2024 Ford Maverick Review: A Compact Pickup with Surprising Features

In need of a truck without breaking the bank? Look no further than Ford's compact yet powerful 2024 Ford Maverick. Compact pickups are trending for their truck-like performance, sleek design, 54-inch bed, and their practicality as daily drivers. Under its sleek exterior lies the framework akin to a Ford Escape. Base models feature front-wheel drive and a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Hybrid and all-wheel-drive options are also available. While its towing capacity generally maxes out at 2,000 pounds, this capacity doubles with the optional Tow package. The Maverick caters to 90% of truck owners' needs, from occasional loads to trips to the hardware store and leisure activities like jet skiing.

Trim levels and pricing

The 2024 Ford Maverick offers three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with starting prices below:

• XL: Starting at $23,400
• XLT: Starting at $26,315
• Lariat: Starting at $34,855

For optimal value, the XLT trim level is recommended. While the XL presents an entry-level option, investing an additional $3,000 in the XLT brings added luxury features such as power front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting.

Engine and Performance

The Maverick boasts a spirited engine that offers an enjoyable driving experience across various terrains. Its agility in city driving, smoothness on highways, and off-road capability with a smart all-wheel-drive system make it a versatile choice. If off-roading isn’t your thing but you want a fuel-efficient truck for commuting and the occasional dump run, then you’ll love the hybrid powertrain. It’s still just as responsive and quick as its non-hybrid counterpart and it still feels like a truck, but it stretches out your trips to the gas station making it a more economical option for a daily driver.

For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the hybrid powertrain is a responsive and economical option for daily commuting and occasional tasks like dump runs.

Exterior and Interior Design

Unlike larger pickups that often serve as mere status symbols, the Ford Maverick meets the practical needs of the majority of truck owners. Its exterior flaunts a sleek black mesh front grille seamlessly integrated with LED headlights and a 4.5-ft. bed equipped with up to 10 tie-down anchors and a 12-volt in-bed outlet. Base models feature 17-inch steel wheels with optional all-season tires. The interior, with its spacious crew cab design, offers ample storage and clever compartments, even in the base model. Higher trims like XLT or Lariat provide additional modern conveniences like power front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and a wireless charging pad.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The XL and XLT models lack certain safety features such as a passive anti-theft system, smart occupancy airbags, and power tailgate locking system, which are available in the Lariat trim. Opting for the XLT provides automatic LED headlights, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Consider adding the Co-Pilot 360 Package for extra safety features like cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping aids, and a driver alert system at a reasonable cost. However, it's unfortunate that the Maverick doesn't offer an adaptive cruise control option, a notable safety feature in today's vehicles.

Fuel efficiency

Gas mileage varies depending on the powertrain. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine achieves the highest fuel efficiency, delivering 40 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. Opting for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sacrifices some fuel economy, dropping to 23 miles per gallon in the city while maintaining around 30 mpg on the highway.

The Maverick is one of the top trucks available today, blending utility, driving enjoyment, and aesthetic appeal. It fulfills essential truck needs at a fraction of the cost compared to its full-sized counterparts.