It's safe to say that the American automaker hit the mark with the Maverick, as many buyers had been dreaming of a compact pickup truck from Ford. In fact, the brand went far beyond expectations, creating much more than just a 4-door vehicle with an open cargo space. The Maverick is also very comfortable, equipped with the latest technologies, and packed with ingenious features. For instance, it was designed to allow you to 3D print your own accessories if you wish. If that's not forward-thinking, I don't know what is. In short, the Ford Maverick is a model I truly admire and one that has every reason to appeal to a broad audience.
The 2025 model year brings a host of updates to the American compact truck lineup, starting with a sportier Lobo version. A 13.2-inch screen is now standard across all trims, but the most notable improvement is undoubtedly the availability of all-wheel drive paired with the hybrid powertrain—a combination that had been eagerly anticipated.
Trims and Pricing
For 2025, the Ford Maverick lineup consists of five different trims, starting with the base XL model, priced from $36,795. The price rises to $39,295 for the XLT trim. There's a significant jump with the Lariat version at $48,395, followed by the Tremor version at $49,895. Finally, the Lobo version tops the lineup at $50,095 before options. This pricing starts to overlap with the F-150 range, making it hard to justify such an expensive version unless you're a die-hard Maverick fan.
Category and Competition
Ford has a strong position in the compact pickup segment, as the brand is virtually alone in this category. While there's the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz, the former has its own niche, and the latter is a bit too bold for most buyers. The Ford Maverick quickly gained popularity upon its market debut.
Rivals: Honda Ridgeline, Hyundai Santa Cruz
Design and Technology
The Ford Maverick received a slight aesthetic update for 2025, which is a resounding success. The changes are particularly noticeable in the front bumper and headlights. This new look gives the compact truck a more serious and imposing presence.
Inside, the Ford Maverick remains as functional and well-balanced as ever. It features plenty of technology, with the 13.2-inch multimedia system screen standing out. I particularly appreciate the simplicity of Ford's system—the navigation is smooth and user-friendly. Beyond that, the Maverick is a very comfortable and surprisingly spacious model for its size. Five adults can sit comfortably inside.
Performance
The American automaker's compact truck offers two mechanical options, starting with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This combination delivers a total of 191 horsepower. It's mated to a CVT, and all-wheel drive is available as an option—a major new feature this year. What makes this powertrain particularly appealing is its fuel efficiency: 5.8 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway.
The Ford Maverick is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This version comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.
The Maverick's towing capacity ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds, depending on the chosen version.
Weaknesses
Strengths
Signature Feature
What sets the Maverick apart is its unique concept and exceptional versatility, all within a price range accessible to most buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Maverick has only been around for a few years, but it has already built a solid reputation. Buyers love it, and owners rarely regret their purchase. In my opinion, it wouldn't be surprising if the Maverick someday becomes the second most popular vehicle in Ford's lineup. It already outsells the Ranger, which speaks volumes.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier