2026 Ford Maverick a small, efficient pickup truck 

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

The 2026 Ford Maverick, MotorTrend’s Truck of the Year, is inexpensive compared to larger competitors but also has hybrid power and all-wheel drive that accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds.

Ford introduced the Maverick pickup truck in 2022 even when its relaunched Ranger was doing so-so business. 

The Maverick is smaller, cheaper and wildly more popular, posting its best sales in the fourth quarter of 2025. The hybrid version became the best-selling midsize truck in the country last year.
There’s no reason for the 2026 version to give up that crown. The hybrid Maverick in Lariat form is hard to beat.

First, let’s mention that MotorTrend awarded the Maverick Truck of the Year for 2026. That’s pretty amazing considering it beat trucks with far more power and bigger price tags. It’s not so amazing when you look at the Maverick. It’s relatively inexpensive, has bold, upright styling and has enough creature comforts to make it a pleasant everyday driver.

The Maverick Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter engine system that makes combined output of 191 horsepower. It is paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive. It can get to 60 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds, quite quick for a small hybrid pickup. Those with older Maverick hybrids will be a little jealous because this version is quicker than the original version.

Start the engine and there is barely a whir. This thing is quiet and remains so at highway speeds. There is very little wind, road or tire noise which makes this truck easy to take on long trips. The front seats are really comfortable with simulated leather seats. The driver gets power adjustments while the passenger must settle with manual. There is an enormous amount of leg room for front passengers. My 6-foot-4 buddy marveled at not being cramped.

The rear bench is comfortable for three, medium to large-size adults. 

The Maverick’s interior is comfortable, but some may call the materials chintzy. It’s stark, but tasteful. There are some budget materials, but this is a value-based vehicle. There is nothing that offends. The digital dash can be configured to show a variety of information. The 15-inch touch screen is bright, has modern graphics and responds quickly. Navigating the menus isn’t tricky and there are actual buttons to control certain functions. 

The 4.5-foot bed has a sprayed-on liner, 10 tied downs to secure cargo, locking tie down rails and even cubby storage on the passenger side. My vehicle had an optional hard trifold tonneau pickup box cover which was great for keeping items out of the elements. The back windshield featured a power operated window.

The Lariat version of the Maverick is second only to the Tremor package so there is a lot of standard equipment. Adaptive cruise, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, dual-zone auto climate control, heated steering wheel, keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, ambient lighting, SYNC 4, eight speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, power eight-way driver’s seat, heated seats, rear armrest with integrated upholds, USB ports and Ford’s 360 safety suite are part of the extensive list. 

I would be silly not to mention this Maverick hybrid sips gas. Estimates have this vehicle returning 38 miles per gallon highway and city combined. The gas tank holds 13.8 gallons of fuel which means you can get as many as 524 miles to a full tank. I may have gotten a bit more. Wow.

Expect to pay more than $41,000 for this fully loaded Maverick. 

Pros:

• Bold styling

• Extremely fuel efficient 

• Great interior space

• Firm but comfortable ride

• Quiet at highway speed

• Usable bed

• Tows up to 4,000 pounds

• Improved acceleration for hybrid

• All-wheel drive

Cons:

• Interior materials could be better

• No larger bed option

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