Ford Maverick (US) review

Just fine, given that it feels like a budget compact sedan on stilts. The experience isn’t particularly bad or good, it just works. The Maverick is easy to handle, much more so than the bulkier members of its Ford family.

In that regard, what it lacks in driver enjoyment, it makes up for as a pickup that doesn’t trigger panic attacks in crowded lots, tight street parking scenarios and situations where space is at a premium, such as loading furniture in a crowded city block. The Maverick is also fairly well equipped for light handyman work, though it can’t power half a construction site like the F-150, Lightning or otherwise.

On the road, the hybrid Maverick is a dutiful commuter, either in its front-wheel drive or new all-wheel configuration. Speaking of, the new layout adds more stability and versatility as you’d expect, all without too much compromise to the fuel saving that made the hybrid truck attractive in the first place. The front-wheel drive hybrid Maverick scores an EPA-estimated 38mpg combined while the AWD version nets 37mpg. No worries there, though it takes some effort to get moving on roads beyond the suburbs.

How about off-road?

The Maverick has enough off-road chops to make it a decent, low-level adventure machine. The available FX4 package adds skid plates, tow hooks and all-terrain tires to the Mav along with two new drive modes added to the included “off-road” setting. These are mud/ruts and sand, with hill descent control also thrown in for good measure. In addition to giving the hybrid AWD, the refreshed Maverick now comes with a 360-degree camera for added situational awareness.

If that’s not enough, the Maverick Tremor has similar FX4 upgrades but it’s also an inch higher and comes with a unique bumper and updated suspension components. Can it handle everything? No, but it can handle most things, and that’s likely to be all you’ll ever need.

What about the Maverick Lobo?

It’s a super fun addition to the line-up and a fun way to broaden the Maverick’s spectrum. It feels a little silly to roll up at the start of an autocross course with a truck, even this little one, but once you set off, the Lobo represents its purpose well. You often forget that the truck is slightly longer than it feels and the ride height takes getting used to. Once you do, the Maverick becomes very playful and even tail-happy if you can manage it. Be sure to take your shopping out of the back first, though.