Maverick aims to make a dent for small pickups

FORD MOTOR CO.

The 2025 Ford Maverick pickup aims to combine smaller size and options to carve a distinct niche among pickups.

Ford introduced the Maverick pickup for people who didn’t need an F-150 or even a mid-size Ranger.

It’s been met with lukewarm response, but Ford continues to tinker with the formula to get the Maverick just right.

For 2025, the Maverick gets a bigger touchscreen and a Lobo model for more street credentials. You can get a hybrid engine that makes it very fuel efficient or the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s fairly potent.
The Maverick is Ford’s smallest pickup offering. The square shape provides good headroom, and the windows’ size allow a near panoramic view of the road. I wish there was as much interior space, however. The front seat space is OK, but the driver would like a bit more adjustment from his seat and steering wheel. The front passenger gets the best deal.

The rear seat is a fairly hard bench with upright seating. Again, headroom is OK, but leg room is a little lacking. Even putting your feet under the front seats doesn’t help much. Still, three people can fit in a pinch for short distances.

The Maverick impresses in the small storage category. Ford seems to have gone to great lengths to make this pickup appealing to those who have little things. There’s a place for large water bottles, wallets, cellphones and a variety of other small objects. If you can remember where you put it, it will be there when you look.

The Maverick handles more like an old-school truck if that’s what you are looking for. If you get the regular engine you will arrive at your destination a lot quicker. The 2.0-liter will get you to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds. The ride will be a bit bumpy and choppy, but, again, more like a truck, truck.

The hybrid engine will take you to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. That’s a lot slower but you will appreciate the fuel savings. You can average 40 miles gallon without trying hard. The turbo four can average about 25 miles per gallon.
The Maverick’s steering isn’t great and there is a lot of lean when you corner but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy driving.

I found the Maverick useful in moving stuff. A small SUV can be hampered by a low roofline or tight rear quarters if you have odd-shaped stuff. That’s not a problem with a pickup truck. You can stack, pile, bunch and crunch stuff into place without a lot of drama.

The Maverick doesn’t come with a lot of standard stuff if you go for the entry-level truck. As, always, Ford offers dozens of options. Some may be put off by the plastic interior, but I think you can pretty much hose the interior off if you want on the base truck. Also, the 250-horsepower turbo-four is linked to standard all-wheel drive and eight speed transmission. The hybrid engine is available with either AWD or front wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission.

Prices for the Maverick range from $26,295 to $36,735.

Pros:

• Revamped interior

• Tweaked exterior

• Excellent hybrid engine

• Great small storage system

• Useful small bed

• Available AWD

Cons:
• Tight interior
• Truck-like ride

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