More and more drivers are looking for pickup trucks that have fuel economy figures akin to those of sedans while still offering conventional pickup capabilities. If this sounds like you, then it's time to check out the 2024 Ford Maverick; it's a compact truck that's full of surprises and can keep up with commuters, adventurers, and avid DIYers alike. With easy-to-handle dimensions, a versatile bed, and great tech and convenience features, the Maverick should be on your list of small trucks to test drive this year.
Many people know about the Ford F-Series models, but not every truck driver needs all of the power and heft of such full-size pickups. If you don't count yourself among those who need massive towing and payload figures, taking on the extra size of a light-duty pickup doesn't make sense. For those drivers, we highly recommend the more maneuverable but still highly capable Ford Maverick.
Starting at
The beauty of the 2024 Ford Maverick is that you don't have to choose between great fuel economy and great capabilities. The traditional gas-powered version of the 2024 Maverick has a turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost engine that sees a front-wheel-drive fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined, which are competitive figures with many sedans on the market. In all-wheel drive, this engine nets you 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined.
Getting the Maverick with its available hybrid powertrain will get you a 2.5L I-4 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission; this powertrain produces excellent fuel economy figures of 42 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined. When shoppers say they need a pickup's capabilities but also need to travel long stretches with regularity, to get to jobs and recreation sites, we always point them in the direction of the Maverick because it combines fuel efficiency with utility.
You'll see some solid towing figures in this truck, too. The traditional gas engine allows you to tow up to 4,000 lbs, while the hybrid allows you to tow up to 2,000 lbs. Either is more than enough for modestly-sized trailers or vessels. You'll also get 1,500 lbs of payload strength with either powertrain, which is an exceptional figure for a compact truck.
In order to unlock the gas engine's best towing power, you'll need to add the 4K Tow Package and ensure your powertrain is in all-wheel drive. However, we suspect that if you need the power to drag things like boats, campers, and ATVs to your destination, you probably need the all-wheel drive for those muddy paths, anyway.
Enjoy five drive modes in the 2024 Maverick that will let your truck adapt to your environment: Tow/Haul mode, Slippery mode, Eco mode, Sport mode, and Normal mode. Between these modes, you'll be prepared to tackle a range of tasks and road conditions (or even a lack of road altogether).
If you plan on visiting some particularly treacherous terrain, you'll appreciate that there are two off-road packages available: the Tremor and the FX4. The Tremor will get you increased ground clearance paired with a special off-road tuned suspension. The FX4 is ready for serious off-roading action with front tow hooks (so you can pull yourself out of sticky situations), Hill Descent Control (to prevent your truck from catching unwanted speed when going down a decline), all-terrain tires, and skid plates.
If you assumed you couldn't get much done with a compact truck, think again. The Maverick is a highly adaptable pickup truck with convenience and cargo features littered throughout its cabin and bed, foremost of which are the ten available tie-downs that give you plenty of ways to secure items in the bed.
Need to power up appliances and tools on the go? You'll enjoy the available 400-watt in-bed power outlet. You can plug in floodlights to create an outdoor workspace or dancefloor after the sun sets, plug in a television and watch the game while tailgating, or plug in your laptop to get work done at a job site or electric hand drills for small jobs. Your Maverick also comes standard with two 12-volt pre-wired connections, which are great for a mini-fridge for all those great camping and tailgate refreshments. Staying hydrated on the go is easy in the cabin, too, because the pocket doors can accommodate 1.5L water bottles!
If you don't want to outfit your rear with aftermarket lights, you'll enjoy the available LED bed lighting, which will illuminate the contents of your bed. Need to make extra room in the bed for long items? Flip out the bed extender for an extra two feet of bed space. The multi-position tailgate comes in handy, too: you can lock it into a half-closed position to securely haul longer items or flatten it out for a tailgate party. (It's worth noting, too, that the tailgate tie-downs can be used as bottle openers!)
Inside the cab, you'll find rear under-seat storage, which is a perfect place to stash valuables you want to keep out of sight from prying eyes—so when a work trip turns into an impromptu dip in a lake, you can hide your laptop in the back. There's also available cubby storage on the passenger side of the bed if you need to conceal more items but are out of room in the cab. If you want the power to lock up your truck bed, the available locking power tailgate can help; you don't even have to do anything special—just lock your truck, and the tailgate will lock automatically.
You and your passengers will be comfortable and entertained en route to every destination thanks to tons of great cabin amenities. Spring for the top trim—the Lariat—and you'll enjoy an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support; this means getting into the perfect position for comfort, visibility, and safety, and you'll enjoy support for your sensitive lower back. Your co-pilot and passengers can get settled, too, thanks to the six-way manually adjustable passenger seats.
If listening to tunes is how you get pumped up for a tailgate, or listening to an audiobook keeps you entertained on your way to work, you'll relish in the available Bang & Olufsen sound system; this will deliver surround sound so every occupant will hear every crisp note and word of your favorite songs.
Thanks to smartphone compatibility for Apple and Android devices, you can sync your phone up to the touchscreen and manage your favorite apps from there, which is much better than managing them on your phone screen while driving. If you need to power up your devices and forgot your USB cords at home, don't fret: use the wireless phone charger!
Thanks to the SYNC 3 system, you can ask your Maverick to do things like produce navigation directions, report the weather, or change the song—all just by using your voice. No matter where your adventures take you, you'll feel confident on the road thanks to the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features, which rely on cameras and sensors to improve your awareness and help you avoid collisions. These features include lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, a rearview camera, blind spot alert, and adaptive cruise control. Everybody could use a little extra help staying alert, and Co-Pilot360 can provide it.