2025 Ford Maverick XL Review: The Compact Truck Revolution
Introduction: The Do-It-All Compact Truck
The 2025 Ford Maverick XL shatters expectations of what a truck can be, delivering immense capability and technology in a compact, city-friendly package. Starting at an incredible $28,145, the XL comes standard with a 2.5L hybrid engine offering an estimated 42 mpg in the city. Its unibody construction provides a comfortable ride, while the innovative FLEXBED® system and versatile interior storage offer solutions for any project. With a standard 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen and Ford Co-Pilot360® technology, the Maverick XL is the smart, efficient, and affordable truck built for a new generation of doers worldwide.
2025 Maverick Models: Pricing & Variants
Maverick® XL
Starting at $28,145
- 2.5L Hybrid Engine (FWD)
- 13.2-in. Center Touchscreen with SYNC® 4
- FLEXBED® Storage System
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Technologies
- LED Headlamps
Maverick® XLT
Starting at $30,645
- Intelligent Access w/ Push-Button Start
- 17-in. Painted Aluminum Wheels
- Upgraded Navy Pier/Medium Slate Interior
- Power Locking Tailgate
- Available FX4® Off-Road Package
Maverick® Lobo™
Starting at $35,930
- 2.0L EcoBoost® Engine
- Torque Vectoring Twin Clutch Rear Drive
- Performance Tuned Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Unique Sport Styling
Maverick® Lariat®
Starting at $38,440
- 360-Degree Camera
- Heated Seats, Mirrors & Steering Wheel
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™
- Wireless Charging Pad
- ActiveX®-Trimmed Seats
Maverick® Tremor®
Starting at $40,995
- Advanced 4WD w/ Twin-Clutch Rear Drive
- Off-Road Tuned Suspension & Skid Plates
- 1-inch Lift & Unique Front Bumper
- All-Terrain Tires
- Trail Control™
Design: Smart, Practical, and Capable
The 2025 Maverick XL’s unibody design delivers a refreshingly honest and functional aesthetic. Its compact 199.7-inch length and 121.1-inch wheelbase make it perfectly sized for city streets and tight parking spots. The exterior features a practical black mesh grille, black door handles, and black mirror caps, emphasizing utility. The revolutionary FLEXBED® system is the star, featuring a multi-position tailgate, six standard tie-downs, and two pre-wired 12V leads for DIY electrical projects. Standard 17-inch steel wheels with Sparkle Silver covers are durable and fit the truck’s work-ready persona.
Inside, the Maverick XL is cleverly designed with a focus on space and storage. The Black Onyx and Medium Dark Slate cloth seats are durable and comfortable for five passengers. The full bench rear seat features flip-up cushions that reveal under-seat storage bins, perfect for stowing gear. The cabin combines durable materials with impressive technology, including the large 13.2-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital productivity screen. It’s a purposeful interior that prioritizes function over frills, setting it apart from more car-like competitors.
FLEXBED® Utility
A DIY Dream, the 4.5-foot bed is packed with features. Customize it with slots for 2x4s or 2x6s to create dividers or tiered storage. Add optional bed extenders, locking rails, or a variety of tonneau covers to secure any load for work or play.
Smart Interior Storage
Space for Everything. Beyond the under-seat bins, the Maverick features deep door pockets designed to hold large water bottles, a spacious center console, and rear map pockets. It’s an interior designed for real-world use.
Performance: Efficient Hybrid or Punchy EcoBoost®
The Maverick XL’s standard powertrain is a 2.5L full hybrid engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, producing a combined 191 horsepower. This setup is optimized for fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. For those needing more power and all-wheel drive capability, the optional 2.0L EcoBoost® engine delivers a potent 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque, managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its unibody construction and independent suspension provide a smooth, car-like ride that distinguishes it from traditional body-on-frame trucks.
Standard Hybrid Efficiency
The Smart Choice for the City. The 2.5L hybrid system seamlessly switches between gas and electric power, providing smooth, quiet operation at low speeds and ample power for highway merging. The electronic brake boost enhances the regenerative braking system to recharge the battery while driving.
Available EcoBoost® Power
Towing and All-Weather Capability. The optional 2.0L EcoBoost® engine turns the Maverick into a true powerhouse, enabling a towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs with the available 4K Tow Package. The available All-Wheel Drive system provides extra confidence in snow or on gravel roads.
Fuel Efficiency: A New Benchmark for Trucks
The Maverick XL’s standard hybrid powertrain sets a new standard for truck efficiency, achieving an impressive EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 37 MPG combined. With its 13.8-gallon tank, this gives the hybrid Maverick a driving range of over 500 miles. The optional 2.0L EcoBoost® with AWD is also respectable, rated at 22 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined, providing a balance of power and efficiency for those who need it.
Hybrid MPG Leader
42 MPG City is a game-changer, making the Maverick more fuel-efficient than many sedans. It’s perfect for navigating urban environments and saving money at the pump.
Impressive Range
Over 500 Miles per tank with the hybrid means fewer stops and more time getting things done. The EcoBoost® version still offers a respectable range for longer trips.
Technology: Smart and Connected
The Maverick XL comes standard with an impressive tech suite usually reserved for higher trims. The centerpiece is the 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen running SYNC® 4, which includes Bluetooth, AM/FM stereo, and SiriusXM radio. An 8-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster keeps key driving information front and center. FordPass® Connect provides remote features like start, lock/unlock, and vehicle location via a smartphone app. Standard safety tech from the Ford Co-Pilot360® suite includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and a Rear View Camera.
Large Standard Touchscreen
The 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 screen is a standout feature in this price class, offering an intuitive interface, crisp graphics, and easy access to audio and vehicle settings.
FordPass® Connect
Stay Connected to your truck from anywhere. Use the app to check fuel levels, locate your vehicle, and access remote features, adding a layer of convenience to your day.
Safety: Smart Protection Standard
The Maverick XL is equipped with a suite of standard safety features to protect you and your passengers. The Ford Co-Pilot360® package includes Auto High-Beams, Autolamp, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Rear View Camera. A comprehensive airbag system includes driver and passenger front, side, and knee airbags, plus Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags. The LATCH system ensures child seats are securely installed. For even more confidence, the optional Ford Co-Pilot360® package adds BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane-Keeping features.
Standard Co-Pilot360®
An Extra Set of Eyes on the road. Pre-Collision Assist can help you avoid or mitigate frontal collisions, while Auto High-Beams provide optimal visibility without dazzling other drivers.
Comprehensive Airbag System
All-Around Protection with front, side, knee, and curtain airbags. The Smart Occupant Sensing system ensures airbags deploy correctly based on passenger presence and size.
Full Specifications Table: 2025 Ford Maverick XL
Powertrain & Performance
- Standard Engine 2.5L I-4 Atkinson-Cycle Hybrid with a permanent-magnet electric motor. This powertrain provides a smooth blend of gas and electric power for optimal city efficiency.
- Optional Engine 2.0L EcoBoost® I-4 Gas Engine with turbocharging and direct injection for increased power and towing capability.
- Horsepower (Hybrid) 191 hp (combined system output). Provides ample power for daily driving and highway merging.
- Horsepower (EcoBoost®) 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm. A significant power boost for those needing more performance.
- Torque (EcoBoost®) 277 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm. Excellent low-end torque for quick acceleration and towing.
- Transmission (Hybrid) PowerSplit: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) for seamless acceleration.
- Transmission (EcoBoost®) 8-Speed Automatic Transmission for crisp shifts and efficient highway cruising.
- Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard with the hybrid. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available with the EcoBoost® engine.
Fuel Economy & Capacity
- MPG (Hybrid FWD) EPA-Estimated 42 City / 33 Hwy / 37 Combined. A leader in fuel efficiency for any truck.
- MPG (EcoBoost® AWD) EPA-Estimated 22 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined. Respectable efficiency for a 250-hp AWD vehicle.
- Fuel Tank (Hybrid) 13.8 Gallons. Allows for an impressive driving range of over 500 miles.
- Fuel Tank (Gas) 16.5 Gallons. Provides ample range for the more powerful EcoBoost® engine.
Towing & Payload
- Standard Payload 1,500 lbs. A robust capacity for a compact truck, suitable for mulch, gear, or small furniture.
- Standard Towing 2,000 lbs. Enough for small trailers, jet skis, or other light loads.
- Max Towing 4,000 lbs. Available with the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine and the optional 4K Tow Package.
Interior & Technology
- Seating Capacity Five-passenger seating with durable cloth seats and a full-bench rear seat.
- Infotainment Standard 13.2-inch SYNC® 4 touchscreen with AM/FM, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM.
- Instrument Cluster Standard 8-inch Digital Productivity Screen provides key vehicle information clearly.
- Connectivity Two front USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) and two 12V powerpoints (front and rear) come standard.
Why People Buy This Truck: The Ultimate Urban Utility Vehicle
The Maverick XL appeals to a broad audience, from city dwellers needing occasional utility to budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on modern features.
City Dwellers & Commuters
Hybrid Efficiency & Compact Size. Its incredible 42 MPG city and maneuverable footprint make it perfect for urban life, offering truck utility without the usual drawbacks of size and fuel consumption.
DIY Enthusiasts & Homeowners
FLEXBED® and Affordability. The customizable bed is ideal for weekend projects and trips to the hardware store. It provides “just enough” truck capability at a price that leaves room in the budget for more projects.
First-Time Truck Buyers
Approachable and Easy to Drive. With its unibody platform, the Maverick drives more like a crossover than a traditional truck, making it a non-intimidating entry point into truck ownership for those new to the segment.
Competitive Edge: In a Class of Its Own
The Maverick XL’s combination of a standard hybrid powertrain, low starting price, and innovative features gives it a unique position in the market.
Vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
Efficiency and Price Champion. The Maverick XL’s standard hybrid delivers nearly double the city MPG of the Santa Cruz’s standard gas engine, all while starting at a lower price point. The Maverick’s FLEXBED® also offers more built-in DIY flexibility.
Vs. Mid-Size Trucks (e.g., Ranger, Tacoma)
The Perfect “Just Enough” Truck. For buyers who don’t need the extreme towing or off-road capability of a mid-size truck, the Maverick offers a more fuel-efficient, more affordable, and more maneuverable alternative without sacrificing everyday utility.
Pros and Cons: Balanced Assessment
Pros
- Incredible ValueStarting under $30,000 with a standard hybrid powertrain and a huge touchscreen is an unbeatable combination that opens truck ownership to a new market.
- Phenomenal Fuel EconomyThe standard hybrid’s 42 MPG city rating is better than most sedans, let alone trucks, drastically reducing ownership costs.
- Innovative FLEXBED®The versatile and highly customizable bed system is a standout feature for DIYers, small business owners, and outdoor adventurers alike.
- Spacious and Practical InteriorClever storage solutions like the under-seat bins and a roomy cabin for five make it an excellent and comfortable daily driver.
- Generous Standard TechA 13.2-inch touchscreen and standard Ford Co-Pilot360® safety features are exceptional inclusions at this price point.
Cons
- Basic Interior MaterialsThe XL trim is focused on durability and cost-effectiveness, so the cabin is dominated by hard plastics and lacks premium soft-touch surfaces.
- Limited Standard TowingThe 2,000-lb standard towing capacity is fine for very small trailers, but serious hauling requires upgrading to the optional EcoBoost® engine and 4K Tow Package.
- FWD is Standard on HybridThe most efficient powertrain is only available with front-wheel drive, meaning buyers who need all-wheel drive must opt for the less efficient EcoBoost® engine.
- Keyed Ignition on Base ModelWhile higher trims get push-button start, the base XL model still uses a traditional keyed ignition, which feels dated in a modern vehicle.
- Some Safety Features are OptionalWhile Pre-Collision Assist is standard, key features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Lane-Keeping Aid require an optional package.
Final Verdict: A Game-Changer for the Truck World
The 2025 Ford Maverick XL earns an outstanding 9.5/10 for completely redefining the compact truck segment. It delivers exactly what a huge portion of the market needs: a capable, flexible, and technologically advanced vehicle with the utility of a truck and the efficiency and comfort of a crossover. Its affordability is the icing on the cake. For anyone who has thought “I’d like a truck, but they’re too big and thirsty,” the Maverick XL is the answer. It’s a triumph of smart design and incredible value.
Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Based on Value, Efficiency, and Utility
