The 2024 Ford Maverick, which made it back onto our lists of the 10 Best Trucks and SUVs and Editors’ Choice this year, is at the forefront of the emerging trend that suggests small pickups are becoming popular once again. The Escape crossover pushes its way below the mid-size Ranger in the Ford pickup truck lineup based on its mechanicals. It may not be constructed on a truck chassis like the Ranger and the F-150, but it still has strong towing and payload capacity. Front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder are standard, but all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain are also options. 

The Maverick can carry up to 1500 pounds of payload in its small bed and tow up to 4000 pounds when outfitted correctly. Its well-appointed interior and the extensive array of features available on most models give it a more luxurious feel than its reasonable price would imply. But the most economical option is the base XL trim, which is ideal for fleet use and on-the-job use. All things considered, the Maverick is an attractive compact pickup truck that comes equipped with great usefulness. In the upcoming years, there will undoubtedly be more small pickup trucks on the market, but for now, the Maverick only has to contend with the more costly Hyundai Santa Cruz.

A few of the 2024 Ford Maverick’s best features

What’s New for 2024 in the Ford Maverick?

The hybrid drivetrain of the Maverick is no longer the default configuration. Pricing for the truck will increase by $1500 if the 191-hp hybrid setup is ordered starting with the 2024 model year. This year, front-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain become the de facto standard; all-wheel drive is still optional, but only when this engine is used.

Ford Maverick in terms of Performance, Engine, and Transmission

Ford replaced the standard powertrain of the Bronco Sport, which was a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with a spirited 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is an optional feature with this powertrain. An electric motor helps the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which has a combined 191 horsepower. This powertrain option is available. This configuration only includes a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. With the optional turbo four, the Maverick feels incredibly spirited while driving and can reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds on our test track. Even though the hybrid powertrain isn’t as nimble and took 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph in our tests, it still does the job. The Maverick’s suspension is fairly stiff in order to provide its impressive payload capacity, which makes the ride somewhat rough over uneven pavement.

The payload and towing capacity of the Ford Maverick

The Maverick has a 1500-pound payload capacity and a 2000-pound towing capacity even with the hybrid drivetrain. The Maverick’s optional Tow package and turbocharged four-cylinder allow it to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Looking to use a small pickup to tow even more weight? The maximum weight that the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow is 5000 pounds.

Real-World MPG and Fuel Efficiency of the Ford Maverick

The nonhybrid Maverick is rated for 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates that hybrid versions of the Maverick are good for 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Our all-wheel-drive XLT FX4 model with the nonhybrid powertrain matched its 29-mpg EPA rating on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, but the hybrid fell short of the EPA’s target with only a 30-mpg rating. Even with all of its extra off-road gear, the Tremor model only scored 26 mpg in the same test. Visit the EPA website to learn more about the Maverick’s fuel efficiency.

Ford Maverick with Comfort, Interior, and Cargo

Every Maverick is a crew cab, meaning it has four full-size doors and a spacious rear seat. Throughout the cabin, Ford has placed numerous storage cubbies and bins, including several sizable sections beneath the back seat. Although they are not particularly luxurious, base models do come with standard amenities like a remote keyless entry system, an adFord Maverick with Comfort, Interior, and Cargo. Every Maverick is a crew cab, meaning it has four full-size doors and a spacious rear seat. Throughout the cabin, Ford has placed numerous storage cubbies and bins, including several sizable sections beneath the back seat. Although they are not particularly luxurious, base models do come with standard amenities like a remote keyless entry system, an adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. On the XLT and Lariat trims, additional features like power front seats, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control are either standard or available as part of option packages. justable lumbar support for the front seats, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. On the XLT and Lariat trims, additional features like power front seats, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control are either standard or available as part of option packages. 

Ford, the Information and Connectivity Maverick

All Maverick trims come equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Additionally included as standard features are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot included in the base model. Wireless smartphone charging, an upgraded B&O Play stereo system, and SiriusXM satellite radio are available options. 

Ford Maverick of Driver-Assist Technology and Safety Features

Although the Maverick has a number of driver-assistance features, many of the most popular ones will cost extra if you choose to upgrade to a higher trim level or purchase an option package. Visit the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for additional details regarding the Maverick’s crash test results. 

Ford Maverick’s Maintenance and Warranty Program

Like other new Ford vehicles, the Maverick comes with the same basic warranty package. There’s no free scheduled maintenance program available.