Ford Maverick: Classic Power Meets Futuristic Features in Compact Pickup

The Ford Maverick renewed a truck class that was gone from the market for several years. This new compact pickup truck makes perfect sense for many truck owners.

Ford isn’t looking for the same sales figures out of its compact pickup as the mighty F-Series brings. For the past 46 years, the F-Series has been the most popular truck sold in the United States. While expected sales aren’t similar to the venerable Ford, the new compact model meets a need. For drivers looking for a small truck with respectable capabilities and functionality, the new Maverick could be everything they need.

What makes the Maverick popular?

An advertising campaign with Gabrielle Union as the face certainly helps, but the small and useful Maverick was a hit as soon as it was available. This little truck has the right combination if equipment, affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, and options to make it a great choice. The Maverick might be aimed at a younger customer, but many want to feel young and adventurous, which is precisely what the Maverick brings to the market. When looking for a combination of classic power and futuristic features, this is an excellent truck to drive.

Ford offers the FITS system in this pickup

The FITS slots have a specific geometry, which Ford makes available to Maverick owners. The geometry is accessible by scanning one of the QR codes in the truck’s bed. With this information and access to a 3D printer, owners can produce any accessory they can think of and then use it in the truck. This customization program has spurred growth in online design communities with an array of ideas. These communities are sharing ideas, including cupholders, trashcans, and dog water bowls, to name a few.

The right accessory is only a 3D printer away

Have you ever had a cupholder where you don’t need it and wish you had a grocery hook instead? Are there storage spaces in your vehicle you wish would be segmented better for smaller items? Would you like to switch between accessories with a cupholder when you need it and cord wrap when you don’t? The FITS system solves all of these issues with custom-made accessories. If you can think of it and create a plan to fit one of the slots, you can install it in the Ford Maverick. This program allows owners to have the freedom to customize the way they want.

What are the Maverick’s powertrain options?

Standard models give you a 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine plus a 94-kW battery pack to be a hybrid truck. The power is 191 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque with the FWD powertrain returning 42 city/33 hwy mpg. You can tow up to 2,000 with this base powertrain and proudly display the fact you’re driving a hybrid truck.

If you need AWD, more towing, and want more power, you’ll find another option with the Maverick. The upgraded powertrain gives you a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Select an FWD model, and you have 23 city/30 hwy mpg or choose AWD, and you’ll enjoy 22 city/29 hwy mpg. This powertrain increases the towing capacity to 4,000 pounds.

Does Ford offer any new upgrades to the 2023 Maverick?

This compact Ford truck carries over mostly unchanged, which shouldn’t come as any surprise. That said, a few items give you a little more for this little pickup. If you’re in line for the 2023 model, you could enjoy:

• Tremor Off-Road and Tremor Appearance packages
• Tech upgrades including improved Ford Co-Pilot 360 packaging
• The Lariat model is now only offered as a front-drive hybrid model

Choose the 2023 Ford Maverick and the Tremor Off-Road package, and you’ve got a truck that has more features than the FX4. This Tremor package includes:

• A specialized suspension setup
• Re-shaped front bumper for a better approach angle
• Under-body protection
• Locking AWD hardware
• Trail Control

Can the Maverick be the right truck for you?

Small but capable, the Maverick is an impressive little truck, especially when you consider what you get for the price. This truck is also only offered in a crew cab layout with a four-foot bed, but that is not all you get. You’ll find the Ford Integrated Tether System, which allows you to create 3D-printed accessories for the storage areas in the cabin. The Flexbed system in the rear shows you how to configure the bed for maximum usefulness.

Pros

• Affordable starting price
• Punchy, efficient engines
• SUV-like ride and handling
• Stylish cabin

Cons

• Small bed
• Low towing capacity