Compact pickup
2026 Ford Maverick: buying summary
The compact truck that earns 42 mpg and parks like a car
- MSRP range
- $27,145–$41,500
- Combined MPG
- 42
- Body style
- Compact pickup
- Powertrain
- Hybrid available
Pros
- 42 mpg combined on the standard hybrid FWD — the highest fuel economy of any pickup truck sold in the US
- Smallest exterior footprint in the truck segment: 214.6 inches long, fits in standard urban parking spaces
- 4.5-foot bed fits 4×8 sheets with the tailgate down; FLEXBED system has 8 built-in storage slots and a fold-flat passenger seat
- Standard hybrid (FHEV) is included in the base price — no powertrain upgrade required for the fuel economy advantage
Cons
- 1,500 lb max payload and 4,000 lb tow rating (EcoBoost AWD) trail the Colorado's 1,680 lb and 7,700 lb — the Maverick is not a work truck
- 2.0L EcoBoost AWD option costs $3,500+ over the hybrid and drops fuel economy to 26 mpg — eliminates the Maverick's core advantage
- Crew cab only (no regular or extended cab); bed is shorter than mid-size competitors
- Ford reliability per Consumer Reports is below average in this vehicle class; Maverick has had recall activity on door latch and HVAC components
Best trim: XLT Hybrid FWD
XLT Hybrid FWD is the value pick at around $29,500. The hybrid powertrain, 8-inch SYNC 4 screen, wireless CarPlay, heated front seats, and Co-Pilot360 are all included. Lariat adds leather and ventilated seats for $6K more — nice, but the XLT covers everything most buyers need. The EcoBoost option makes sense only if you regularly need AWD traction; otherwise the hybrid's fuel economy advantage compounds over time.
What to cross-shop
- Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Honda Ridgeline
- Chevrolet Colorado LT
Verdict
Buy the Maverick if you want a truck for urban hauling, light camping, and hardware-store runs, and you prioritize fuel economy above all else. The 42-mpg hybrid is genuinely remarkable for a pickup. Cross-shop the Hyundai Santa Cruz if you want more power or the turbocharged option without moving up to a mid-size.
Personalized research
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