In the rapidly evolving world of compact pickup trucks, the 2025 Ford Maverick stands out as a versatile, affordable, and innovative option. Since its debut in 2021, the Maverick has redefined expectations for small trucks, blending the utility of a pickup with the efficiency and maneuverability of a compact SUV. With a starting MSRP of $28,590, it remains the most budget-friendly truck in America, going head-to-head with its primary rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The 2025 model introduces significant updates, including an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid option, a performance-focused Lobo trim, and enhanced technology, earning it accolades like a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks list. However, like any vehicle, it has its drawbacks. This 2,000-word article explores four compelling reasons to love the 2025 Ford Maverick and two reasons to think twice before purchasing, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers in 2025.
The 2025 Ford Maverick: A Quick Overview
The Ford Maverick is a unibody compact pickup built on the same C2 platform as the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. Measuring 199.7 inches long with a 121.1-inch wheelbase, it’s smaller than midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger, making it ideal for urban environments and tight parking spaces. Available in five trims—XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor—the Maverick offers two powertrains:
- Standard Hybrid: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It achieves 42 city/33 highway mpg (front-wheel drive) or 40 city/34 highway mpg (AWD).
- Optional EcoBoost: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 238 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic (or a seven-speed automatic on the Lobo trim), standard with AWD.
The Maverick’s FlexBed storage system, 4.5-foot bed, and towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds with the $745 4K Tow Package make it a practical choice for light-duty tasks. Its 2025 updates include a redesigned front fascia, a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, and advanced safety features like Ford Co-Pilot360. With sales of 64,754 units in the first five months of 2024 alone, the Maverick’s popularity underscores its appeal. Let’s dive into why this truck is winning hearts—and where it falls short.
4 Reasons to Love the 2025 Ford Maverick
1. Unmatched Fuel Efficiency with Hybrid Power
The Maverick’s hybrid powertrain is a game-changer in the pickup segment, offering exceptional fuel economy that rivals compact sedans. Rated at 42 city/33 highway mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 40 city/34 highway mpg with the new AWD option, it outperforms its sole competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which lacks a hybrid and achieves only 22 city/25 highway mpg. This efficiency translates to significant savings at the pump, especially in 2025, with gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon nationally (AAA). For a driver covering 15,000 miles annually, the Maverick hybrid could save approximately $600 per year compared to a non-hybrid compact truck like the Santa Cruz.
The 2025 model’s introduction of AWD for the hybrid addresses a long-standing customer request, enhancing traction in adverse conditions without sacrificing efficiency. MotorTrend praised this update, noting that the AWD hybrid is “everything we wanted it to be—quicker, with more traction and capability.” Whether navigating snowy streets or rainy commutes, the hybrid Maverick delivers a responsive 191 horsepower and a smooth CVT, making it ideal for urban and suburban drivers who prioritize economy and versatility.
2. Affordable Price and Strong Value
Starting at $28,590, the Maverick remains the most affordable truck in the U.S., undercutting the Santa Cruz ($28,750) and midsize rivals like the Ford Ranger ($34,315). Despite its low price, the base XL trim comes well-equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the FlexBed system, which includes six tie-downs, configurable slots, and a multi-position tailgate. Ford.com highlights that the Maverick “delivers huge truck capability for a refreshingly compact price,” making it accessible to first-time truck buyers, young professionals, and small business owners.
The XLT trim, starting at $31,115, adds value with 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, and a 2,000-pound trailer hitch receiver, while the Lariat ($37,820) offers luxury features like an eight-speaker B&O sound system and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Even the performance-oriented Lobo ($36,850) and off-road-focused Tremor ($41,945) remain competitively priced compared to premium trims of the Santa Cruz ($42,920). Kelley Blue Book notes that the Maverick’s resale values are stronger than the Santa Cruz, ensuring better long-term value. With Ford’s limited-time employee pricing deal in 2025, buyers can save further, making the Maverick a budget-friendly powerhouse.
3. Versatile Trims for Every Lifestyle
The 2025 Maverick’s expanded trim lineup caters to diverse needs, from urban commuters to off-road adventurers. The new Lobo trim, starting at $36,850, is a street truck inspired by compact performance vehicles, featuring a lowered suspension (0.5 inch lower in front, 1.12 inches in the rear), a torque-vectoring rear differential, and a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters borrowed from the European Ford Focus ST. Car and Driver tested the Lobo on an autocross course, praising its “sprightlier handling” and “fun” Lobo Mode, which reduces stability control for controlled drifts on closed tracks. Its 19-inch turbofan wheels, black roof, and Grabber Blue stitching add a bold aesthetic.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Tremor trim ($41,945) transforms the Maverick into a trail-ready beast with all-terrain tires, skid plates, front tow hooks, and a 360-degree camera for enhanced visibility. Ford.com describes its “off-road tuned suspension and elevated ground clearance” as ideal for tackling rugged terrain. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Lariat trims, offers a more affordable entry into off-roading with all-terrain tires and Hill Descent Control. Whether you’re a city dweller, weekend warrior, or performance enthusiast, the Maverick’s trims ensure there’s a model for you.
4. Practical Design and Smart Technology
The Maverick’s unibody design and compact size make it a practical choice for everyday use. Its 4.5-foot bed, with a low 30.1-inch lift-in height, simplifies loading and unloading, while the FlexBed system enhances versatility with tie-downs, slots for DIY dividers, and a 110-volt outlet. Kelley Blue Book praises the bed’s “back-friendly” design, ideal for hauling mulch, bikes, or camping gear. Inside, the crew cab offers seating for five, rear under-seat storage, and a boxy cabin with excellent visibility thanks to large, squarish windows.
The 2025 model’s tech upgrades elevate its appeal. The 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity. Ford Co-Pilot360, standard on all trims, includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beams, with Lariat and Tremor adding adaptive cruise control and lane centering. New towing technologies, set to debut in early 2025, will assist with trailer maneuvering, making the Maverick accessible to novice truck owners. Ford Media Center notes that these upgrades were driven by owner feedback, reflecting Ford’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
2 Reasons to Think Twice
1. Limited Towing and Configuration Options
While the Maverick is capable for its size, its towing and payload capacities lag behind competitors and larger trucks. The standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds, suitable for small trailers or jet skis, but upgrading to the 4K Tow Package ($745) is necessary to reach 4,000 pounds. Even then, it falls short of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which tows up to 5,000 pounds without additional packages. The Maverick’s payload capacity, capped at 1,500 pounds across both powertrains, is adequate for light loads but insufficient for heavy-duty tasks like hauling construction materials. Rice Tire highlights that “even with the optional tow package, Ford’s compact pickup can’t match the Hyundai Santa Cruz,” a key consideration for buyers needing robust utility.
Additionally, the Maverick is available in only one configuration: a crew cab with a 4.5-foot bed. Unlike midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, which offer extended cabs or longer beds, the Maverick’s fixed setup limits flexibility. Edmunds notes that the short bed “can’t accommodate bulky cargo as well as its larger siblings,” making it less suitable for buyers requiring extensive hauling capabilities. For those prioritizing towing or configuration variety, a midsize truck like the Ford Ranger may be a better fit, albeit at a higher price.
2. Rough Ride and Basic Interior
The Maverick’s unibody construction and stiff suspension, designed to support its 1,500-pound payload, result in a ride quality that can feel choppy over rough roads. Edmunds describes it as having “a choppy ride quality that never seems to go away,” particularly noticeable on broken pavement or uneven terrain. While the Lobo’s lowered suspension improves handling, and the Tremor’s off-road tuning softens trail impacts, the standard Maverick’s ride may disappoint buyers expecting SUV-like comfort. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its crossover-like dynamics, offers a smoother ride, making it a stronger choice for comfort-focused drivers.
The interior, while functional, leans basic, especially in lower trims. The XL’s hard plastic door panels and limited seat adjustability feel utilitarian, and Consumer Reports calls it “acceptable for a work truck” but less appealing for leisure. The rear seat’s limited legroom and lack of under-seat foot space can cramp passengers on long trips. Even the upscale Lariat, with its Smoke Truffle theme and bronze accents, doesn’t match the Santa Cruz’s more refined cabin. Reddit users have criticized the Maverick’s “cheap feeling” interior, particularly at higher price points, noting that options pushing the price into the mid-$30,000s diminish its value proposition compared to a Ranger.
The Maverick in Context: 2025 Market and Competitors
The compact pickup segment, revived by the Maverick and Santa Cruz, is heating up in 2025. With rumors of a Toyota Stout and Volkswagen’s small truck in development, competition is intensifying. CarBuzz notes that the Maverick’s 94,058 U.S. sales in 2023 and 64,754 in early 2024 demonstrate its dominance, but the Santa Cruz’s superior towing and refinement pose challenges. The Maverick’s hybrid efficiency, AWD option, and lower price give it an edge, but buyers needing more capability may look to midsize trucks like the Ranger or Toyota Tacoma, starting around $34,000.
Ford’s expertise in trucks shines through in the Maverick’s design, earning it a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award for three consecutive years. Its ability to blend car-like efficiency with truck utility appeals to a broad audience, from urban commuters to outdoor enthusiasts. However, its limitations in towing and ride quality highlight the trade-offs of its compact design. Consumer Reports praises its “civilized ride, handy maneuverability, and decent fuel efficiency,” but advises buyers to weigh their priorities against its constraints.
Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Maverick?
The 2025 Ford Maverick is a compelling choice for buyers seeking an affordable, efficient, and versatile compact truck. Its hybrid powertrain delivers unmatched fuel economy, saving money and reducing environmental impact. The low starting price and strong resale value make it a smart investment, while diverse trims like the Lobo and Tremor cater to varied lifestyles. Smart features like the FlexBed and SYNC 4 enhance practicality, ensuring the Maverick punches above its weight.
However, its limited towing capacity and single configuration may not suit those needing heavy-duty utility, and the choppy ride and basic interior could deter buyers prioritizing comfort and refinement. Compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Maverick excels in efficiency and value but falls short in towing and ride quality. For those needing more capability, the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma are worth considering, though they come at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the Maverick’s strengths make it a standout for urban drivers, small business owners, and adventure-seekers who value efficiency and versatility over raw power. Ford’s Jim Farley emphasized its appeal, stating, “The Maverick is the best-selling hybrid pickup, and for 2025, we made it even better with an AWD hybrid and great tech.” Before buying, test-drive both the Maverick and Santa Cruz to assess ride quality and cabin comfort, and consult Kelley Blue Book for fair purchase pricing, which suggests savings of $1,024–$1,536 off MSRP. Visit Ford.com to explore trims and incentives, and let the 2025 Maverick prove why it’s a small truck with big potential.
