2023 Ford Maverick: A Great Little Companion
Ford Maverick Side Profile
In the automotive industry it’s not very often that you can find a vehicle that offers the best of both worlds. You often need to compromise and choose a vehicle that meets most, but not all the needs that are desired. This is especially true when buyers are shopping for a pickup truck. Often people are looking for a truck to occasionally haul stuff on the weekend but also want a truck that is easy to park in the city. Buyers were often left with a dilemma and had to either live with a pickup that was too big or had to settle with purchasing a SUV or crossover. After analyzing the market, Ford decided to solve this issue by introducing the Maverick. Manufacturers have long been shy about entering the small pickup market, worrying that small trucks won’t sell or can’t be profitable. Pickup truck experts Ford decided to gamble on the idea that a small truck can be successful in North America and created a new take on the concept.
The Ford Maverick is a small 4-door unibody crossover based pickup. It shares a platform with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport and is the first small pickup on the market in decades. Vehicles in this segment are so rare that the new Maverick vaguely reminds me of a modern day version of the old Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino. Car based small trucks are unique and I am glad that Ford decided to return to this segment. In terms of the look, the Maverick features a square design with a low roofline. The front features a flat face with a rectangular grille with squarish headlights. Around back the square design theme continues with large tail lamps, a Maverick embossed tailgate and a unique off centered license plate holder in the bumper. With the boxy design, Ford has tried to make the Maverick look tough and robust. At the same time its straight lines and small size also make it practical for small businesses. Even the design combines the best of a small SUV and a pickup. It’s different and overall the design screams mini truck. The Maverick is aimed at many different audiences and will definitely appeal to many people looking for something unique.
The interior of the Maverick is cheap but funky. The dash is comprised of many different plastics, textures and colors that create a visually unique experience. On the dash, the light trim has little scrapes of carbon fiber that makes it look like a quartz countertop. The top of the dash is made up of hard plastics that features a graining effect that enhances its overall appearance. Splashes of orange are on the vents and the console bin, creating a level of vibrancy and liveliness to the interior. The lower part of the dash on my tester uses a dark navy blue plastic that is also quite distinctive. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Beside the touchscreen lies a storage bin that I feel Ford could’ve omitted and just made the touchscreen a little larger. If storage is your thing, the Maverick has tons of storage bins and innovative features that are really neat. The door pockets have grab handles that are cut short to allow 1.5-liter water bottles to fit with ease. In the rear, the Maverick has a rear under seat storage. This allow the entire rear bench to fold up, revealing a nifty storage area to hide valuables or stow away larger more cumbersome items. The rear also has short grab handles that allows for a bike tire to slide into the slot. This clever design makes it convenient to fit a bike across the rear seat area. The interior is roomy and spacious and forgoes a regular shifter in the console for a rotating knob shifter. Controls are very simple to use and operate. The front seats can be adjusted to multiple positions but after long drives the seats do lack support. Rear seat occupants have plenty of leg room and head space. The interior is innovative, functional and inventive. It is perfect for those who live an active lifestyle as well as a small business owner. Despite the use of hard plastics, Ford has done a great job with the Maverick and this a is a prime example of how to do a cheap interior right.
The Maverick comes with a 4.5-foot bed and has a payload of 1500 lbs. The Maverick is surprisingly capable despite its car based underpinnings. The Maverick is full of awesome features and Ford has even found a way to be creative with the bed. The Maverick comes standard with an electrical outlet in the bed and the truck also features grooves or slots for lumber so you can horizontally divide the bed into different segments. 10 tie downs are available so you can properly secure your cargo. The tailgate is multi-positional and can be locked at a 40-degree angle to haul longer stuff such as a sheet of plywood or outdoorsy equipment. Lastly, another cool feature is that the tie downs located on the tailgate double as a bottle opener, making the Maverick an ideal truck for camping or tailgating.
Tie down that doubles as a bottle opener
The Maverick’s standard engine is actually a 2.5-liter Hybrid unit, that produces a combined 191 HP. This engine is only available in front wheel drive and is mated to an electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT). My tester was the 2.0-liter turbo, EcoBoost gas engine, that produces a fine 250 HP and 277 lb-ft or torque. All-Wheel Drive is available with this engine, as is an 8 speed automatic transmission. Power comes on strong from a stop with the EcoBoost engine and shifts are quick and smooth. The Maverick is interesting to drive because it finds a way to combine the unusual combination of car and truck traits. In one aspect the Maverick feels like a truck as it has a wide turning radius and its steering isn’t super precise. On the road, the Maverick has a slightly firm ride, but drives in a gentile manner much like that of a compact SUV. Body roll is also limited when going into corners. At the same time, the Maverick can provide a slightly spirited ride when pressing the accelerator harder while already driving at regular speeds. This enables the vehicle to get a shot of power, propelling you quickly ahead. Whenever you do this it makes passing slower traffic a breeze. The fun and playful nature of engine vaguely reminds me of a sporty compact hatchback. It also feels well planted at high speeds and taking turns quickly can be slightly thrilling. The small size makes the Maverick easy to park in the city and finding that tight parallel spot is now manageable (something that can’t be said with a full-size pickup). Maneuvering around tight alley ways and traffic is now a much simpler task. The Maverick can also do tough truck stuff like towing. In fact, an AWD Maverick with the turbocharged EcoBoost engine can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the Trailer Tow Package. A standard Hybrid can tow 2,000 pounds but can’t be equipped with the tow package.
Rear passenger area
The base Ford Maverick XL with the hybrid powertrain starts at $31,100, add an additional $500 to get the EcoBoost version. The mid-level XLT in hybrid form starts at $33,700 and $34,200 for the XLT EcoBoost trim. Finally, the highest trim level, the Lariat starts at $37,150 for the hybrid. The EcoBoost version in Lariat trim starts at $37,650.
Traditional Blue Oval on the tailgate
The Maverick is truly a unique vehicle on the market place. It checks off many boxes and is a surprisingly enjoyable vehicle to drive. It is functional and offers enough utility that will satisfy many people. While it is a pickup, it drives in a more car like manner. It is ideal for the city as it is easy to park and navigate, and has great outward and rear visibility due to its large square shaped windows. The Maverick is a bargain and offers great value for what you get. With a fun and funky interior and plenty of storage the Maverick will appeal to a lot of different buyers. This vehicle becomes more likeable with every passing day and is the perfect companion for daily trips and errands around town. Ford was bold in hoping people would consider a small truck and I believe their efforts will pay off.
Built Ford Tough Easter Egg on the front dash
