Ford Maverick (US) review

Quite car-like, you won’t be surprised to hear. It looks designed with intent, by which we mean lots of hard plastics meant to weather repeat use like the inside of a lunchbox. Exposed bolts and the feel of the cabin give off a DIY vibe, as if the interior was 3D printed by a hobbyist.

There are plenty of clever touches that maximize the Mav’s utility. For example, the doors are designed to tuck away those big water bottles hydration enthusiasts cling to, with the arm rest cut in a way that doesn’t impede access. There are also several nooks and crannies to squirrel away things for when you might need them.

What are we talking about in terms of capacity?

If it’s people, five can fit in a pinch, though four is better. Those who are relegated to the rear aren’t too put out, but the front remains the place to be. Underneath the rear bench is additional storage for things like groceries or anything people would rather not leave in the bed. It’s handy and the rear bench remains up for easy access, but it’s also easier to stuff things in the footwell like you usually do anyway.

The truck bed’s around 33.3 cu ft of capacity. Good for a great deal of stuff, though shorter than what truck enthusiasts are used to. You can put a mountain bike in there, so long as the front wheel hangs over the tailgate, to give you a reference. Is it enough? Your milage may vary.

How about tech?

The Maverick can be equipped with Ford’s CoPilot 360 safety suite that has cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with emergency braking and all those good things to keep you extra aware of the world around you. With the latest Sync operating system and available connectivity features, owners can access the car remotely for auto-start, unlocking and vehicle location services. All that and it’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, too, which can now be connected wirelessly.

An all new 13.2-inch screen is standard, replacing the outgoing 8in screen, which pairs well with the new 360-degree camera system. Lastly, the Maverick has adopted the optional Pro Trailer Hitch assist found on other Ford trucks.