The pickup truck market is often dominated by the mantra of “bigger is better.” Full-size trucks with immense size, powerful engines, and impressive capabilities are typically what come to mind. However, the rise of these behemoths has created a demand for a different kind of truck – one that is smaller, more affordable, and fuel-efficient. Enter the 2024 Ford Maverick, a compact pickup that has taken the automotive world by storm since its debut. With nearly 100,000 units sold last year, it’s clear the Maverick struck a chord with buyers. But with price increases from its initial launch price of $19,995 to a starting point of $23,815, and the hybrid powertrain now an additional cost, the question remains: Does the 2024 Maverick still offer the same compelling value? We spent a week test-driving the latest model to bring you our comprehensive review.
Unpretentious and Practical Design
While many pickups boast aggressive and imposing designs, the Ford Maverick takes a different approach. Its design is intentionally unassuming, favoring practicality over flash. The Maverick features a boxy silhouette with softened edges, rounded headlights that blend smoothly into the fenders, and a grille that doesn’t demand attention. Wheel options range from 17 to 18 inches, and even the off-road themed appearance packages maintain the Maverick’s understated charm.
For many, this low-key aesthetic is a significant advantage. The Maverick’s simple design communicates “unpretentiousness,” a quality that appeals to those seeking the utility of a truck bed without unnecessary bravado. It shares its front-wheel-drive platform with Ford’s compact crossover SUVs, the Escape and Bronco Sport, evident in its unibody construction with no separation between the cab and bed. Its compact dimensions are immediately noticeable; at 200 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, it’s noticeably smaller than the mid-size Ford Ranger, being 11 inches shorter, 6 inches narrower, and 5 inches lower.
Front view of a 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat in a bright blue color, parked on a paved surface, showcasing its compact size and unassuming design.
Interior Focused on Functionality and Ease of Use
The Maverick’s interior echoes its exterior’s functional and straightforward design. It prioritizes usability over luxurious frills or rugged machismo. While the interior materials primarily consist of hard plastics and exposed screws are visible, these elements contribute to a sense of purposeful design rather than cheapness. Our Lariat trim test vehicle featured attractive Desert Brown leatherette upholstery that felt durable and practical rather than overly delicate. One minor drawback is the slightly small interior door handles which could be more substantial.
Technologically, the Maverick strikes a balance that caters to both tech-savvy and tech-averse drivers. It includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that is user-friendly and intuitive, complemented by the welcome presence of physical buttons and knobs for frequently used functions. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide seamless smartphone integration. While rumors suggest a larger screen might be introduced in the 2025 model, the current system is more than adequate for most users, satisfying those who appreciate straightforward technology without excessive complexity.
Surprisingly Spacious and Clever Cabin Packaging
Despite its smaller footprint compared to the Ford Ranger, the Maverick’s cabin is remarkably space-efficient. Its light-duty suspension design contributes to maximizing interior space for both occupants and cargo.
While not overly spacious, the Maverick offers comparable roominess to the Ford Bronco Sport. This translates to ample front-seat space and rear legroom that, while not expansive, is certainly usable for adults. The center console is moderately sized, potentially leading to occasional elbow contact between the driver and front passenger when sharing the armrest. However, the Maverick achieves near-Ranger levels of cabin space in a significantly smaller package. Clever storage solutions include under-seat bins beneath the rear seat cushions, which can be flipped up to accommodate larger items within the cabin, maximizing versatility.
Car-Like Driving Dynamics and Engine Options
One of the most significant advantages of the Maverick’s car-based construction is its refined driving experience. Its handling surpasses that of some small sedans, thanks to firm, responsive, and direct steering coupled with a well-tuned suspension. This combination delivers impressive composure in various driving situations, whether navigating straight roads or winding curves. The ride quality is firm yet comfortable, striking a pleasant balance and making the Maverick a genuinely enjoyable pickup to drive, especially for those not seeking the traditional bouncy ride of larger, body-on-frame trucks. It’s both comfortable and surprisingly agile.
Under the hood, the 2024 Maverick offers two four-cylinder engine choices. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is now standard, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This output rivals that of larger mid-size pickups, providing effortless acceleration despite occasional minor transmission hesitations from the eight-speed automatic. The optional powertrain is a non-turbo gas-electric hybrid, generating 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. While the hybrid is smoother, it is also noisier and less quick than the turbo, but still delivers competitive performance for the compact truck segment. It’s important to note that the hybrid is exclusively front-wheel drive, while the turbo engine offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
Impressive Fuel Economy, Especially with the Hybrid
Fuel efficiency is a major highlight of the Maverick, particularly the optional hybrid model. The EPA estimates for the hybrid are exceptional for a pickup: 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined, significantly outperforming any other non-plug-in pickup truck. Even the standard turbo engine achieves commendable fuel economy for a pickup, rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive (and slightly less with all-wheel drive on most trims). The off-road-oriented Tremor trim, with its more aggressive tires and lifted suspension, has a slightly lower combined rating of 21 mpg. During our test drive of the AWD turbo model, we matched the EPA’s combined estimate of 25 mpg, and in previous testing, we observed an impressive 38 mpg in a Maverick Hybrid.
While the hybrid powertrain now carries a $1,500 premium over the turbo, and offers less power and no all-wheel drive option, its fuel efficiency advantage is undeniable, especially in city driving and stop-and-go traffic. For drivers primarily on open highways, the fuel economy difference might be less pronounced, but for urban and suburban environments, the hybrid’s savings can be significant.
Light-Duty Capabilities and Limitations
The Maverick’s compact size and car-based origins, while beneficial in many aspects, do come with limitations in terms of traditional truck capabilities.
Firstly, all Maverick models feature a 4.5-foot bed, shorter than the 5-foot beds found in the Ranger and most mid-size trucks. While its payload capacity is respectable at around 1,500 pounds, its towing capacity is relatively low for a pickup: 2,000 pounds with the hybrid and a maximum of 4,000 pounds with the turbo engine when equipped with the optional towing package. Off-roading prowess is also limited compared to more rugged trucks like the Ranger; the Maverick’s AWD system is primarily designed for enhanced traction in adverse weather conditions like snow and mud, rather than tackling challenging off-road trails. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is not even available on the hybrid model.
Pricing and Trim Levels: Still a Value Proposition
Despite recent price increases, the Maverick still offers considerable value compared to other trucks on the market. The base price of the Ford Ranger is approximately $8,000 higher, and while a base Ford F-150 is similarly priced to the Ranger, a crew cab F-150 with a backseat can cost upwards of $15,000 more than the Maverick.
Ford offers the Maverick in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The entry-level XL, starting at $23,815, is equipped with practical steel wheels but is surprisingly well-equipped with features like cloth upholstery, cruise control, power windows and locks, an 8-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The mid-range XLT, priced from $26,315, upgrades to alloy wheels, adds a power-locking tailgate, enhanced cloth upholstery, and unlocks further options such as the FX4 and Tremor off-road packages, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a moonroof. The top-tier Lariat, like our test vehicle, starts at $34,855 with these options (excluding the moonroof) and includes leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, larger 18-inch wheels, and standard all-wheel drive (which is a $2,200 option on lower trims). Our Lariat test vehicle, including the towing package and destination charge, totaled $37,330. While not inexpensive, this price point remains significantly more accessible than many full-size trucks, where it’s easy to spend $50,000 or more for a comparable trim level, even with cloth seats.
Exploring the Competition: Hyundai Santa Cruz and Beyond
The Ford Maverick faces competition in the light-duty compact pickup segment, most notably from the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz boasts a more distinctive and bolder styling, a larger touchscreen, and a wider array of available luxury features. However, it also comes with a higher price tag, and its base engine doesn’t match the Maverick’s in either power or fuel efficiency. While an optional turbo engine in the Santa Cruz offers comparable power, it still falls short in fuel economy. Another car-based pickup is the Honda Ridgeline, but it is larger, more luxurious, and more expensive, positioning it more as an alternative to full-size pickups than a direct competitor to the Maverick in the compact segment.
Alternatively, buyers might cross-shop the Maverick against crossover SUVs. SUVs offer enclosed cargo areas for enhanced weather protection and cargo security, and even as a compact pickup, the Maverick is longer than many compact crossovers. However, the Maverick provides more power at a lower starting price point than most compact SUVs, making it an appealing option for those prioritizing performance and truck-like utility in a smaller package.
Verdict: The 2024 Ford Maverick Remains a Smart Choice
The 2024 Ford Maverick continues to justify its immense popularity. It provides a refreshing combination of simplicity, practicality, and value in a pickup truck market often dominated by excess and high prices. Even with recent price increases, its affordability remains a key selling point, particularly when considering its power, fuel efficiency, and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Ford could have arguably priced the Maverick even higher given its strong demand. Fortunately, the automaker has focused on increasing production, making this appealing and versatile little truck more accessible to a wider range of buyers. While the Maverick’s light-duty capabilities may not suit everyone, for those seeking a fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, and affordable vehicle with the added utility of a truck bed – whether for hauling mulch, gravel, or simply enjoying the open-bed versatility – the 2024 Ford Maverick delivers exceptionally well. Whether you need a capable work vehicle or simply an affordable and versatile ride with a bit of truck DNA, the Maverick is a smart choice.
