2025 Ford Maverick: New Impressive Compact Pickup Truck Review

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2025 Ford Maverick: Small trucks are back, and the Ford Maverick is at the heart of this rising trend, having returned to our Top 10 Trucks and SUVs list as well as our Editors’ Choice this year. Based on its mechanics, the Escape crossover fits into Ford’s pickup truck lineup below the midsize Ranger. While not truck-based like the F-150 and Ranger, it has a large payload and towing capacity. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard, as does front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain are also available. When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds and accommodate up to 1500 pounds of payload in its small bed. The cabins are well-designed, and most models include many features that make them feel more premium than their low price suggests.

In contrast, the base XL trim is quite minimalist and best suited to fleet and on-site duties. Overall, the Maverick is an attractive little pickup with excellent built-in utility. More compact pickup trucks will surely hit the market in the coming years, but for now, the Maverick is just one of two options, competing exclusively with larger trucks. Expensive Hyundai Santa Cruz.

We predict that the 2025 Ford Maverick is the Blue Oval brand’s smallest pickup truck and most economical model. The Maverick, like other entries in the growing small truck category, ditches the traditional body-on-frame construction of big trucks in favor of a unibody setup, in this case, based on the Bronco Sports platform. This may not be the vehicle your grandfather would have liked, but it has a decent-sized bed and a surprising amount of hauling and payload for a small truck.

  • Starting prices are low for base versions.
  • Loads of available equipment to improve towing and off-road capability
  • The hybrid powertrain provides outstanding fuel economy.
  • Quick acceleration from the optional turbocharged engine.

2025 Ford Maverick

2025 Ford Maverick Review

Even though significant updates have occurred, full-size pickup trucks have improved dramatically over the last decade, creating a need for those who might not otherwise need something so large. Ford brought back the midsize Ranger vehicle in 2019 after an eight-year hiatus, and the even smaller Maverick will debut in 2022.

We expect the 2025 Ford Maverick to have some modest changes and feature upgrades, but spy images show a street-level performance variation, which may be called Lobo. We don’t know if that will happen in 2025.

The small Ford Maverick is certainly not as practical as a large pickup, but it can still perform various vehicle functions. The bed is large enough to accommodate a 4-foot sheet of plywood or plasterboard, but an 8-foot sheet will extend several feet beyond the tailboard. Maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds, allowing you to haul smaller trailers with ease.

As Ford’s smallest pickup, it’s also the most affordable, and the savings continue after you buy it. The low fuel consumption of the hybrid model will save you money.

2025 Ford Maverick Changes

Ford Authority initially discovered a 2025 Ford Maverick prototype in November, hinting at an upcoming redesign for the ever-popular compact pickup. Then, just a few weeks later, the identical model was sighted again while testing, this time wearing the same camouflage at the front and back that is generally seen on refurbished prototypes.

However, one thing we hadn’t seen – at least until recently – was the interior of the 2025 Ford Maverick, which appears to be taking inspiration from its larger sibling, the Ford Ranger.

Given the presence of camouflage covering portions of this pickup’s interior, it appears that this 2025 Ford Maverick prototype is equipped with the same type of infotainment screen as the recently-redesigned Ranger, rather than the 13.2-inch unit used in the refreshed 2023 and up Ford Escape. This is noteworthy because the Maverick shares the Ford C2 platform with the Escape, whereas the Ranger rides on the T6 platform.

The 2024 Ford Ranger comes with either a base 10.1-inch or an optional 12-inch center infotainment screen. In this prototype, the Maverick looks to have the same 10.1-inch device as the base Ranger, but it is vertically orientated rather than landscape mounted. This is also noteworthy given that the upcoming, revamped 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, which is also built on the C2 platform, was recently seen by Ford Authority with the same 13.2-inch, landscape-style screen as the refreshed Escape.

Aside from the addition of this new screen, the 2025 Ford Maverick is slated to undergo some modest exterior stylistic upgrades at the front and rear of the car, as well as some other potential alterations such as the introduction of additional models.

Last June, Ford Authority exclusively announced that a street performance version of the Ford Maverick was in the works, and shortly after, a prototype of that model was sighted at FoMoCo’s test track, followed by two more prototypes. Ford also submitted a trademark application for “Maverick Lobo” in August, which could indicate the coming of this or another variation.

2025 Ford Maverick Changes

2025 Ford Maverick Refresh

We’ve known for a long time – virtually since the day the Ford Maverick debuted – that more varieties of the smash successful compact truck were on the way, a fact that The Blue Oval confirmed in its Q3 financial results announcement earlier this month.

Over the last year or so, Ford Authority has also seen several Ford Maverick pickups dressed in various levels of camouflage, as well as some without any coverings at all. Now, these new photographs appear to show a redesigned 2025 Ford Maverick that is identical to the model found by Ford Authority earlier this month – or possibly a new version – that is also being tested.

This 2025 Ford Maverick prototype is heavily camouflaged throughout the entire front clip, as well as the rear fenders and bed region, indicating that major alterations are about to take place. Interestingly, the camo itself includes photographs of activities that individuals with active lifestyles might indulge in, such as hiking, and skiing, and even pictures of a tent, which may or may not hint at the purpose of this particular vehicle.

Aside from that fascinating detail, there are a few other features worth mentioning, including the pickup’s 19-inch wheels, which aren’t currently available on any version of the Maverick, as well as a set of 225/65R19 Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT all-season tires and an independent rear suspension, which most likely indicates that it’s also an all-wheel drive model. It also features cameras on each of the side mirrors, implying that the tiny pickup would most likely feature a 360-degree camera system.

In the back, we can see an EPA exhaust tip, which is typically used for testing when a model is set to be powered by a new engine. However, in this situation, that portion is most likely in place since the weight of the Maverick is altering as a result of internal modifications. As a result, Ford would have to correct the pickup with the EPA for emissions and fuel economy reasons.

Ford Authority reported in August 2021 that FoMoCo was not ruling out additional Maverick variants, which could include a high-performance ST street-focused pickup (which makes sense given the Explorer ST’s immense popularity) or other off-road-focused models such as the Tremor. Ford Authority claimed in March 2022 that when the Maverick was included in Ford’s list of “icons,” this prospect became even more likely.

Ford Authority exclusively reported in June that a “street performance” version of the Ford Maverick was in the works, and shortly thereafter, spied what appeared to be a prototype of that vehicle at FoMoCo’s test track, followed by two more prototypes. Ford also submitted a trademark application for “Maverick Lobo” in August, which could indicate the coming of this or another variation.

2025 Ford Maverick Changes

2025 Ford Maverick Spied

What’s not to love about the Ford Maverick? It’s a (relatively) inexpensive pickup that’s both practical and useable, which aren’t often synonymous. Buyers are been attracted to the basic vehicle in droves because it provides the majority of what they require while lacking nothing. Nonetheless, Ford’s next mid-cycle facelift will include a large infotainment screen.

These spy photographs received by The Drive reveal what is thought to be the 2025 Ford Maverick. It’s completely hidden, so it’s difficult to tell what’s new from the outside, but peeping inside reveals an upsized screen that outperforms the current 8-inch display. All Mavericks sold to date have had that size of screen, whether they are the base-model XL or the top-tier Lariat.

Close analysis reveals that it is vertically oriented, implying that it could be the 10.1-inch display from the 2024 Ranger. That would significantly alter the Maverick’s interior vibe, as the current one is horizontal and reasonably proportioned.

There’s even room for a small cubby to the right of the screen, which owners have made use of with clever 3D printing solutions. I can’t say for sure based on the photographs, but that compartment may be removed with this upgrade.

Here’s how the screen fits in the new Ranger XL and XLT:

I don’t want to come across as too critical about this switch-up. Many people prefer larger screens, which is why nearly every automaker has included them in their vehicles. I only hope the Maverick doesn’t get so dressed up that it loses its value proposition. People buy things because they are convenient and cost-effective, rather than sophisticated and novel.

The Maverick test mule in these photos is a four-wheel drive grade, most likely a Tremor—the most off-road-oriented of the lot. It’s worth noting that it’s equipped with Goodyear Wrangler RT tires, which are more aggressive than the Falken Wildpeaks found on the current Maverick Tremor model. That is consistent with the changes seen on Bronco Sport Badlands prototypes found in the wild, so it stands to reason that the Maverick will receive similar updates given their shared unibody chassis.

Overall, I’d say it’s fantastic news that Ford is revamping its beloved Maverick. The manufacturer could simply leave it alone and continue cashing those cheques, but it needs to stay current, especially as other manufacturers consider entering the tiny truck market. Ford stated today that it will increase Maverick production as sales double in 2023.

Whether you like the notion of a larger screen or prefer to keep it as is, the fuel-saving pickup will remain the same below. On that topic, I’ll conclude in the same way I began—what’s not to love?

2025 Ford Maverick Interior

All Mavericks have crew cabs, with four full-size doors and a spacious back seat. Ford has installed numerous storage cubbies and bins around the cabin, including some sizable places beneath the back seat. The base models are far from comfortable, but they do include standard features like a tilting and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seat. On the XLT and Lariat models, more items are standard or available as options, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and power front seats. Ford claims the Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed can accommodate up to 18 sheets of four-by-eight-foot three-quarter-inch plywood without needing to load them at an angle. The bed also includes a 12-volt power outlet, with a 110-volt outlet available as an option.

There aren’t many frills or buttons, but you can easily find the controls you need. Most people have to stoop their heads when entering and exiting, however once inside, there’s plenty of room all around. The driving position is relatively upright, and the driver’s seat and steering wheel do not have much flexibility. The rear seat has limited legroom, as does the area under the front seats for feet.

However, the Maverick’s boxy cab allows for exceptional visibility. The large, squarish windows provide for excellent visibility in all directions, and while they are a little small, we appreciate Ford’s handy integrated blind-spot mirrors.

2025 Ford Maverick

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the Maverick leans more toward the truck vibe than its Hyundai Santa Cruz counterpart. Over broken or rocky roads, it has a choppy ride characteristic that never seems to fade.

The seats are solidly padded but supportive, and they withstand long journeys. But there are rough plastic door panels right next to your knees, which are awkward to brace against when driving down twisty roads.

The engine makes little noise on the highway, but it sounds rough at idling and under full throttle. We also noted an unusually loud powertrain noise emanating from beneath the back floor that we were unable to identify. These characteristics are more difficult to accept on the top-trim Lariat.

Tech

There isn’t much technology to play with in the Maverick. You do get an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection, and it connects quickly and easily, but that’s about it. In terms of output volume, the normal stereo falls short.

Additional driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, are available but only standard on the top-tier Lariat grade. The rival Santa Fe includes more of these amenities as standard equipment.

Towing

The Maverick’s party piece is the vast amount of cubbies and interior storage places. The doors can hold large water bottles, the rear under-seat storage is spacious, and the enormous center console has a variety of handy separators. The Maverick has perfected small-item storage.

Loading a large car seat will be challenging because the top tethers are behind the folding rear seats. Furthermore, accessing the under-seat storage requires pulling up the entire back seat bottom, so any kid seats must be removed. What a pain.

The Maverick’s maximum towing and payload capacities are noteworthy for such a compact vehicle, at 4,000 and 1,500 pounds respectively. The Maverick also includes a four- and seven-pin connector, as well as an integrated trailer brake controller, which the Hyundai Santa Cruz does not have.

So, while the Santa Cruz has a larger overall towing capability, the Maverick is better fitted to tow directly out of the factory.

2025 Ford Maverick Engine

Rather than starting with the Bronco Sport’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the basic powertrain, Ford has installed a powerful 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automated gearbox; all-wheel drive is optional.

A hybrid powertrain is available and comprises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine aided by an electric motor producing a combined 191 horsepower. This design simply includes a front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT).

On the road, the Maverick seems downright snappy with the optional turbo four, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds on our test track. The hybrid powertrain is less peppy, taking 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph in our testing, but it does the job. To accommodate its remarkable payload capacity, the Maverick’s suspension is fairly rigid, resulting in a slightly bumpy ride over broken pavement.

The standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine and the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Our test truck, equipped with the latter, accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. That’s faster than any midsize pickup vehicle, and only slightly faster than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The automatic transmission shifts fast when you accelerate, and it doesn’t search for gears on long uphill hills thanks to plenty of power under the hood. The Maverick with the standard hybrid powertrain accelerates somewhat slower to 60 mph (8.4 seconds), but we’d swap that for increased fuel efficiency.

However, steering and handling are less satisfactory. In this regard, the Maverick is more reminiscent of a regular truck. The steering wheel provides a little feel for the road, and there is a lot of body roll when taking turns. The Maverick is stiffly sprung, thus mid-corner bumps will also cause some handling issues.

The Lariat trim level, which we drove, does not excel at off-roading, but it does have a respectable 8.3 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive. You may even acquire the supplementary FX4 package to travel even further off the main road.

2025 Ford Maverick

2025 Ford Maverick Competitors

The only direct competition to the Maverick is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which has similar capabilities but has a more SUV-like personality both inside and out. The Santa Cruz can tow 1,000 pounds more than the Maverick, but the absence of a trailer brake controller levels the playing field.

Toyota presented the EPU, an all-electric small vehicle, although it is unknown if or when it will go into production. If it meets your needs, the Maverick can be a viable alternative to bigger midsize vehicles.

2025 Ford Maverick Price

  • Starting around $24,000

2025 Ford Maverick Release Date

  • Summer 2024

Verdict

The 2025 Ford Maverick might be an excellent choice as a delivery vehicle, a light-duty construction mule, or an economical daily driver with far more utility than an SUV. After all, what’s the sense of purchasing a larger and more expensive truck if you don’t require all of its features?

If you want a tiny vehicle that looks, drives and feels like a truck, congratulations! You have found it! The Ford Maverick is reasonably priced, with excellent fuel economy, and great internal storage. The Maverick may not be particularly exciting to drive or especially to look at, but it is undoubtedly functional.

We’ll be back soon with more on the 2025 Ford Maverick, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay up to date with the latest Maverick Ford news, 2025 Maverick news, and information on other Ford models on the road.

2025 Ford Maverick

FAQs: People also ask Ford Maverick 2025

A: Are there any modifications to the 2024 Ford Maverick?

Q: Ford has taken an unusual approach this year, reversing the functions of the Maverick’s powertrain options. The previously optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is now standard, while the previously standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine is now available for an extra price.

A: When can I order a 2024 Ford Maverick?

Q: On July 17, 2023, order accounts for the 2024 Ford Maverick will become active. Until then, remain updated with Hoffman Ford on the projected changes and the date when a 2024 Ford Maverick will be available for buy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

A: How much does the 2024 Maverick cost?

Q: The 2024 Ford Maverick is priced between $25,410 (basic) and $39,945 (plush), depending on specification and option selection. Ford provides the Maverick in three customization levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the XL is the best option.

A: Is the Ford Maverick being discontinued?

Q: Production of the 2023 Ford Maverick will end in October.

Video Discovery: Ford Maverick