I’ve got an order in for a 2025 Maverick. Been waiting years for a Hybrid AWD, and it’s finally time to upgrade from my ‘03 Dakota.
My wife and I test drove a few trucks this weekend—Colorado, 2024 Maverick Hybrid, Ridgeline, and Ranger. The Colorado and Ranger felt too trucky for me. Our garage is tight, and I don’t need anything massive. So it’s down to the Maverick and the Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline drives great, but since we already have a 2020 Pilot, it feels kinda boring. Meanwhile, the Maverick just made me smile while driving it.
The only thing holding me back is long-term reliability. I know the Ridgeline will last forever, but how will the Maverick hold up?
People keep complaining about the price increase, but a Lariat with everything I want (tow package, blackout package, tri-fold tonneau, spray-in liner) is about the same as a similarly equipped Ridgeline.
Will I regret this decision in five years?
Edit: I did order the ‘25 Maverick at MSRP, but I haven’t 100% decided if I’ll go through with it.
Edit 2: Well, you guys have thoroughly confused me! Thanks for all the opinions.
The Maverick has been out for three years now. We don’t have long-term data yet, but most of the major early issues have been covered under warranty or recalls.
Hybrids tend to last longer because they put less strain on the gas engine.
Used Mavericks are still selling at a premium, which tells you demand is strong and people generally love them.
FWIW, you kept your ‘03 Dakota running for 21 years—probably with good maintenance and a bit of luck. If you take care of your Maverick the same way, there’s no reason you can’t get a solid 10–15 years out of it.
@Azar
Great perspective, and yeah, I baby my Dakota. Oil changes every 3K miles, only 74K miles on it, and no dents or dings (aside from the bed liner).
Nash said: @Azar
Great perspective, and yeah, I baby my Dakota. Oil changes every 3K miles, only 74K miles on it, and no dents or dings (aside from the bed liner).
Ha! If the used market is anything like it was two years ago, you might be able to trade that Dakota in 1-for-1 when your Maverick arrives. Trucks like that were going for $20K–$30K not that long ago.
Nash said: @Azar
Carvana just offered me $6,200. I think I can do better with a private sale, though. Wish I could get more!
Part of the used Maverick pricing is that people want one now instead of waiting months for a factory order. If you hate it, you can probably flip it for a good price and get a Ridgeline instead.
The hybrid uses a proven 2.5L four-cylinder with port fuel injection, and the transmission is based on Toyota’s hybrid system. That’s why I went hybrid—it might actually be more reliable than the Ecoboost. Only 20K miles in, but no issues so far. Happy customer.
@Wei
I’ll take the Maverick’s issues over Chevy’s Silverado transmission failures any day. Honestly, every brand has problems now—it’s just a roll of the dice. The reliable ones (like older Tacomas) have insane resale prices for a reason.
@Nico
True, but it’s not all bad. Some people get unlucky, but plenty of Mavericks have been solid. My 2022 XLT Hybrid had an overheating issue early on, but the recall fixed it, and it’s been perfect since. Just as reliable as my 2011 and 2018 Escapes.
I was looking at a used Ridgeline but ended up buying a Maverick Hybrid instead.
Went to the Ford dealer just to test drive one, and they happened to have a fresh Hybrid on the lot. Drove it, loved it, and bought it an hour later before someone else could.
I drive a lot for work, and I’m getting 45 MPG. If gas mileage matters to you, the Maverick Hybrid is unbeatable. It handles better than the Ridgeline too. Honestly, it’s all the truck 75% of people really need.
I ordered a ‘24 Maverick Lariat AWD with the tow and luxury packages. Sold it five months later for a Colorado.
The Maverick’s interior felt cheap, and I wasn’t confident towing my pontoon with it. MPG was great (28–32), but my Colorado gets 28 MPG on the highway too. Just remember—you get what you pay for.
Nash said: @Drue
28 MPG on a Colorado?! What trim and engine?
2023 4WD LT, 2.7L High Output (310 HP). Was cruising at 68 MPH with light traffic and no wind. Didn’t expect more than 21 MPG but was pleasantly surprised.
The hybrid powertrain is based on Toyota’s Prius system, so I expect reliability to be excellent. Everything else? We’ll see. I skipped the 2022 model year, but my 2024 has been solid so far. No recalls yet.
The hybrid system is Toyota tech, the 2.5L engine has been around forever, and the ride is actually pretty nice. It’s not fancy inside, but the gas mileage is insane, and it’s the perfect small truck for most people. The only real downside is the cheap interior plastics—scratches easily.