-size Ford Ranger, being 11 inches shorter, 6 inches narrower, and 5 inches lower.
Interior Focused on Functionality and Simplicity
The Maverick’s straightforward and functional ethos extends to its interior. It’s not trying to impress with cutting-edge technology or exude rugged masculinity. Hard plastics are prevalent throughout the cabin, and exposed screws are visible in some trim pieces. However, this design choice contributes to a purposeful and utilitarian atmosphere, rather than feeling cheap or poorly executed. Our top-tier Lariat test vehicle featured attractive Desert Brown leatherette upholstery, which felt durable and practical rather than overly luxurious. One minor ergonomic drawback was the slightly undersized interior door handles, which could be a bit more substantial for easier grabbing.
In terms of technology, Ford has struck a commendable balance, catering to both those who embrace tech and those who prefer a more analog experience. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is present, but it’s user-friendly and intuitive, complemented by an abundance of physical buttons and knobs for essential controls. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included. While rumors suggest a larger screen may be coming in the 2025 Maverick, the current setup should satisfy most drivers, except perhaps the most ardent tech enthusiasts.
Surprisingly Spacious and Space-Efficient Cabin
Despite being considerably smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick’s cabin is remarkably space-efficient. Its light-duty suspension design minimizes intrusion into the cabin space, resulting in generous room for both front and rear occupants.
It’s important to maintain realistic expectations. The Maverick’s interior space is comparable to the Ford Bronco Sport, offering ample room up front and reasonably usable rear legroom, though it can be a bit snug for taller adults on longer trips. The center console is also somewhat narrow, potentially leading to elbow contact between the driver and front passenger when sharing the armrest. However, considering its smaller footprint, the Maverick offers comparable cabin space to the larger Ranger. Clever under-seat storage bins are located beneath the rear seat cushions, which can be flipped up to accommodate bulkier items within the cabin.
Car-Like Driving Dynamics and Performance
Another significant advantage of the Maverick’s car-based platform is its refined driving experience. Its handling is surprisingly agile and responsive, outperforming some small sedans in terms of driving verve. The steering is firm, direct, and provides good feedback, working in harmony with a well-tuned suspension that delivers impressive composure in various driving situations, whether navigating straight roads or tackling winding curves. The ride quality is firm yet comfortable, avoiding excessive stiffness, making the Maverick a genuinely enjoyable pickup to drive, especially for those who don’t prioritize the traditional bouncy ride associated with body-on-frame trucks. It strikes a pleasant balance between comfort, control, and even a touch of liveliness.
Under the hood, the 2024 Maverick offers a choice of two four-cylinder engines. For this model year, the more potent engine comes standard. This is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This output is comparable to engines found in larger mid-size pickups, providing effortless acceleration and responsiveness. Despite its strong performance, the eight-speed automatic transmission can exhibit occasional hesitation. The optional engine is a non-turbo gas-electric hybrid powertrain, generating a combined 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. While the hybrid is smoother in operation, it is also noisier and not as quick as the turbo engine, though still competitive within the compact pickup segment. It’s worth noting that the hybrid is exclusively available with front-wheel drive, while the turbo engine offers a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Impressive Fuel Economy for a Pickup Truck
Fuel efficiency is a standout feature of the Maverick lineup, particularly with the optional hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates for the hybrid are remarkable for a pickup: 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined. This fuel economy surpasses any other pickup on the market that doesn’t require a plug-in. Even the standard turbo engine achieves excellent fuel economy for a pickup truck, rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions see a slight decrease of 1 mpg combined on most trim levels. The off-road-oriented Tremor trim, with its grippier tires and slightly raised suspension, sees a combined rating of 21 mpg. During our test of the all-wheel-drive turbo Maverick, we matched the EPA’s combined estimate of 25 mpg, and in previous tests, we’ve observed 38 mpg in a Maverick Hybrid.
The hybrid powertrain now carries a $1,500 premium over the turbo engine, in addition to its lower power output and lack of all-wheel-drive availability. For drivers who primarily drive on highways, the fuel economy advantage of the hybrid might be less pronounced. However, for those who frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic, idling, or lower-speed driving, the fuel economy gap between the two powertrains widens significantly, making the hybrid a compelling option for fuel-conscious buyers.
Light-Duty Capability Limits
While the Maverick’s compact size and car-based origins offer numerous benefits, they also come with limitations in terms of traditional truck capabilities. For those needing heavy-duty hauling and towing, the Maverick may fall short.
Firstly, all Mavericks feature a 54-inch (4.5-foot) bed, shorter than the 5-foot bed found in the Ranger and most mid-size trucks. Payload capacity is respectable at around 1,500 pounds. However, towing capacity is limited for a pickup, with the hybrid powertrain rated at 2,000 pounds and the turbo engine maxing out at 4,000 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package. Off-roading prowess is also not a strong suit of the Maverick compared to the Ranger. Its all-wheel-drive system is primarily designed for enhanced traction in slippery conditions like snow or mud, rather than tackling challenging off-road trails. Furthermore, the Maverick Hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive at all.
Price Increase, But Still a Value Proposition
Despite recent price increases, the 2024 Ford Maverick continues to offer strong value for money, especially when compared to larger trucks. The base price of the Ford Ranger is approximately $8,000 higher. The entry-level full-size Ford F-150 is priced similarly to the Ranger, but opting for a crew cab configuration with a backseat pushes the price up by around $15,000 compared to the Maverick.
Ford offers the Maverick in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The base XL trim, starting at $23,815, features utilitarian steel wheels but is reasonably well-equipped. Standard features include cloth upholstery, cruise control, power windows and locks (though manual mirrors), the 8-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The XLT trim, priced from $26,315, upgrades to alloy wheels, a power-locking tailgate, enhanced cloth upholstery, and opens up access to more options, including the FX4 and Tremor off-road packages, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a moonroof. The top-of-the-line Lariat trim, like our test vehicle, starts at $34,855 with these options (excluding the moonroof), along with leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, larger 18-inch wheels, and standard all-wheel drive (which is a $2,200 option on lower trims). Our test Lariat, including the $745 towing package and a $1,595 destination charge, totaled $37,330. While not inexpensive, it’s worth considering that an F-150 with cloth seats can easily exceed $50,000.
Exploring the Competition
The Maverick faces competition in the light-duty compact pickup segment. Its primary rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which features a more adventurous design, a larger touchscreen, and a longer list of available luxury features. However, the Santa Cruz is also significantly more expensive, and its base engine doesn’t match the Maverick’s in terms of power or fuel efficiency. (An available turbo engine in the Santa Cruz matches the Maverick’s power but falls behind in fuel economy.) Another car-based pickup is the Honda Ridgeline, but it’s larger, more refined, and more expensive. Considering its size, comfort, and sophistication, the Ridgeline is more accurately considered an alternative to full-size pickups than mid-size models.
Alternatively, buyers might cross-shop the Maverick against crossover SUVs. Choosing an enclosed cargo area instead of a truck bed offers enhanced cargo versatility for carrying items that need protection from the elements. While the Maverick is longer than most compact crossovers by over a foot, it offers more power at a lower starting price than many in the crossover segment.
A Smart and Sensible Choice
The 2024 Ford Maverick continues to justify its high demand. It delivers simplicity and value in a pickup truck market often characterized by excess. Even with its increased pricing, its affordability, combined with its impressive power, fuel efficiency, and nimble handling, makes it highly appealing.
Ford could have likely commanded an even higher price for the Maverick, but thankfully, they opted to increase production instead. This means more buyers will have the opportunity to experience a smaller, simpler, and more engaging pickup truck. The Maverick isn’t for everyone, particularly those needing heavy-duty truck capabilities. However, if you need the utility of a pickup bed for tasks like hauling landscaping materials or simply desire an affordable vehicle with 250 horsepower or a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, the 2024 Ford Maverick is a smart and sensible choice.
