Used Ford Maverick Quick Facts
- Since the Ford Maverick launched as a compact pickup truck, we say the 2022 and 2023 models are the best years to buy used if you want to spend as little cash as possible.
- The Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds and offers a choice between a powerful turbocharged engine and a fuel-efficient hybrid.
- The only body style is a 4-door crew cab with a 4.5-foot bed.
If you’re looking for a good used compact pickup truck, the Ford Maverick is one of two choices. It rides atop a unibody platform based on small SUVs like its competitor, Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, the Ford Maverick looks more like a rugged truck and also offers the option of a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain rated up to 37 mpg in combined highway and city driving. If you want more power and the choice of all-wheel drive (AWD), there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine good for 250 hp and a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 25 mpg. Depending on trim, you can find a Maverick with all sorts of features, including adaptive cruise control, a B&O audio system, a power sunroof, and various off-road upgrades. Initially, the Ford Maverick had a very low starting price, well under $23,000 (including the destination fee), making the 2022 and 2023 models the best candidates for used buyers on a budget. After 2024, the base price jumped to over $25,000, but these models also have more equipment. For those who want the fuel efficiency of the hybrid engine with the year-round traction afforded by all-wheel drive (AWD), you’ll have to look at a used 2025 model because it’s the first year for this pairing.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Ford Maverick?
- Ford Maverick: Which Trim Should You Buy?
- Is the Ford Maverick a Good Truck?
- How Much Can the Ford Maverick Tow?
- Does the Ford Maverick Offer a Hybrid Engine?
- Can the Ford Maverick Go Off-Road?
- What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Ford Maverick?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Ford Maverick?
As the Maverick is still in its first generation, deciding which years to buy boils down to how much you’re willing to spend and what features you desire. The 2022 and 2023 models had far lower starting prices, so they are the models to seek if you want to put out as little cash as possible. The 2024 and newer Maverick pickups have more features, improved styling, and more trims, including the Lobo and Tremor models. Initially, the hybrid engine came standard and only had 4-wheel drive (4WD). Opting for all-wheel drive nets the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, although this setup changed in 2024 when the hybrid engine was the option and the turbo became standard.
All model years up to 2024 have experienced some issues, including several recalls pertaining to a possible engine fire, grabbing brakes, an emission system issue, and a rearview camera that freezes up when placed in reverse. You can visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website for a complete recall list. Still, the manufacturer repairs for free any recalls. Just be sure recalls are attended to before you make a purchase. Just be aware that other known issues not covered by recalls exist. These include the touchscreen freezing up or stuttering, parasitic battery drain (where some systems remain on after switching off the ignition and draining the battery), and rattles inside the cab.
See Ford Maverick models for sale near you.
Ford Maverick: Which Should You Buy?
Which trim is best for you depends entirely on your needs and budget.
Upon its debut in 2022, the base Ford Maverick XL offered a low price and a relatively stripped-down appearance. Still, it has all the basics of a modern pickup truck, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, automatic high beams, and manual air conditioning. Also standard is an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city/33 mpg highway. All-wheel drive is optional and requires the gas-only 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The most popular trim is the XLT, which builds on the XL with 17-inch painted wheels, power mirrors, a power tailgate lock, cruise control, and wiper-activated headlights. Options for the XLT include the FX4 package, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, heated side mirrors, a slide rear window, and a spray-in bedliner.
At the top of the Maverick trim ladder is the Lariat, which includes power front seats with lumbar support, a proximity keyless entry system with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sliding rear window, and synthetic leather upholstery. Notable options include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, a heated steering wheel, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system.
Before buying any used Ford Maverick, check its vehicle history report to see if it was maintained at regular intervals and check for any accidents in its past.
Model-Year Changes
2025: Ford offers the hybrid engine with all-wheel drive for the first time. Across the lineup, the cabin gains a larger center touchscreen and a wireless phone charger. Two new trims arrive: the street-smart Lobo and a dedicated Tremor build at the top of the lineup. Adaptive cruise control is standard on the Tremor, and now the Lariat, and the turbo 2.0-liter engine output dips from 250 hp to 238.
2024: The hybrid engine is now optional across the board, with the 2.0-liter turbo standard.
2023: The front-wheel-drive Lariat is a hybrid-only affair, and Ford has enhanced the Co-Pilot360 suite with an evasive steering assist and rear parking sensors. Buyers can now choose a new Tremor Off-Road Package.
See 2022 to current Ford Maverick models for sale near you.
Is the Ford Maverick a Good Truck?
Yes, overall, owner surveys show a high satisfaction rating for the Maverick. The Maverick earns high praise for its impressive fuel economy, power, ride, and handling. Outside the recalls the manufacturer repairs for free and a few complaints, the Maverick has proven to be a reliable small truck that retains its value well. Most of the Maverick’s known issues get addressed through recalls or TSB (technical service bulletins). The one gray area remains the recall regarding possible engine fire. It seems some hybrid engines left the factory with a possible crankshaft defect that could cause the engine to fail and catch fire. As Ford can’t pinpoint exactly which engines are involved, the recall effort isn’t exactly a fix, just a patch that adds a software update and a few changes to the lower engine cover and grille to help lessen the possibility of a fire should the engine fail. Ford continues to work toward a better solution, so don’t be surprised if there isn’t another recall around this issue.
How Much Can the Ford Maverick Tow?
The front-drive Ford Maverick is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. Adding the 4K Tow Package increases towing to 4,000 pounds. The Maverick’s payload tops out at 1,500 pounds for all but the Tremor, which is capped at 1,300 pounds.
Does the Ford Maverick Offer a Hybrid Engine?
For the first two years, the Maverick comes standard with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and FWD. After 2024, the hybrid engine is optional across the lineup. Those seeking more power should go with the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas-only engine.
Can the Ford Maverick Go Off-Road?
When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Maverick can venture over unpaved roads and deep snow. Those seeking to tackle more treacherous terrain can opt for a number of off-road packages, such as the FX4 and Tremor Off-Road packages, later to become the Tremor trim.
RELATED: Buying a Used Ford F-150: Everything You Need to Know
What Are the Most Reliable Years for the Ford Maverick?
The Maverick has proven reasonably reliable across all model years. Still, 2024 and 2025 seem the least problematic years, as Ford corrected many of the issues with earlier models at the factory.
