The Reinvention of the Compact Pickup
For years, the compact truck segment grew bloated. The Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger became nearly as large as full-size trucks from the 90s. The entry-level, affordable, efficient work truck was deadâuntil the Ford Maverick arrived in 2022. By building a truck on a unibody crossover platform (shared with the Bronco Sport and Escape), Ford created a vehicle that drives like a car, parks like a sedan, but works like a truck. And with a starting price under $20,000 at launch, it broke the internet.
When you browse the Maverick listings on Hugegarage, you are looking at a unicorn. It is the only vehicle that cross-shops with a Honda Civic and a Toyota Tacoma simultaneously. It brought millions of first-time truck buyers into the Ford family by solving the three biggest complaints about trucks: poor gas mileage, difficult parking, and high price.
The Maverick Name: Ford reused the name from a 1970s compact sedan. While purists grumbled, the marketing was brilliant. The original Maverick was a cheap, reliable car for the masses. The new Maverick is exactly the sameâit just happens to have a bed.
Engineering the Unibody Truck
The Maverick sits on the C2 Platform. This means it lacks the separate steel frame of an F-150.
Pros: No bed jitter on the highway. Precise steering. Low floor height (easy to load cargo).
Cons: Limited towing (max 4,000 lbs) and limited off-road articulation compared to a body-on-frame truck.
The Powertrain Revolution
Ford did something unprecedented: They made the Hybrid Powertrain standard (until 2024, when it became an option).
1. The 2.5L Hybrid (FWD / AWD)
The Star. It uses an Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor and an eCVT.
Specs: 191 HP combined.
Economy: 42 MPG City / 33 MPG Highway.
Reliability: This is a planetary gearset transmission (no belts, no chains). It is mechanically similar to the Toyota Prius transmission and is incredibly durable. It is the perfect city truck engine.
2. The 2.0L EcoBoost (FWD / AWD)
The muscle. For those who need to tow or want 4WD.
Specs: 250 HP / 277 lb-ft Torque.
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic.
Capability: When equipped with the 4K Tow Package, this engine can tow 4,000 lbsâenough for a small camper or a bass boat.
The FLEXBED: DIY Genius
The bed is small (4.5 feet), but it is arguably the smartest bed in the industry. Ford designed it for the Maker generation.
Features:
- Pre-Wired 12V Access: Two panels near the tailgate can be removed to access 12V wiring pigtails, allowing owners to wire in their own bed lights or air compressors without splicing into the main harness.
- 2x4 and 2x6 Slots: The bed sides are stamped with slots to fit standard lumber. You can build your own bike racks, dividers, or elevated floors using $20 worth of wood from Home Depot.
- Multi-Position Tailgate: The tailgate cables can be adjusted to a mid-position that lines up perfectly with the wheel wells. This allows you to carry 4x8 sheets of plywood flat, supported by the tailgate and wheel wells.
The Maverick Tremor: Off-Road Lite
Released in 2023, the Tremor package (AWD EcoBoost only) turns the Maverick into a surprisingly capable trail rig.
Upgrades:
- 1-inch lift.
- Rear Twin-Clutch Differential (borrowed from the Bronco Sport Badlands) that can lock the rear axle.
- Trail Control (off-road cruise control).
- Heavy-duty transmission cooler.
It won't follow a Jeep Wrangler up a rock wall, but it will handle any fire road or muddy campsite you throw at it.
Interior: Cheap but Cheerful
The interior is unapologetically plastic, but it is good plastic. Ford used interesting textures, exposed bolt heads, and clever storage solutions to make the cheap materials feel rugged rather than budget.
FITS System: The Ford Integrated Tether System is a slot on the back of the center console. Ford released the 3D print files for this slot, allowing owners to 3D print their own cup holders, trash cans, or phone mounts.
Buyer's Guide: Trim Levels
- XL: Steel wheels (steelies!), no cruise control (on early models), manual seats. The ultimate honest work truck.
- XLT: Alloy wheels, cruise control, orange interior accents. The volume seller.
- Lariat: Synthetic leather (ActiveX), push-button start, adaptive cruise control. The luxury choice, though still utilitarian.
Common Issues
1. Hybrid Wiring Harness
Early 2022 Hybrids had an issue where the 12V battery cable under the truck could corrode or loosen, causing the truck to lose power. A recall fixed this. Check the service history.
2. CV Axle Vibration
Some lifted Mavericks experience vibration in the CV axles because the unibody geometry is sensitive to ride height changes. If you plan to lift it, use a high-quality kit that drops the subframe.
Conclusion: The Right Truck for Right Now
The Ford Maverick is the most important truck Ford has released in 20 years. It proves that you don't need 700 lb-ft of torque to be a truck guy. By offering spectacular fuel economy, a versatile bed, and a price tag that undercuts most sedans, it has redefined the segment. For the homeowner who needs mulch on Saturday and 40 MPG on Monday, there is simply no other option. Explore the specs below.