2026 Ford Maverick Review

About the Ford Maverick

Designed to meet the needs of an entirely new breed of truck buyer, the dynamic Ford Maverick is equal parts innovator and trendsetter. As the first compact hybrid pickup truck ever produced in the United States, the Maverick boasts an EPA-estimated rating of 42 MPG city**. Better still, its compact size provides effortless maneuverability, a low reach-in height for the bed, and still delivers spacious seating for up to 5 passengers. Further boosting its capabilities is the standard 250-horsepower 2.0L EcoBoost paired with a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission and an optional intelligent all-wheel drive system. When equipped with the optional tow package, the Maverick has the ability to tow up to a remarkable 4,000 pounds. Engineered with an emphasis on DIY enthusiasts, the innovative FLEXBED™ lets you customize a number of cargo-carrying solutions right in the bed of the Maverick. Step inside the cabin and you'll find an array of standard connectivity features designed to keep you informed and entertained. Combined with an exceptionally low starting price, the Ford Maverick paves the way for the next generation of truck buyers.

"Ford is betting big on going small. Maverick is cheap and a hybrid; that's noteworthy on spec, but there's more to it than that. Hybrids have established themselves as frugal vehicles to own, but they're often more expensive to buy up front, at least compared to their equivalents. Maverick, being in a class of one, has no such contemporaries." — Autoblog

"In short, if the Maverick lives up to its potential, it will be the Ford truck I would recommend my dad get if he does buy one. It packs a nice balance of adventure- and homeowner-focused capability into a package you can more easily parallel park on the street or slide into a cramped garage. That everyday practicality balanced with weekend aspiration makes for an appealing and accessible option." — Popular Mechanics

What’s New for 2026

Changes to the compact Ford Maverick pickup are relatively small compared to the extensive mid-cycle update it received just last year. For 2026, Maverick shoppers can choose from two new exterior paint choices known as Marsh Gray and Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat. Buyers can now opt for a front-wheel drive configuration on Maverick models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Finally, every Maverick now includes a one-year trial subscription to the Ford Connectivity Package.

Practical Performance

Unlike any other pickup truck, the Ford Maverick offers an unparalleled combination of capability and efficiency. In its most efficient form, the Maverick is powered by an advanced 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. In addition to a standard 2,000-pound towing capacity, the Maverick offers an unparalleled 42 MPG city and 500 miles of range on a single tank of gas (EPA estimates). Need more muscle? Step up to the standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost® gas engine delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission (7-speed automatic on Lobo models). You can enhance the capability of the Maverick even further with an available all-wheel drive system along with an optional 4K Tow Package that doubles the conventional towing capacity to 4,000 pounds.

FLEXBED™ Versatility

Elevating functionality to new heights, the Ford Maverick is engineered with an innovative FLEXBED™. Providing limitless solutions for customizing and securing cargo based on your own unique needs, this truck bed features stamped slots sized to hold 2x4s or 2x6s. You'll have the freedom to create segmented storage, elevated floors, bike/kayak racks, and more. Other cargo management solutions inside the bed include two tie-downs, four D-rings, and built-in threaded holes in the sides. Rather than compromising the factory wiring for your electrical needs, the Maverick comes standard with built-in 12-volt electrical power pre wired to an easily removable cover on either side of the back of the bed. This 4.5-foot bed has a standard payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, equivalent to roughly 37 bags of 40-pound mulch. With the multi-position tailgate lowered, you'll have room for up to 18 sheets of 4x8-foot three-quarter-inch plywood without needing to angle the panels.

Trims & Specs

XL

• Starting at $28,145 MSRP*
• Under-Seat Storage
• Cruise Control
• FLEXBED™ featuring DIY customizable cargo management solutions
• 13.2-inch Touchscreen with SYNC 4 and Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 17-inch Sparkle Silver Steel Wheels

XLT

• Starting at $30,645 MSRP*
• Unique Cloth Bucket Seats
• 2K Trailer Hitch Receiver with 4-Pin Connector
• Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start (including Approach Detection)
• Cubby Storage In Bed, Passenger Side
• 17-inch Carbonized Gray Painted Aluminum Wheels

Lobo

• Starting at $35,930 MSRP*
• 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine with 7-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Lobo Mode (track use only)
• Lowered Ride Height and Tuned Suspension
• Unique Front Fascia with Fog Lamps and Black Roof
• 19-inch Black Wheels

Lariat

• Starting at $38,090 MSRP*
• ActiveX™ Seating Material including 8-Way Power Driver’s Seat
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Wireless Charging Pad
• Heated Steering Wheel
• B&O® Sound System with HD Radio™ and 8 Speakers including Subwoofer

Tremor

• Starting at $40,645 MSRP*
• Off-Road Tuned Suspension and Elevated Ride Height
• Tremor Orange Accents
• Ford Trail Control™
• Twin Clutch Rear Drive Unit with Electronic Rear Locking Differential
• 17-inch All-Terrain Tires