This week, I have the 2024 Ford Maverick pickup that I first reviewed when it debuted as a 2022 model. Not much has changed since then, which is normal for a product that is just two years old. This truck has been a runaway hit since day one, and there is no end in sight.
One pretty big change for 2024 is that the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is now standard equipment, and the popular 2.5-liter hybrid is optional.
Powertrain
Under the hood of my tester is the standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that is mated to a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Together they put out a terrific 250-horses, 277 pound-feet or torque, and this truck will tow 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K trailer towing package ($745). This one is also all-wheel drive and features the FX4 Off-Road package ($800) and it is the XLT trim package, a step up from the XL, and a step down from the Lariat. All-wheel drive is not available with the hybrid engine.
The 2.0-liter is quiet at city and highway speeds, and the acceleration is surprisingly good from a dead start. Although you give up some MPGs, the extra power is certainly welcome, at least by this reviewer.
The exterior appearance is good with black 17” aluminum wheels, front tow hooks, and the horizontal bar that runs through the grill.
Click photos to enlarge.
As with all Mavericks, it has a 4-and-a-half-foot bed that is connected to the cab and has 4-full doors. I do enjoy the color, which is called Atlas Blue.
The XLT interior is nice, the cloth seats are dark and light grey with a slight bit of orange stitching on them. Orange is common hue throughout the interior, including areas in the center console, and some really cool door pull handles.
The 7” gauge cluster is configurable for driver info, controlled from the steering wheel and will keep you up to date on current fuel economy and range. You can also change many of the settings from there.
High on the dash is an 8” touchscreen that is simple but works well and is fast. You operate all audio, Bluetooth, apps, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, and Android auto. You can also connect to the truly great FordPass information system. If you are not familiar with FordPass, watch this 2-minute video:
The center console houses a round gearshift knob and the start/stop disable, the traction control button, the auto hold button, and hill descent control. You can also run through the drive modes, which include: normal, tow/haul, slippery, mud/ruts, and sand. The console has a nifty place to put your phone where you can actually see it when driving. There are a couple of cupholders, storage, USB and USB-C ports. Just above the console, and under the screen are air conditioning controls and knobs for radio volume and tuning.
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Back seat room was better than expected in a small truck, as was the headroom. The back seat folds up and has storage underneath for valuables, there is another USB and USB-C port, a 110 power outlet, and there is a fold down armrest with cup holders.
The pickup bed has plastic all around the edges so when you put cargo in, you won’t scratch the paint, and the tailgate even has a built-in bottle opener. There is a small storage box with an underneath hidden compartment, a cargo light, and a 110-volt power outlet if you need power for your tools or anything else you might need electricity for. There are several places built into the tailgate to sit drinks down, and the tailgate locks.
Standard Equipment and Options
The XLT comes standard with power windows and locks, rearview camera, manual tilt wheel, keyless entry through the key fob, remote start, manual climate control, a terrific rearview camera, a full-sized spare tire, and automatic headlights.
Besides the options mentioned earlier in this review, this Maverick has XLT Luxury package for $2,275 which gives you an 8-way power driver’s seat, the power inverter to supply the 110-volt outlets, heated seats, the remote start, a trailer hitch with 4-pin connector, and hard built-in bedliner.
This one also has the $650 Ford Co-pilot assist and with that, you get: Cross-Traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane keep alert, and Driver alert system.
Ride and Drive
The Maverick drives great, was surprisingly quiet inside, and overall I found it quite enjoyable to drive. Even with the FX4 all-wheel package, the truck sits fairly low to the ground, making entry and exit to the cab very easy, no running boards needed, and you can place things in the pickup bed easily. Acceleration from a dead start was good enough to get me pulled over by a suburban DFW police officer, but that’s another story.
Fuel Economy
We have to talk fuel economy. Fuel economy is rated at 22 city and 29 highway, for 25 combined. Again, your choice is horsepower & towing, OR opt for the hybrid and get 42 in town and 37 on the highway, but remember you are giving up all-wheel drive, too.
Verdict
Total MSRP on my tester is $34,735 with transportation, but since you order these online at Ford.com, you could cut out some of the $6,825 in options to save some dough.
This isn’t a truck for everyone, although you’d never know that looking at the sales results, but it is a very nice truck and surprisingly capable and easy to drive and park.
What I Liked Most: The value, the ride and drive, I even think it looks great.
What I would change: Really nothing, considering what you get for the money.
MSRP: Base price $26,315. Total MSRP $34,735 with transportation and options.
Fuel Economy: Rated at 22 City/29 highway/25 combined.
Weight: 3,731 pounds.
Length-Width-Height: 199.7” long/83.5” wide/77.9” high.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side..
2024 Maverick XLT FX4 in a few words: A fun to drive, extremely economical small truck that is a great overall value.
Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.