By: Joshua Lee
August 14, 2024
We’ve tested quite a lot of trucks, from midsize to full-size offerings, with both categories suiting different types of needs. But what if a midsize is still too big, yet you still want a truck? This is where we enter the very unique niche of compact trucks, where the Ford Maverick Lariat has been compelling.
Ford Canada provided us with their 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat, which starts off with a standard hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and a 94-kWh electric motor, making a combined 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid is mated with an ECVT transmission and is only available in front-wheel drive. The powertrain is smooth during normal driving, but it does strain when we need passing power. This truck won’t win any races, but we appreciate that the cabin is relatively quiet when cruising and how seamless the transition is from gas to electric. This unibody pickup can tow up to 2,000 lbs, while the 2.0L EcoBoost model increases that to 4,000 lbs with the optional 4K Tow Package. Due to its unibody structure, the Maverick handles well around corners with little body roll. Ride quality also feels similar to other crossovers, so there’s a lot of familiarity if you haven’t driven trucks yet. The Ford Maverick has regenerative braking, but we find that it’s grabby, which took some time to get used to.
Our tester model comes in one body style, the four-door SuperCrew, and is painted in Cyber Orange Metallic. Adding the Black Appearance Package gives the Maverick 18-inch wheels and black exterior accents for the grille, mirrors, and lights. Although the Maverick has a small 4.5-foot bed, Ford calls this the FLEXBED to maximize functionality in this space. You can use 2×4 and 2×6 boards to create storage dividers, 4×8 sheets to create a false floor, or put the multi-position tailgate in a mid-position to fit longer items. There are eight fixed and movable bed tie-downs with D-rings, threaded bed holes, and 12V and 110V power outlets. The Lariat Luxury Package adds a 400W Inverter, spray-in bedliner, and LED box lighting. We also like that the bed sides are low, making it easy to reach in and get what you need.
The inside of the Maverick isn’t bad either; it’s easy to get in and out of, with great outward visibility. The Black Onyx interior is a nice navy-blue color with contrasting grey trim. The ActiveX heated front seats are well-padded and comfortable. The cabin layout is straightforward with a 6.5-inch instrument cluster screen and an 8-inch SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Lariat Luxury Package adds an 8-speaker B&O sound system, heated mirrors and steering wheel, and two smart-charging USB ports. Rear seat comfort is tight, but the bench can flip out to reveal under-seat storage bins. The space inside the vehicle has been thought out with lots of cubby spaces and large door pockets to fit 1L water bottles.
Ford Co-Pilot 360 includes automatic LED high beams, pre-collision assist, backup camera, lane-keeping and centering assist, lane departure assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional assist package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, evasive steering assist, and rear parking sensors.
According to Energuide, the hybrid-powered Maverick is rated at 5.8L/100KM city, 7.1L/100KM highway, for a combined 6.4L/100KM. During the week, we reached 5.9L/100KM and traveled 135KM using electric power.
At the time of testing, the Maverick Lariat starts at $36,150, and our tester has a total MSRP of $49,500. The 2024 models come standard with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and offer the hybrid powertrain for an extra $200. The XL starts at $35,795, the XLT at $38,395, and the Lariat at $46,195.
We were skeptical when the Ford Maverick came into play; what purpose did this truck serve? Sometimes crossovers and SUVs can be boring, and the Ford Maverick gives buyers a new alternative for a flexible and capable vehicle. We don’t expect truck owners to downsize for the Maverick, but it serves as a nice stepping stone for people who would like the truck ownership experience. With a very fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, functional interior, and car-like handling, the Maverick is sure to please most people. Ford recently announced the 2025 model year with a revised exterior, a 236hp performance Lobo trim, and available all-wheel drive for the hybrid powertrain.
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