It was pretty much clear from the get-go that the new Ford Maverick was going to be a success. After all, it’s been obvious for years that the winds have been blowing away from sedans, wagons and hatchbacks and towards SUVs and pickup trucks —a move that has also had the effect of pushing average new vehicle prices upwards. Adding a new truck that’s priced like a compact car was so obvious, it’s hard to believe it took so long for brands to try it.
Still, even Ford might have been astonished by just how many people have taken to their new truck. Supply chain constraints have bottlenecked inventory, but even so, the fact that the second model year’s production was all spoken for within a span of a couple weeks proves there’s an insatiable demand for this pint-sized pickup.
And while most buyers are likely choosing the still-reasonably-priced versions further up the ladder, after spending a week with the very base model truck — the Maverick XL Hybrid, equipped with no options — I was shocked at how much it has to offer for a vehicle that costs less than $22,000 out the door. While it lacks one key feature that I personally would want for my money — more on that in a second — it’s otherwise a remarkably flexible, convenient and handy vehicle, especially at such a remarkable price.
The Maverick XL looks great, especially for a basic vehicle
Will Sabel CourtneyUncovered steel rims undoubtedly look great on the Land Rover Defender, but I’d argue they look just as good here on the Maverick — giving it an all-business look. That’s not to say the Maverick XL has the look of a stripped-down work truck, however; while there’s some black plastic cladding outside, it’s blended in well with the overall design — making it look strong, not cheap.
