What are some good options if I can’t wait for a Maverick?

Advice Needed
1

Hey everyone,

I’ve been looking to replace my 2021 GTI and really had my eye on a Maverick Hybrid. But the wait time is 6-12 months, and I’m not sure I want to wait that long. The Santa Cruz is the only other similar option I know of.

I need something that can handle light ‘truck’ duties a few times a year but will mainly be used for commuting and family trips.

I’ve also thought about going full EV (like a Bolt or Kona) and just renting a truck when needed, but finding an EV under $35k in the GTA (Ontario, Canada) has been tough. Plus, I do like the size, look, and capability of the Maverick.

AWD isn’t a must. A truck bed would be nice, but I’m really looking for something with fuel economy as good or better than my GTI. The Honda Ridgeline also caught my eye—it checks most boxes except fuel mileage.

I run a small contracting/handyman business that’s picking up pace, so that’s why I’ve been leaning toward the Maverick. Still, I’m not ready for a mid-size or full-size truck since it’s just weekend work right now, and owning a full-size truck feels unnecessary.

Any ideas?

2

I think you should go for the Ridgeline. People who own them usually love them.

3

Linden said:
I think you should go for the Ridgeline. People who own them usually love them.

Ridgeline gets way too much hate from the full-size truck crowd. It’s solid and super reliable for what most people need.

4

@Dez
It’s probably more capable than the Maverick in some ways since it’s bigger. I’d consider it a mid-size pickup, like the Ranger.

A lot of people just hate on it because it doesn’t match their idea of what a truck should be.

We already have an Odyssey, so a Ridgeline would feel familiar, and my family would be comfortable with it. Plus, it comes with AWD, which is a bonus.

5

@Tatum
Yep, unless you’re towing all the time, the Ridgeline is plenty for most people. Have you thought about another Odyssey? Minivans actually make great work vehicles.

6

Dez said:
@Tatum
Yep, unless you’re towing all the time, the Ridgeline is plenty for most people. Have you thought about another Odyssey? Minivans actually make great work vehicles.

That’s a solid idea. We could get a newer minivan for my wife, and I’d take over the current one.

It’s probably more versatile than any truck, and it can tow 3,500 lbs, which is more than enough for what I need.

7

@Tatum
Plus, your wife gets a new car, so she’s happy too. My stepdad uses his minivan on the farm and even hauls pallets of seed in it.

8

Dez said:
@Tatum
Plus, your wife gets a new car, so she’s happy too. My stepdad uses his minivan on the farm and even hauls pallets of seed in it.

The Odyssey is super handy. Ours is already set up for towing and has a roof rack installed.

But man, I still really want a truck!

9

@Tatum
The car we want isn’t always the best choice. I went with a beefy Volvo wagon instead of a sporty BMW or Audi. Maybe someday, though.

10

Linden said:
I think you should go for the Ridgeline. People who own them usually love them.

The new Ridgeline looks great, especially the Trailsport trim.

11

What about the Maverick with the 2.0T engine instead of the hybrid? It’s still a great truck, just not as efficient.

There are a lot of used 2022/2023 Mavericks with low miles for sale in my area. They’re still under warranty. Also, I found over 50 new Mavericks within 100 miles on Ford’s website. Most dealers seem to be charging MSRP or less.

Is the 6-12 month wait only for ordering one?

12

@Soren
Yeah, the 2.0T is on my radar. From what I’ve seen on Fuelly and elsewhere, its fuel economy is similar to my GTI but with way more capability.

The 6-12 months is the wait time quoted for a new hybrid Maverick. The issue is, the dealers I talked to require non-refundable deposits because people keep canceling their orders.

It’s also hard to predict what my trade-in will be worth in 6-12 months, and with a $500-$2,000 deposit, they’ve got you stuck. They could say, ‘Your trade was worth $29k six months ago, but now it’s $20k,’ and you’re forced to decide.

I might have to look at the 2.0T Mavericks. Maybe the hybrid isn’t in the cards right now.

13

If you don’t need a truck bed, there are lots of hybrid SUVs in the two- or three-row category. The RAV4 and CR-V hybrids are nice options.

14

Rowan said:
If you don’t need a truck bed, there are lots of hybrid SUVs in the two- or three-row category. The RAV4 and CR-V hybrids are nice options.

Thanks! A truck bed is a ‘nice to have,’ but I think an SUV could work too.

I’ve even thought about the Escape hybrid since it shares the same platform as the Maverick and includes the hybrid plus AWD option, which would’ve been amazing in the Maverick.

15

@Tatum
Just a heads-up—the Mavericks don’t come in hybrid + AWD. It’s one or the other. All AWD Mavericks use the 2.0T engine. I’ve driven a hybrid Maverick for work and get around 31 mpg, even when driving it hard. A guy I know with the AWD version says he still gets 30 mpg. No idea how he drives it, though.

16

@Dez
That’s actually really good mileage for the EcoBoost engine. That definitely makes it more appealing, especially with the 4K tow package.

17

Tatum said:
@Dez
That’s actually really good mileage for the EcoBoost engine. That definitely makes it more appealing, especially with the 4K tow package.

Yeah, I think he mostly does highway driving. I live in Minnesota, and we put snow tires on, so even the hybrids handle winter well. Hybrids are great for city driving, but they’re not as good on the highway since there’s not much power for passing.