Just a few years ago, Ford used its extensive truck expertise to build its first unibody compact pickup truck, the Maverick. The four-door truck offered impressive utility at a low starting price and was even available with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. With continued sales success as one of the bestselling models in the Ford lineup, the Maverick is an ideal choice for customers who want the versatility of a pickup in an easy-to-drive compact vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
Ford gave the Maverick a significant update in 2025 with fresh styling and an upgraded interior, so changes for the 2026 model year are minimal. However, the Maverick is once again available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) non-hybrid, and there are minor feature changes, including the addition of the Marsh Gray and Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat colors.
Ford offers the 2026 Maverick in five trim levels: XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat, and Tremor, all as four-door crew cabs. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on the XL and XLT and standard on the rest of the lineup. All but the Lobo and Tremor offer a hybrid powertrain. Base prices range from around $30,000 to $43,500, including the destination charge.
For this 2026 Maverick review, Ford provided a test vehicle equipped with the XLT Hybrid AWD trim and the following options:
The test vehicle's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $36,950, including the $1,845 destination charge to ship the truck from the Hermosillo, Mexico, assembly plant to a local dealership. The price does not reflect any current rebates, incentives, or price adjustments since Ford manufactured the test vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the Maverick received exterior styling updates in 2025, including a revised grille and headlights, it still looks very much like it did when Ford introduced it in 2022. However, changes inside were more significant, highlighted by the 13.2-inch center display and the 8-inch digital gauge cluster.
Center and door armrests have nice padding, but hard plastic covers most other surfaces in the Maverick's cabin. That said, the interior does not look cheap; the surfaces feature different color patterns with a unique style that appears 3D-printed, and door handles have an industrial look with exposed screws. Overall, the interior has a clean, modern appearance.
The Maverick is not a large vehicle, but Ford makes good use of the interior space with plenty of convenient storage options. Multiple cubbies in the center console provide space for smaller items, and a sizable bin beneath the center armrest offers additional storage. Door pockets accommodate large water bottles, and the shaped door panels hold them in place.
Front seats in each trim have a unique look. My XLT featured Navy Pier/Aspen Gray two-tone cloth seats with contrasting stitching, giving the entry-level truck a premium vibe. With good bolstering and high-quality padding, the seats are very comfortable and provide good support. I certainly appreciated the available heated seats and steering wheel during my test in Michigan's cold winter.
The rear seats match the styling of those up front, and while legroom is a bit tight, the space is certainly usable for two adults or three children. Higher trim levels include dual rear seat USB ports. Also available is the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) package, which contains cupholders, phone cord organizers, and a trash bin that fits into the receiver at the rear of the center console.
For added versatility, the rear seat bottoms fold to reveal configurable storage bins that can securely hold smaller items out of sight. The hybrid batteries are located under the rear seat, so non-hybrid variants have more available storage space.
The cargo bed may be small for a pickup truck, measuring 54.4 inches long and 42.6 inches wide, but it still offers impressive utility, with a payload capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. The lift-over height is only about 30 inches, so loading the Maverick is relatively easy, and it is possible to reach into the bed from the sides.
Ford added considerable versatility to the Maverick's truck bed with pockets designed to hold 2x6 dividers you can make yourself. Multiple tie-downs help keep loads secure, and powered accessories can connect to the available 110-volt outlet or to two 12-volt connectors. Ford also offers a range of add-ons, including tonneau covers, bed caps, a bed extender, a cargo management system, and a tent.
Photo: Perry Stern
Every 2026 Ford Maverick comes with the brand's Sync 4 infotainment system, displayed on a large 13.2-inch touchscreen. An 8-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard.
The Sync 4 system includes:
With its large display, the Sync 4 infotainment system is easy to navigate, with large, clear icons, and there is enough real estate to show multiple features simultaneously. A Home icon on the top left of the screen remains static for quick access, even when Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is running.
Ford Sync was one of the first infotainment systems to use a voice interface, and it has come a long way since its rudimentary first version almost 20 years ago. Pressing the steering wheel button or saying "Hello, Ford" activates the system, which can adjust the temperature, make a call, or change the audio source. The system works well for what it is, but it is not as sophisticated as the Google Built-in systems in the Ford Explorer and Expedition.
The Sync 4 system in the Maverick does not include a native navigation system, but that is easily remedied by connecting a phone to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. A wireless connection is standard on all trims, and I connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+ without difficulty. Android Auto uses the entire screen for the best experience.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a permanent-magnet electric motor, delivering 191 horsepower. Non-hybrid variants feature a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 250 hp. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and is available with FWD or AWD. All-wheel drive variants with either engine can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD is estimated to get 37 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive hybrids are slightly more efficient, with an expected 38 mpg combined. Unfortunately, my experience fell short of the EPA estimates, with the trip computer showing an average of just over 30 mpg. While extreme cold and snowy roads certainly affected efficiency, the result was still respectable for an AWD compact pickup truck.
The Maverick will not win any races at the dragstrip, but the hybrid powertrain delivers spritely performance, getting the small truck moving relatively quickly from a stop. Acceleration at speed is less responsive due to the CVT, but there is always adequate power on hand for any driving situation.
Handling is more akin to a small crossover than a pickup truck, and the AWD provides excellent traction on the freeway in driving rain and on snowy back roads. The steering delivers good response, and the truck's small size contributes to its maneuverability in town and to agile driving dynamics on winding back roads. The ride can be a bit stiff, and it is rougher on bad pavement or dirt roads, but the Maverick remains stable in challenging conditions.
Photo: Perry Stern
Ford's Co-Pilot360 is a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but it is not standard on all Mavericks. However, all variants come standard with the basics, including:
Co-Pilot360 is optional on XL and XLT trims (adding $750 to the price), standard on the Lobo. It includes:
The top-level Lariat and Tremor come standard with Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency steering, front and rear parking sensors, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.
My Maverick XLT included the optional Co-Pilot360 package, but it lacked the option to purchase the more advanced adaptive cruise control without moving to a higher trim level. The rear cross-traffic warning helped on many occasions as I backed out of my driveway into traffic.
Limited crash-test results for the 2026 Maverick are available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the small truck earned a Good score in the updated side crash test and a Marginal rating in the updated moderate front overlap test. Overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are not yet available.
According to the JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Jeep Gladiator rank highest in the Midsize Pickup segment (in a tie). The Nissan Frontier is the next highest-ranked model.
According to the JD Power 2025 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks highest in the Midsize Pickup segment. The Chevrolet Colorado and the Nissan Frontier are the next highest-ranked models.
Other 2026 Maverick competitors include midsize trucks such as the GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma.
The Ford Maverick is unique in the marketplace, offering pickup-truck utility and capability along with hybrid efficiency in a compact, affordable package. Styling and interior upgrades for the 2025 model year have only made the truck more desirable, as its record sales in 2025 confirm.
Its comfortable and stylish interior may be heavy on hard plastics, but the design has a modern vibe, aided by the large infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. The small truck delivers good driving dynamics, with a hybrid powertrain that offers strong performance and impressive fuel efficiency. While my experience saw lower mpg numbers than expected, even 30 mpg is nothing to cry about in a compact pickup truck. Overall, the Maverick makes a great daily driver with the added benefit of pickup truck versatility.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Nissan is about to introduce an innovative new SUV. The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid has a gasoline engine, but it does not power the wheels. Instead, electric motors at each axle provide propulsion, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Adding European flair to the otherwise vanilla midsize three-row family SUV market, the redesigned 2027 Volkswagen Atlas debuts with a sharper exterior, an upgraded cabin, more power, and new ...See More
Read the Full Article
Though the styling stays largely the same, a massive boost in electric range for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), plus a refined design, helps the 2028 Volvo XC60 stay current and desirable.
Read the Full Article
With the 2027 Lexus TZ, Toyota Motor’s luxury division introduces its first three-row all-electric SUV, featuring a lounge-inspired interior, an enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and up to 300 ...See More
Read the Full Article