I’ve seen a lot of posts about common issues with the Maverick. It seems like there are quite a few problems, and the trucks aren’t even that old yet.
As for mileage, many people report getting 25-26 mpg with the EcoBoost. For comparison, I average about 25 mpg with my Ridgeline, but I drive pretty easy and don’t use adaptive cruise. It’s definitely possible to get decent mileage with the Ridgeline if you drive carefully.
@Tatum
I follow a lot of Maverick posts too, and the most common complaints I see are scratched plastics, not-so-great sound systems, and loud cabin noise.
None of those are deal-breakers for me, but the cabin noise could get annoying. Surprisingly, I haven’t seen many engine or drivetrain issues despite Ford’s reputation.
Do you remember any specific problems you’ve seen mentioned? Most of the recalls seem to be for the hybrids, and I’m not planning on getting a hybrid.
@Devin
I had a Maverick for a year, but I ended up selling it because someone offered me $40k for it, and I only paid $27k. Mine was a hybrid, and I averaged 50mpg over 10,000 miles.
Here’s what I noticed:
The interior was very cheap plastic. It looked nice at first but scratched super easily.
I had a dash rattle that drove me nuts. Pretty sure it was because of the plastic materials.
The utility was fantastic. Even the FWD hybrid handled 1,000 lbs of sand in the bed like a champ.
The fuel economy was amazing. I was getting Prius-level mpg.
In my experience, Honda’s build quality is miles ahead of Ford’s.
The Ridgeline has way more interior space. The Maverick worked for my small family, though.
People with AWD EcoBoost Mavericks in my area were averaging 30mpg on the highway and about 25mpg in the city.
It took 11 months for my Maverick order to be built. The EcoBoost models had a faster turnaround time.
Overall, I liked the Maverick. The rattles were annoying, but I didn’t get around to fixing them before I sold it. For the price, the utility is hard to beat. That said, the Ridgeline is a much nicer vehicle. If I were younger, I might’ve gone for the Maverick, but now I appreciate the quality and reliability of a Honda more.
@Weston
This is spot on. We test-drove a Maverick, and the interior was shockingly cheap-looking. That was my main takeaway. The Ridgeline is so much better in almost every way—except price and mpg.
I own a Ridgeline, but I think the Maverick is awesome for its fuel economy. Ford did a great job with that truck, and I think it has a bright future.
The Ridgeline is bigger in every way, but you’ll pay for that with gas mileage. The 3.5L V6 is a solid engine, though, and the biggest maintenance cost is replacing the timing belt.
What kind of driving do you do? Mostly city or highway? Are you towing anything? Do you have kids, or is it just you? Let us know so we can help you figure this out.
@Owen
Not the original poster, but I’m also looking at a Ridgeline, possibly in August 2024 (maybe a hybrid version if they release one). I’ve got a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, so car seats will be needed for a while. My commute is about 33 miles each way, mostly a mix of 45mph countryside roads and highways.
I don’t need a full-size truck but want to be able to throw bikes and beach stuff in the bed as the kids get older. Would a Ridgeline work for me?
@Luca
I have a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old, and the Ridgeline has been fantastic. You can easily throw bikes or tubs full of toys in the bed. The locking trunk and under-seat storage are super handy for trips.
I also have snow tires, and the Ridgeline is a beast in the winter. One year, I even pulled a stuck F-150 out of the snow.
The only downside is the fuel economy. If gas mileage is a deal-breaker, look at the Maverick hybrid.
For road trips, though, the Ridgeline is amazing. Tons of space and storage. I wouldn’t hold out for a hybrid Ridgeline anytime soon—Honda hasn’t caught up in that area yet.
@Owen
I had a GMC Canyon and was considering a Maverick until I saw how small it was in person. Ended up with a Ridgeline instead, and I don’t regret it. Sure, the gas mileage isn’t great, but everything else makes up for it.
I’ve got a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old, and we use the truck for all kinds of family outings. The locking trunk is so useful, and you can lay drywall or plywood flat in the bed. I commute about 60 miles a day and average 23mpg. It’s a great truck.
@Owen
This would be my daily commuter—about 50 miles round trip, mostly highway with some city driving. I’d also use it for road trips and camping.
No kids yet, just me and my girlfriend (we’re 23 and 21), but I’d like the vehicle to last long enough to accommodate kids in the future.
I don’t tow much, maybe a small trailer for trash. That’s why I’m not looking at the bigger trucks like Tacomas—they’re too expensive for what I’d use them for.
I thought about getting a Subaru Outback but realized I’d rather stick with a truck after borrowing my dad’s Outback for a week.
If Toyota’s rumored Stout comes out soon, I’d wait for that. I’ve got an ‘06 Ridgeline that I love, but I’ve been eyeing the Maverick for its fuel economy and price. It’s frustrating that Honda hasn’t done anything similar, like a hybrid version of the Ridgeline. The Stout might hit the sweet spot for mileage, price, and Toyota reliability. Look into it and see if it’s worth waiting for.
Just a heads-up: Ford’s EcoBoost engines use a cam-on-bucket system that’s supposed to have its clearance checked every 60,000 miles. That’s also around when the valves should be cleaned with walnut blasting. Keep that in mind if you go with the Maverick.
That’s fair. Turbos can have reliability issues, especially if they’re not treated well. Hybrids depend on the manufacturer and the design, but some are really solid. It’s good to weigh the risks and benefits based on what you’re comfortable with.
It’s tough to compare the size of the two. If you can, try to test drive both. Also, you can usually get a Ridgeline for $2k-$4k under MSRP. One is a budget vehicle, and the other is higher quality.
If the Maverick is $22k, it’s a closer decision. But if it’s $34k and you’re comparing that to a $43k Ridgeline, I’d go with the Ridgeline.
My dad always says, “Saw a Maverick today, glad you didn’t get one of those.” It’s really just a smaller, cheaper truck that works for some people but not everyone.
@Ripley
I’ve sat in both. The Maverick feels small and low, which I’m not sure about. The Ridgeline is about the same size as my ‘07 Frontier, but with more cabin space and slightly less bed space.
The price is a big factor. I’m 23, so my credit history isn’t great, and I’ve never bought a car before. Best loan offer I’ve gotten so far is 6.74%.
The Maverick would cost me about $400 a month, while the Ridgeline would be closer to $600.
@Devin
If you go with the Ridgeline, try to get a 48-month loan. Honda usually offers 1.9% interest for that term, which could save you money.
The Ridgeline will also hold its value better, especially since you can get it below MSRP. It’s more reliable and has lower ownership costs.
I wanted a Maverick at first too. But after seeing the build quality and realizing I could get a Ridgeline for $10k more, it was an easy choice. If the smaller size works for you, though, maybe look at the Tacoma—it holds value even better than the Honda.