2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid: Buy a truck, drive a car

The 2025 Ford Maverick, the fourth year of the small, versatile pick-up truck, is available in five configurations, including a new hybrid powertrain. It further elevates the manufacturer’s lineup of workhorse vehicles.

While about half the size and half the price of a Ford F-150, the Maverick is for drivers who don’t need a full-sized truck but need to carry stuff and appreciate conveniently negotiating the restrictions of city driving.

The base engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder producing 238 horsepower. The reviewed hybrid option features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and an electric motor totaling 191 horsepower. The hybrid comes standard with a continuously variable transmission; the gas-only model has an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both choices also have front-wheel drive standard, but the hybrid review vehicle was equipped with all-wheel drive, a bonus for the truck’s versatility persona.

While petite among pickup trucks, the Maverick can still get the job done. It’s just scaled down. The maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K towing package. Standard towing is 2,000 pounds.

The maximum payload is 1,500 pounds for front-wheel drive hybrid models, 1,400 pounds all wheel drive Mavericks. Gas models can carry 1,500 pounds with all wheel drive. The Tremor trim has a 1,140-pound limit.

With its hybrid engine, the Maverick’s top attraction, among many pluses, is fuel economy. Its EPA ratings with the included all-wheel drive setup are 40 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 mpg on the highways. The Maverick’s top competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, isn’t available as a hybrid. Its best gas mileage trims achieved 24 mpg in city driving, 30 mpg on the highway.

All Mavericks are offered as crew cabs. The four doors and back seat mean family travel is an option, although the backseat legroom is tight. The area is best for children or petite adults. The bed’s dimensions are nearly square, 54 inches long, 53.3 inches wide. Ford promotes the Maverick’s bed can flat transport 18 sheets of 4×8-foot, 3/4-inch plywood without having to load them at an angle. But it’s best done with the wood secured. The bed also features a 12-volt power outlet and an optional 110-volt outlet. The bedliner is top-notch and warrants the idea of getting a liner for the liner.

Interior storage is a strong point with many storage bins and cubbies. Interior door compartments are utilitarian in design, with tall areas for oversized fluid containers and uniquely contoured for premium space. The door panel storage areas are also light-colored and contrasting to the seat upholstery colors. All stored items are visible.

Comfort and convenience features are impressive for the truck’s value-priced status. There’s a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats.

More features come standard or as part of option packages on the XLT and Lariat trims. Ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and power front seats upgrade the Maverick its basics to comfort-oriented.

Standard features include: 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power lock for the tailgate and power exterior mirrors.

The overall drive is smooth. Acceleration, depending upon trim level engine type, varies from 6.7 to 7.5 seconds from 0-to-60 miles per hour. The hybrid engine has low-level whine. While in reverse, the warning beep is efficient, albeit annoying.

What the Maverick offers is value. It’s economical, built thoughtfully and is well-equipped. The hybrid trim has a starting MSRP of $28,895. The luxury package, plus a few single options, destination fee and taxes push the price to $36,860. It’s a deal. Buy a truck. Drive a car.

James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.