Looking for honest thoughts on the Maverick hybrid

[UPDATE BELOW]

I’ve been keeping an eye on the Ford Maverick hybrid for a few years now, and I’m planning to buy one in the next couple of months. I still haven’t taken a test drive yet.

To all the current owners out there, I’d love to get your thoughts:

  1. What do you think of the truck overall?
  2. Does it drive more like a truck or a crossover? (I currently have a 2002 Tundra and a 2015 CR-V.)
  3. What are the biggest cons, both major and minor?
  4. What are the biggest pros, both major and minor?
  5. Is there much difference between the 2023 and 2024 models?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences! I’m open to hearing all opinions, good or bad.

[UPDATE]

I went for a test drive today at my local dealership. The salesperson wasn’t pushy at all and even let me go out on my own, which was a nice surprise.

I drove an XLT in Cactus Gray with the standard engine. Here’s what I noticed:

  • The front seats felt spacious and comfortable, but the back seats were pretty tight—reminded me of my old Chevy Aveo.
  • Seat warmers were a nice touch.
  • Side mirrors were smaller than I’m used to, but manageable.
  • The transmission felt clunky, with noticeable shifts—even my old Tundra is smoother.
  • It drove more like a crossover than a truck, which wasn’t as exciting as I hoped.
  • The rearview mirror was a big issue for me. It sat at or below eye level, creating a blind spot in the center of the windshield, and I couldn’t fix it no matter how low I adjusted the seat. I’m only 5’8", and it was a deal-breaker for me.

Overall, I was really disappointed. I wanted to love this truck, but after years of wanting one, I’ve realized it’s not for me. :frowning:

23 Hybrid XLT owner here in rural BC. I’ve put 10k km on it, and here’s my breakdown:

Cons:

  • The infotainment system is underwhelming—no wireless CarPlay.
  • Back seats are cramped for adults.
  • Fabric seats unless you go Lariat trim.
  • No roof rails, so roof rack options are limited.
  • No auto-dimming rearview mirror.
  • Bed isn’t long enough for my cross-country skis with the tonneau cover closed (I knew this when buying).

Pros:

  • Drives great on highways and around town.
  • Excellent gas mileage.
  • Handles well in the snow with winter tires.
  • Auto high beams are a nice touch.
  • Compact size makes it easy to park (similar length to a Ford Edge).
  1. I think it’s fantastic—exactly as advertised. If it looks good on paper, you’ll probably love it.
  2. Definitely more like a crossover. I had an ‘04 Tundra, and the Maverick feels much closer to my friend’s Subaru Outback.
  3. Minor cons: cheap paint, no AWD or tow package for the hybrid, and the ground clearance could use an extra inch.
  4. Pros: affordable, fun to drive, great MPG, and surprisingly roomy for its size.
  5. No major difference between the 2023 and 2024 models—they’re pretty much the same.

2022 Hybrid XLT with 33k miles here:

  1. I like it a lot—almost love it.
  2. Handles like a midsize sedan, kind of like a Camry.
  3. Major cons: the interior feels really cheap, and the center display is terrible. No wireless Android Auto, but you can get an adapter on Amazon to fix that.
  4. Major pros: the truck bed is small but functional, and the MPG is fantastic—it’s like a Prius with a truck bed. Very easy to park in the city.
  5. Not sure about differences, but I’m personally holding out for a plug-in hybrid with AWD.

23 Hybrid Lariat, 10k miles. Previously owned a Tacoma.

Pros:

  • Gas mileage is as advertised—about 35 MPG for me.
  • Tailgate latch that fits full sheet goods is super useful.
  • Backseat outlet is more practical than USB ports.
  • Zippy acceleration for city driving.
  • Backup camera is reliable.

Cons:

  • Vinyl/fake leather seats are just okay.
  • No AWD/4WD option for the hybrid.
  • Stock tires are fine in rain but bad in snow or mud.

Overall, I’m very happy with it.

I’ve owned both a 23 Hybrid XLT and a 24 Hybrid XLT Luxury.

  1. I really like it.
  2. It doesn’t handle like a truck—it’s more like a Corolla with the trunk lid removed. Past trucks include an F-150 and a Toyota Tundra, and the Maverick feels nothing like them.
  3. The biggest con is the size. It could be just a bit bigger inside and in the bed.
  4. Major pros: fantastic gas mileage and decent utility.
  5. The 2023 has the door keypad, which I like, but otherwise, buy the best deal you can find.
  1. It’s a good entry-level truck, but you get what you pay for. It’s functional and affordable, but don’t expect luxury.
  2. Handles more like an SUV than a truck.
  3. Minor cons: build quality isn’t great—things like mismatched panels and tailgate cables of different lengths are common. Major cons: bed length could be better, and it feels underpowered in the mountains when fully loaded.
  4. Major pros: great size for parking, excellent city fuel economy, and roomy cabin space for front-row occupants.
  5. Go with the newest model to avoid potential recall issues.

I have a 2023 XLT Hybrid and absolutely love it. It’s like a mix between the Ranger and Focus.

Pros:

  • MPG is fantastic (40-50).
  • Bed can handle light-duty loads easily.
  • Drives like a small car—nimble and fun on twisty roads.

Cons:

  • I hate the rotary shifter.
  • Plastic scratches too easily.
  • Stock inverter is weak (400 watts).
  • The driver’s seat back feels misaligned with the seat bottom.

Overall, I’d say the Maverick handles like a crossover, but it has enough utility to stand out.

  1. Love it. Just did a 5k-mile road trip on the East Coast.
  2. Drives like a crossover.
  3. Biggest con: no hybrid AWD option.
  4. Major pro: utility and versatility. It’s a great mix of truck and hybrid efficiency. I get 37 MPG, even with highway driving.
  5. There’s not much difference between the 2023 and 2024 models other than some color options.