Existing in a class of two, the 2024 Ford Maverick compact pickup’s sole rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz—which actually costs more than the Ford. Yes, I know Hyundai’s traditional unique selling position is value for the money and Santa Cruz provides that. However, the Maverick offers much of what Santa Cruz provides for less money.

Does that make the Maverick a better compact pickup? Well, you’ll have to keep reading to find the answer to that question. For now though, let’s just say Ford’s littlest pickup truck punches well above its weight class. By the way, now that Ford has done away with all of its car lines except the Mustang, the Maverick is now Ford’s entry level (read least expensive) offering. The Maverick Lariat I tested had a base price of $27,995 and an as tested price of $35,005.

In order to provide you with an honest and unbiased review, I drove the vehicle reviewed in this article on a daily basis throughout the course of daily life for a period of one week. For detailed insight into testing procedures and data collection, please review our methodology policy .

2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid First Impressions

Three years have passed since the introduction of the Maverick back in 2021 and the compact pickup remains a standout in 2024. Originally offered as a hybrid-only proposition, Ford has made that 2.5-liter gas/electric powertrain configuration optional and positioned its 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four as the standard offering. All-wheel drive can also be had with the 2.0-liter, but not with the hybrid powertrain.

Tested here in its front-wheel drive hybrid configuration, the lowest priced Ford is practical, affordable and surprisingly capable. A platform mate to Ford’s Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick drives like a car, acts like a truck and sips fuel like an urban sophisticate savoring afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel in NYC.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Ford’s compact pickup exhibits a high degree of refinement. It’s also responsive, comfortable and quiet. Now, with that said, we’re talking 191 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque from the hybrid powertrain, so its acceleration won’t set your ‘Fro on fire. However, it’s more than adequate for most day-to-day needs. I clocked two-way eight-second runs to 60 mph. A continuously variable transmission feeds the front wheels.

The Maverick is tightly suspended, so it also goes around curves with a modicum of verve. On the other hand, the Ford can also be a bit skittish on rough pavement, which I accepted as a consequence of its responsive handling. Otherwise, the Maverick performs admirably in steady-state running on the highway, as well as over smooth pavement.

Performance Specifications

2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid Fuel Economy

I averaged 37.5 miles per gallon overall with the front-drive hybrid powertrain, according to the Ford’s trip computer. The Maverick hybrid’s EPA estimates are 37 mpg combined, 42 mpg on the highway and 33 mpg in the city. In other words, the Maverick is one of the few vehicles I’ve tested that actually gives its EPA numbers in real world conditions. Opt for the 250-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo and the EPA says you can expect 23 in the city and 30 on the highway with front-drive. The all-wheel drive version is said to be good for 22 in the city and 29 on the highway.

Interior Design And Comfort

The Maverick is offered in one cab configuration, with a single bed size. The 4.5-foot bed is paired with a four-door crew cab. Standard features on the base XL version include a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. My XLT Lariat kicked things up considerably in that department, with dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting and power front seats.

The interior design belies the price point at which Ford is offering the Maverick. Tastefully designed, the passenger compartment features finely textured plastic that doesn’t look cheap. With it, the look of “my” Lariat-trimmed Maverick actually exuded a bit of charisma.

As perhaps should be expected, rear-seat legroom is on the tight side. Moreover, the rear seatback is bolt upright, so while the rear seating area is moderately comfortable, it isn’t relaxing. Front seat passengers have no causes for complaint though.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

An eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system pumped out the jams, while the Sync 3 operating system supported an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen interface. It also had voice recognition in my Lariat hybrid. Type A and C USB ports were offered up front along with inductive charging for my iPhone. Wireless CarPlay and Android compatibility were supported as well.

Streaming audio, steering wheel controls and an LCD monitor in the instrument panel were also included. Everything operated intuitively. I had no reason to consult the owner’s manual to figure out how to do anything. Plus, all the major controls were within easy reach. Driver assistance tech includes lane centering, smart cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

Cargo And Storage Space

Ford says the Maverick is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds—if you flip for the towing package and the 250-horsepower turbocharged engine. Go with the 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain, and you’ll exchange fuel economy for capability. The Maverick will pull 2,000 pounds. The 2024 Ford Maverick will also carry up to 18 sheets of four-by-eight-foot three-quarter-inch plywood lying flat in its bed.

Inside, you’ll find the usual array of door panel pockets, center console storage and, of course, a glove compartment. The rear seat cushion folds up, and Ford says you can convince the Maverick to swallow a mountain bike with it in that configuration. Keep in mind; we’re talking about a compact pickup truck, so there’s no trunk in which to store items out of sight.

The best play here—if you're someone who hauls a lot of stuff around—is to opt for a bed cover. My test Maverick had what seemed to be an extremely durable spray-in bedliner. Ford also equipped the bed with lighting and tie-down hooks. A 120-volt AC outlet can be found back there too, along with a 12-volt DC port and a small lockable storage bin.

2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid Vs. Its Competitors

As previously mentioned, the Maverick has but one natural competitor, Hyundai’s Santa Cruz. Similarly sized, they are currently the only two true compact pickups on offer. However, the Maverick offers a hybrid powertrain, where the Santa Cruz does not. On the other hand, one of the Hyundai’s powertrain options is considerably more powerful than the Ford’s, so the Santa Cruz will tow more than the Maverick as well.

How The Ford Maverick Compares To The Hyundai Santa Cruz

• 	2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid	2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
  Model	Maverick Lariat Hybrid	Santa Cruz
  Engine	2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid	2.5-liter I-4
  Transmission	CVT W/ Overdrive	8-speed automatic
  Horsepower	191 HP	191 @ 6100
  Torque	115 LB-FT	181 @ 4000
  Driveline	FWD	FWD/AWD
  Starting Price (MSRP)	$27,995	$28,275
  Fuel Economy	37 MPG Combined	23 / 22 / 26
  Towing Capacity	2,000 Pounds	3,500 pounds
  Payload Capacity	1,444 - 1,544 Pounds	1,515 pounds
  0-60 MPH	8.0 Seconds	6.0 seconds
  Quarter-Mile	15.9 Seconds @ 89.8 MPH	14.5 seconds

Hyundai terms the Santa Cruz an “urban” pickup truck. As such, it is endowed with eye-catching styling, more than sufficient tech and a handsome interior treatment. Driving it, one can almost forget the Santa Cruz is a pickup truck. Engine choices are 2.5-liter 191-horsepower naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 281-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged four with 311 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the turbo, and you’ll get up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability.

Base Santa Cruz models get the naturally aspirated engine and fewer creature comforts. You can also choose between front-drive and all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the upscale trims get the turbo and nicer interior treatments, along with more tech equipment and all-wheel drive—as a standard feature. Cost wise, the Santa Cruz will require you to ink bigger checks than the Maverick across the board. A top of the line Santa Cruz will set you back some $43,000. Meanwhile, a fully loaded Maverick will come in around $40,000.

On the other hand, the Santa Cruz is nicer inside than the Maverick; it’s also more powerful and capable of towing larger loads. Further, lest you forget, Hyundai’s warranty coverage is almost mythic in scope. Base coverage is five years or 60,000 miles, vs three years or 36,000 for the Ford.

Santa Cruz also offers 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage, compared to the Maverick’s five years or 60,000 miles—which goes up to eight years or 100k for the hybrid system. Here’s the clincher though; Hyundai will cover regularly scheduled maintenance costs for three years or 36,000 miles. Ford does not cover maintenance at all.

But then, the Hyundai can’t get close to the Maverick Hybrid in terms of fuel economy. Remember, I saw 37 MPG overall with the diminutive Ford pickup. The EPA says the best you can expect from a Santa Cruz is 22 in the city and 26 on the highway. The top I’ve ever seen overall is 30 MPG combined for the Hyundai. That’s not too shabby—true, but it’s not better than the Ford either.

To sum it all up, the Maverick costs less and returns better fuel economy. But Hyundai will have your six way longer than Ford in terms of warranty coverage and scheduled maintenance. Plus, in my opinion, the Santa Cruz is better looking, has a nicer interior and is more powerful. As much as I like the Maverick, I’d go for the Hyundai.