2025 Ford Maverick

Test Vehicle:

2025 Ford Maverick XL 

Powertrain: 2.5L Hybrid Engine

Exterior Color: Velocity Blue

Interior Color: Black Onyx- Med Dark Slate

Options: Equipment Group 101A ($2,220), Bedline Spray in ($495)

MSRP as tested: $30,705 (With Destination & Delivery)

Pros: Affordability, Value, Fuel Efficiency, Versatile, Compact and Capable

Cons: Interior Refinement, Limited Configuration & Capacity

The Maverick is a compact pickup truck that is smaller than the current Ranger and currently the smallest new pickup available. It comes standard as a five-passenger, four-door pickup with a 4.5' bed. It was the first pickup in America with a standard full-hybrid powertrain that provides impressive fuel economy. EPA estimates are 42/33/37 MPG city/highway/combined. There are two powertrains available. Standard for 2025 is the 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid that delivers 191 horsepower combined with the electric motor that mates with a continuously variable transmission to drive the front wheels. Also available for nearly the same price is the 2.0L EcoBoost gas engine that delivers 238 horsepower with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is now exclusively paired with AWD. 

New for 2025, the Maverick gets a mid-cycle refresh that introduces a bolder front fascia with redesigned grille (customized per trim) and modern LED headlights, including inverted L-shaped signature lighting on higher trims. Inside is a much larger 13.2” infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 4 along with new interior themes and materials. 2025 also see the introduction of two new trims: Lobo and Tremor along with several new paint colors. 

There are five trim levels known as XL, XLT, Lariat, Lobo, and Tremor. XL, XLT, and Lariat are available with both powertrains while Lobo and Tremor are exclusively offered with the 2.0L EcoBoost Engine. Prices continue to creep up and now start at $28,145 (an increase of $4,225 from 2024) for the XL which includes features such as a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, 13.2" touchscreen, FordPass connectivity, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, 17" silver steel wheels, LED headlamps and more. At the top of the range is now the Tremor model which starts at $40,995. It adds features such as 17" all-terrain tires, off-road tuned suspension, Ford trail control, twin clutch rear drive unit with electronic rear differential locking, elevated ride height, and Tremor orange accents.  

This once popular segment was filled with competition from every major brand but now includes only the Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, Toyota has announced plans to launch a compact truck to rival the Maverick in the near future. 

Powertrain / Handling:

I spent a week in the 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid with 191 horsepower and 155 lb.ft. of torque. The hybrid component gives this lightweight truck immediate power when you punch the accelerator. It has plenty of pep around town and was quick enough on the highway to merge into speedy traffic. It will get from 0-60 MPH in an estimated 7.4 seconds which isn’t “fast” but feels quick for a small truck. Despite being the lower power option, it never felt dull to me. The CVT was sufficient (didn't add or detract) for the drive. I also found the truck planted on the pavement in multiple weather and road conditions. It handled corners well with a firm and controlled ride. Steering is truck-appropriate, well weighted, and responsive, making the Maverick a comfortable truck to drive. It does offer multiple drive modes including normal, tow/haul, slippery, eco, and sport. Each mode changes the dynamics slightly to offer the best handling and fuel-efficiency. This truck is surprisingly peppy and fun to drive. 

AWD adds just around 170 lbs, with minimal impact on dynamics and it may feel quicker off the line thanks to torque distribution. AWD also unlocks increased towing capacity (up to 4,000 lbs with 4K Tow Package), higher payload capacity (up to 1,500 lbs), and better traction in snow and off-pavement situations.

Fuel Economy:

When the Maverick arrived with a full 13.8-gallon tank it had a range of around 500-540 miles. It has an estimated EPA rating of 38 MPG combined,42 MPG city, and 35 MPG highway on FWD trucks. These proved accurate as after a week of suburban driving, I averaged 38 MPG and never had to fill up at the pump. It runs on regular grade fuel and will be easier on the wallet than most other trucks out there. After a week of my normal driving, I still had well over 100 miles of driving range left.

Exterior Style:

Ford designers did a nice job maintaining the look of Ford trucks while giving the Maverick some flare of its own and it gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2025. Most notable is the updated front end with a new grille, bumper, and headlight design. And to take it even further, each grade of the Maverick has its own unique look meaning the front of the base XL will look different from the Lobo or Tremor. Standard dark-appearance LED headlamps are on all Maverick trims, while higher-end models boast projector LEDs with signature accent lighting for added flair.

The overall design is boxy which maximizes function inside and out. The side profile is upright and features some traditional Ford design cues such as lower base windows and an exterior badging element on the front fenders. Ford placed the license plate off centered in the bumper on the passenger side to accommodate for a tow hitch.  The overall design blends tradition with a contemporary vibe. Ford broadened its palette—adding Eruption Green Metallic, Velocity Blue, Ruby Red Metallic, and Space White Metallic, while retiring some older hues like Atlas Blue and Hot Pepper Red.

Standard wheels on the base XL are 17" silver steel wheels. There's something nostalgic and basic about these steelies that look at home on the Maverick, it solidifies that Ford is offering something modern, but simple. Standard on the XLT are 17" carbonized gray painted aluminum wheels and on the Lariat are 19" bright aluminum wheels. Other available options include 18" black wheels and a unique 17" wheel that comes with the FX4 off-road package. Lobo and Tremor models get their own unique wheels outlined below. All the designs work well with the rest of Maverick’s style.

Tremor (New for 2025):

Tremor is a new trim grade for buyers seeking more off-road capability and bolder styling. It comes with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and is paired with all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This advanced system includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature to allow greater off-road capability. It can divert virtually all rear axle torque to either wheel. Five selectable drive modes make it easy for customers to quickly tailor the on-road and off-road capability of Maverick Tremor to pavement, mud, sand, or snow, as well as for towing conditions. Maverick Tremor also comes with exclusive Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road driving. Unique front and rear springs and shocks aid in improved off-road capability. These new shocks, together with a 1-inch increase in ride height, also contribute to a more assertive stance. Off-road capability is further bolstered by a heavy-duty transmission cooler and upgraded half-shafts. It comes with a lockable twin-clutch rear differential, hill descent control, underbody skid plates, and a 360-degree camera. 

The exterior features an orange-accented grille and tow hooks along with a modified bumper for better approach angles. Unique 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with tarnished-dark and orange accents, wrapped in all-terrain tires are standard on the Tremor. Inside it has Tremor-exclusive seat upholstery that is finished in Black Onyx fabric and features stitched Tremor logos, complemented by signature Tremor Orange accents. The Tremor trim also includes a specialized off-road screen in the instrument cluster, providing real-time data essential for off-road driving, such as pitch, roll, and terrain information. Finally, the center console, air vent surrounds, and door pulls are updated to include the Tremor Orange color scheme, aligning with the exterior accents and reinforcing the vehicle's rugged theme

Co-Pilot360 with adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go), lane centering, and speed-sign recognition is standard. Tremor prices start at $40,995.

Lobo (New for 2025):

Opposite the off-road focused Tremor, Ford has launched the Maverick Lobo as a performance-oriented compact pickup truck. Designed as a factory street truck, it stands out in the Maverick lineup for its unique styling and driving experience. The Lobo comes standard with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4 producing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, replacing the standard 8-speed in other Maverick trims. AWD is standard for improved traction and handling. It also has a lowered suspension by 1.1 inches, upgraded brakes, and 19-inch rally-inspired wheels. It comes with tuned springs and shocks along with modified steering to improve handling dynamics. Lobo models will get from 0-60 MPH in approximately 5.8 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds. There is also a Lobo Mode which is a performance-oriented driving mode that adjusts throttle response and steering characteristics, enhancing the vehicle's dynamics.

The exterior features a black-painted roof, unique front grille, body kit, and black badging. It comes with 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels featuring a unique "turbofan" style that are like nothing else seen on other new trucks. An eight-piece body kit, including body-colored bumpers and rocker panels, complements the black roof, enhancing the truck's sporty street appearance. Finally, the Lobo is fitted with LED projector headlights and LED taillamps. 

Inside the cabin features bold accent stitching in Grabber Blue and Electric Lime with the Lobo name embossed on the front seats , adding a vibrant touch to the seats and dashboard. Seats are adorned with a graffiti overprint, reflecting urban streetwear culture and giving the interior a youthful, artistic flair. It also comes with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel allowing drivers to manually select their gears for a more engaging drive. Maverick Lobos start at $35,930.

Capability:

The Maverick remains relatively capable despite its smaller size.  The hybrid offers a standard payload of 1,500 pounds and has the capability to tow 2,000 pounds which is just enough for a decent-sized pop-up camper. Step up to the EcoBoost engine with the optional 4k towing package and conventional towing will double to 4,000 pounds which is enough for a 21' boat.

FLEXBED:

The Maverick has a smaller 4.5' bed; however, Ford has made it as functional as possible with its FLEXBED system. Standard on all models is the ability to organize and store cargo based on how real consumers use their truck beds. The bed features slots stamped into the side of the bed to accommodate 2x4s or 2x6s along with two tie-downs, four D-rings, and built-in threaded holes in the side to bolt in custom creations. Even with its small size, it is quite functional and during my time in the Maverick I hauled a couple couches, a bed, and table for the neighbors who spotted a truck in my driveway.  For the true DIY expert, there's even a QR code in the bed that can be scanned for more storage ideas.

On top of those built-in accommodations, the Maverick also has a standard built-in 12-volt electrical power prewired to an easily removable cover on either side of the bed. There are options to select factory-available options or create your own home-built systems without messing with the wiring to the taillights. Beyond the electrical wiring, there is an available 110-volt 400-watt outlet in the bed (and a second one in the cab). The bed can carry 1,500 pounds of payload (around 37 bags of 40lb mulch) and it has a six-foot floor with the tailgate down. It features a multi-position tailgate that allows for transportation of plywood or other longer items that can lay flat rather than pointed up. The tailgate itself can hold 500 pounds.

Interior Materials:

The interior of the Maverick feels modern with unique materials and colors, almost as if it came from the IKEA catalog. The design is simple but not necessarily basic. It utilizes textures such as reground carbon fiber for strength and visual interest. The dash panel features a stonelike finish like a durable synthetic countertop. The materials carry over to the doors as well with a similar finish and a unique handle execution to better accommodate tall water bottles. Overall, it gives off a very trendy vibe. The materials are more basic, which is what makes the Maverick an affordable truck.

Technology:

From basic to advanced technology, it's all covered in the Maverick lineup. Prices are kept reasonable because Ford offers versions of this truck with manual seats and key-start ignitions such as the XL I drove for a week. Note that push-button start, heated steering wheel, and power seats are available options on higher trims. The Maverick isn't missing any significant technology either. All models now come standard with a 13.2" center stack touchscreen that integrates with both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also standard is FordPass Connect with an embedded modem and Wi-Fi for up to ten devices. Standard FordPass also makes it easy to find the truck, check fuel level, lock and unlock doors, and start or turn off the truck all from your phone. Lariat, Tremor, and Lobo trims feature a digital driver information display showing fuel efficiency, terrain, and off-road data. Also available on higher trims is a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports.

Equipped with a built-in 5G modem, the 2025 Maverick ensures seamless connectivity. This technology supports over-the-air software updates, keeping the vehicle's systems current without the need for a visit to the dealership. It also enables features like remote vehicle management and enhanced infotainment capabilities. It comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system and optional is a B&O sound system with 8 speakers for premium audio experience.  The simplified approach is easy to use as are the remaining traditional controls for climate and audio. At the end of the day, I didn't mind inserting a key into the ignition and giving it a turn. 

Interior Space:

As a compact truck, interior space is limited but well designed. Front seats offer enough room thanks to its boxy shape and taller roof height. Head, leg, and shoulder room will accommodate taller drivers and passengers up front. The seats were comfortable enough for a daily commuter but have the potential to lack support for longer road trips. Rear seats comfortably accommodated all three of my kids but would be tight in the leg/hip area for three adults. Ford was creative with the space and includes under seat storage in the back seats and decent sized center console storage along with cupholders and other small spaces.

Safety:

The 2025 Ford Maverick comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and confidence behind the wheel. These features are standard across all trims, including the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Lobo, ensuring a high level of safety for every driver. Standard features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keep assist, and a rearview camera. Opting for the $795 Co-Pilot 360 Assist Package will add pre-collision assist, BLIS cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane centering, 360-degree camera, and rear parking sensors.

Final Statement:

This is a truck that was designed with the consumer in mind. The Maverick fills a compact void in the market with a solid design and a powertrain that is both fuel-efficient and nimble on the streets. It is in high demand, which has driven up prices significantly since it launched. It has also sparked Ford to add more available trims and options this year. Even in its most basic form, the Maverick remains one of my favorite vehicles to drive. I love how versatile and simple this truck is.