Learn me Ford Maverick

Looking for some input on Ford Mavericks as my son is thinking of getting one to replace his high mileage Fiat. Background ....his daily commute is a 110 mile round trip. Locally (SE Michigan) there seem to be a lot of leftover 2024 models, for reasons that aren't apparent to me. The closest dealer has 38 2024s VS  16 2025s. This seems really odd to me.

He's looking at base XL trucks, no interest in upgrading to the XLT or Lariat trims.My thoughts are he should buy the base gas engine as the hybrid is recommended to run on 93 octane. The mileage difference doesn't seem to be enough to justify a dollar/gallon fuel cost increase, compounded by higher monthly payments for the hybrid drive train. One salesman told him he qualifies for X-plan and he offered up $3K as trade vale for a 193K mile Fiat. I told my son to ask what the out-the-door price is without indicating how he'll pay/finance it.

So any insights on the vehicle pros/cons are welcome, as well as input on why there appear to be so many 2024s in inventory around the region.

I came here for the wrong Ford Mavericks. 

I've not driven one - I actually ordered one during COVID but after a year of waiting I bought something else - but I've been idly looking at them again for a few weeks. They hold their value surprisingly well, which speaks well of them. 

On a 110-mile round trip are you sure that the hybrid system wouldn't pay for itself? 

Do it. No regrets. I have a 2025 XL AWD hybrid w/4k towing package. Only thing I dislike are the heater/fan controls. It's through the touch screen. Not safe.

I should pass 4000 miles tomorrow at some point. I got it January 20th.

2023 XLT hybrid owner here. All Mavericks are recommended to run at least 87 octane:

Where I live, the lowest grade unleaded is 86, which is what I fill my Maverick up with. It works just fine.

I used the X-plan to buy mine mainly to limit the outrageous dealer fees in Florida. It was pretty easy although I did have to show membership to the partner organization.

Literally the only reason I went with an XLT was to get an extra cost color that wasn't available on the XL trim level. I didn't add any packages or options to mine. 

For the 2025 model year, they finally added AWD as an option to the hybrids. That is the only reason I'd go with a 2025 over a leftover 2024. 

I'd also check out this thread:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/which-ford-maverick-should-i-buy/195330/page1/

In reply to vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) :

What kind of real world mileage are you getting with it?

In reply to brandonsmash :

My son was looking up mileage on his phone and threw out 33 HWY for the hybrid and 29 for the gas only version. He also thinks the hybrid needs higher octane. The price difference negates the extra mileage if those numbers are real. If both can use 87 octane the math gets much better.

I bought the hybrid because I had an 80 mile daily commute. It was 90% freeway and 10% surface streets. I would routinely get 40mpg if I kept my speed below 80mph.

After moving out of Florida, my commute is about 13 miles. It's mostly 55mph highway but some 45mph surface streets.

This was from a random day in November 2024:

This is pretty typical of what I get when commuting. I've been extremely impressed with the gas mileage over the past ~21k miles.

If either engine needs 93 to achieve its mileage rating, it's the ecoboost. But both will be 100% fine on 87 octane. It's ford, not porsche, they're not designing the cheapest vehicle they sell to use the most expensive fuel.

Both are cheap gas, Regular, not Premium.  

This states an expected savings of $500 per 15k miles in hybrid vs non hybrid.  

Is it the Fiat that calls for Premium?  This says it does making either Maverick cheaper to feed than the Fiat...

There are a lot of 2024s because there is a stop sale on them.  Dealers can not sell them until there is a fix on the rear view camera. XL and XLT are affected. They have not been allowed to sell them for Months (and still can't). 

I really think the hybrid is the way to go with these. The hybrid function and low price are what make the Mav unique in it's segment. It's quite a bit more efficient, and will likely be more reliable long term than the ecoboost/8spd.

2025 was updated, and you can now get the hybrid powertrain with AWD, as well as the 4k tow package if either of those are a benefit to your son.

Does Michigan do what Ohio does for hybrids and stick a surcharge ($300 here) on annual registration to recoup lost fuel taxes?

I'd look into that and factor it in.  But it does look like the fuel savings would more than compensate 

Steve_Jones said:

There are a lot of 2024s because there is a stop sale on them.  Dealers can not sell them until there is a fix on the rear view camera. XL and XLT are affected. They have not been allowed to sell them for Months (and still can't). 

OK...now it makes sense. My son can ask about the cameras at the dealerships. Thanks

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

Just looked that up and it's $30 annually for a hybrid...up to $200 for fully electric. Didn't know that. Thanks

I've also been casually browsing Mavericks, mainly because I can't ignore the sheer practicality they offer.

In reply to Colin Wood :

I currently own a LB GMC Canyon, which I really don't have much need for. It will be interesting to see what I think of the Maverick if my son buys one. I think it would be more practical for me as a daily than my GMC. We'll see.

In reply to John Welsh :

The Fiat is running on 91 most of the time, occasionally 93. Based solely on highway mileage estimates the hybrid will pay for itself if regular gas is used. My quick calc last night assumed 93 for the hybrid @ $1/gallon premium. That detail makes a big difference. Keenan is on a tight budget so he was looking at a base truck, but an XL hybrid is probably better since he'll keep it for at least 200,000 miles.

DeadSkunk (Warren) said:

 

He's looking at base XL trucks

Uh oh.

IB4 the "UnIb0dY fLeX" response.

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

Does Michigan do what Ohio does for hybrids and stick a surcharge ($300 here) on annual registration to recoup lost fuel taxes?

I'd look into that and factor it in.  But it does look like the fuel savings would more than compensate 

Ohio is $100 for hybrid only, $150 for plug-in hybrids, and $200 for pure battery EV.

In reply to DeadSkunk (Warren) :

Just for myself I have a 220k Prius and a 80k Grand Caravan.  The minivan has great utility.  

I have highly consider converting them both to one Maverick Hybrid.  My two vehicles combined probably have a worth of $15k.  If Mavericks were still $20k I'd head towards one but now closer to $30k ($27+k) my two give me more utility, cheaper.

I have a 23 XLT lux with Ecoboost and 4k tow. Love the thing. While getting child seats in and out is a bit of a pain (accessing the top anchor sucks), once they are in it works pretty well for kiddo toting duties. I got the copilot 360 with lane keep assist and with it set right it helps. It tows my race setup (6x14 enclosed with 650lb car in it) very well. Better acceleration while towing than my 07 expedition had with better towing fuel economy. 

I seem to get 26 - 28 mpg in mixed cycle while not towing. 

Downsides/nitpicks

• Direct injection can be noisy and sound like crap while cold. It's normal.
• Infotainment can freeze up. - hopefully the upcoming reprogram for the rear camera helps this as that's what it's essentially for.
• Carseat top anchor is difficult. (Fold down seat back, wedge arm, good luck getting tight)
• Have heard front CVs like to fail, no direct experience 

Overall - love the truck. It's not too often I need a bigger bed than that. Totes kids well. Wife likes to steal it. Would do again. 

Hybrids had some engine teething problems, look into what the recalls were on those. 

DeadSkunk (Warren) said:

Steve_Jones said:

There are a lot of 2024s because there is a stop sale on them.  Dealers can not sell them until there is a fix on the rear view camera. XL and XLT are affected. They have not been allowed to sell them for Months (and still can't). 

OK...now it makes sense. My son can ask about the cameras at the dealerships. Thanks

It's all 22-24 XL and XLT that can't be sold.  He can buy a 2025 with no problem, as they changed it.

In reply to Steve_Jones :

The fix is out for them, so they couldn't be before now, but now can be sold after repairs