First introduced in 1970, the Ford Maverick nameplate was a compact car produced for affordability and fuel efficiency. Built on the Falcon platform, the original Maverick featured inline-six engines, later offering a V8, it sold over 579,000 units in its first year alone. It remained in production in the U.S. until 1977, with continued sales in Brazil through 1979. After a decade-long absence, Ford revived the Maverick name in 2021 for the 2022 model year, this time as a compact pick-up truck. The new Maverick quickly made waves due to its standard hybrid powertrain and a price just below $20,000, making it one of the most affordable trucks on the market. The Maverick’s reintroduction marked Ford’s entry into the emerging compact truck market, with sales exceeding expectations and demand consistently outpacing supply.
The 2025 Ford Maverick was one of the most anticipated trucks this year. As it enters its fourth model year, it’s necessary to assess its features and see if it’s worth the fame it continues to enjoy year after year.
An exterior design update?
Many vehicle enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated a major design upgrade or significant changes to make the 2025 Maverick stand out. However, the truck retains its robust design and tough exterior. It does, however, feature a refreshed front fascia, which, in my opinion, offers a worthy novelty for the Maverick lineup.
Ford has made a few updates to its newest model, giving it a bolder and more blocky appearance. These updates include modified headlights, black accents, and a distinctive “7-shaped” signature LED light design.
Perhaps the most significant design change is the introduction of a variety of colors buyers can choose from As FordAuthority.com rightly puts it: “The 2025 Ford Maverick features quite a few changes and updates, including an overhauled exterior color lineup. In fact, it gains four new colors, known as Eruption Green, Space White Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, and Velocity Blue.” These additions provide more variety to the 2025 Ford Maverick lineup. Ford has also added new wheel options to the 2025 model, including 19-inch styles on the Lariat trim.
A look at the engine options
Ford listens to its users, and that’s why the 2025 Ford Maverick comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for its hybrid version. AWD was the most requested of owners of previous Maverick models, and Ford didn’t disappoint with the 2025 version. But that’s not all—the hybrid Mavericks can now also be fitted with the optional tow package, allowing them to tow up to 4,000 pounds, just like the turbocharged engine version. The powertrain options remain the same, with the standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine. The 191-horsepower delivers a solid balance of power and efficiency, making it just right for everyday driving, such as city commutes or weekend trips. If you’re someone who values fuel efficiency and a smooth ride, this engine is ideal for you.
The vehicle also offers an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. However, the turbo engine’s power has been slightly reduced, now producing 238 horsepower instead of 250. Dawn McKenzie, manager of Ford’s truck division, explains why the maximum horsepower was reduced: “We’ve added a new gas particulate filter to meet emissions requirements, and this reduces the maximum horsepower that we can deliver.” This change is in response to stricter emissions standards and does significantly affect the vehicle’s performance.
Versatile interior with practical storage
The truck is designed to comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, with a focus on comfort and versatility. Seating options vary across trims, starting with the XL trim, which comes with Black Onyx or Dark Slate cloth front bucket seats. The XLT trim steps up the comfort level with Navy Pier or Aspen Gray cloth seats as standard, making the interior look more elegant. The Lariat trim offers even more comfort with Smoked Truffle-trimmed seats, providing a more luxurious, leather-like feel without the actual leather. The Tremor trim offers a more rugged feel and outlook, with distinctive orange stitching and branding, which is perfect for off-road enthusiasts. The Lobo trim, introduced in 2025, adds a unique twist with green stitching and a Lobo script embroidered on the seatbacks, giving the interior a personalized touch for those who appreciate a bolder look. With these various seating options, it will be difficult to run out of choices in the 2025 Maverick.
One of the standout features of the 2025 Ford Maverick is its innovative and practical storage options. As a compact pickup, maximizing interior space for storage is key, and Ford has designed the Maverick’s cabin with that in mind. The rear under-seat storage is a valuable feature, perfect for storing tools, gear, or other items that need to be kept out of sight but easily accessible. The rear seats themselves can fold up to further increase cargo space when needed.
Another thoughtful design element is the redesigned door pockets, which are large enough to hold 1.5L water bottles, ensuring that everyday essentials are within easy reach. The center console is spacious, offering ample room for items like your wallet, keys, and smartphone, with a convenient place for charging devices. These features make the 2025 Ford Maverick an ideal choice for those who need an interior that can handle both work gear and personal items without compromising on comfort.
An emphasis on safety
The 2025 Ford Maverick is proof that Ford places a significant emphasis on safety features within its vehicles. The company has integrated an extensive suite of safety technologies into the 2025 Maverick, providing peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. The Ford Co-Pilot360 system, which is standard on all trims, includes pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help prevent accidents and keep you aware of your surroundings while driving.
The 360-degree camera system also gives you a comprehensive view around the vehicle, which is especially helpful when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. These safety technologies, combined with the durable construction of the truck, make the Maverick an incredibly safe option for drivers who want a reliable and well-equipped vehicle.
The 2025 Ford Maverick is a versatile truck that offers a combination of style, comfort, robustness, and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a regular daily vehicle, a family vehicle, or a workhorse, the Maverick is designed to meet a variety of needs in different households and situations. With its hybrid engine option, new AWD capability updated exterior design, and diverse seating and storage options, the Maverick continues to impress as one of the most well-rounded compact trucks on the market today.
The 2025 Ford Maverick shows that it is not just a truck for work, but also a vehicle that adapts to various lifestyles and needs, providing an appealing balance of power, efficiency, and utility. Is it the best SUV of 2025? I’ll leave that to you to be the judge.
