Road Test: 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid

The Most Gas-Environment friendly Gasoline-Powered Pickup You Can Purchase

Ford Maverick Hybrid house owners will willingly inform you all about their truck, so be ready to haunt for some time. As an automotive journalist I do that continuously with the vehicles I’m reviewing as I like to listen to actual world experiences from individuals who have placed on 1000’s of miles below completely different driving and highway circumstances. Relating to the Maverick Hybrid, I hear nothing however superlatives, together with, “the very best car I’ve ever owned.”

The enjoyment of driving the 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid begins with its stellar gasoline financial system, however this doesn’t start to clarify the flexibility Ford has constructed into this compact pickup.

Hybrid Energy/Effectivity to Love

Clear Fleet Report spent per week within the 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid, powered by a 2.5-Liter gasoline engine that produces 162 horsepower (hp) and a 94kW electrical motor, for a complete system 191 hp. The gasoline engine’s 155 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.) is boosted by the electrical motor, at peak, contributing 173 lb.-ft. of torque. All this drives the entrance wheels by means of an digital constantly variable transmission (eCVT) to show 0-60 mph occasions of about eight seconds.

An eCVT is just not like a conventional CVT because it has no pulleys or belts, however a easy planetary gear set and two electrical motors. One motor is for driving energy, whereas the opposite is to begin the engine, cost the battery and permits the regenerative braking that converts kinetic vitality into electrical vitality and shops it within the battery when making use of the brakes or coasting.

The EPA has rated the 2024 Maverick Hybrid gasoline financial system at 42 mpg metropolis/33 freeway and 37 mixed. In 212 miles driving by means of Southern California, we averaged 44.3 mpg, with the very best gasoline financial system on an all-city 55-mile run the place the common was a stellar 46.3 mpg. This was achieved by the pc seamlessly switching between all-electric and hybrid operation in response to drive calls for and circumstances. That normally meant electrical for in-town or in stop-and-go site visitors, and hybrid for on the freeway. Gas financial system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and characterize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers might differ.

Hitting the Highway

The Maverick Lariat has a begin/cease button, whereas the XL and XLT trim ranges have an old-school key. Pushing the beginning button doesn’t activate the engine, except you might be in extraordinarily sizzling or chilly climate and have the heater or A/C on. What you hear is nothing in any respect, requiring a have a look at the sprint cluster gauge to know it’s time to shift right into a gear and take off. The Maverick Hybrid defaults to electrical mode on first engagement.

Ford has completed a stellar job with its hybrid system. It’s so fully seamless and environment friendly it begs the query why all Ford (and Lincoln) fashions don’t have it no less than as an choice.

The Maverick Hybrid, at 3,674 kilos, felt strong and steady on the freeway, dealt with properly below reasonable cornering that produced little physique lean.

No must push issues by asking the Maverick to do one thing it was not designed to do, however the optionally available 225/60 Michelin Primacy all-season tires on 18-inch machined face wheels carried out properly, dealing with stops confidently with the 4-wheel ABS disc brakes. The electrical-power steering was correctly tuned to really feel linked to the highway, making for a enjoyable drive that’s extra much like a crossover than a truck. All of this resulted in minimal cabin noise.

The Maverick Hybrid is just not out there with all-wheel drive, so if going off-road is important, then go for the Maverick (non-hybrid) with the EcoBoost gasoline engine.

The Ford Maverick has been designed with these drive modes to maximise effectivity and efficiency as an around-town errand runner, for commuting or for heading out to a nationwide park:

• Regular: Made for on a regular basis driving. The place we spent nearly all of our time.
• Eco: This mode displays modifications in shifts and speeds, then adjusts the engine and transmission efficiency to assist maximize gasoline effectivity. Our expertise with Eco drive modes is they’re nice for when cruising on the open highway, however can not ship the wanted efficiency in a pinch (reminiscent of passing).
• Sport: The title is a bit optimistic, however this mode will increase accelerator pedal response, supplies a sportier steering really feel, and holds onto decrease gears longer, serving to for quicker acceleration.

In the event you go for the two.0-liter EcoBoost non-hybrid engine, the out there FX4 Off-Highway Package deal provides these further drive modes, which work by partaking the AWD lock:

• Mud & Ruts: This mode enhances car efficiency to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
• Sand: For off-road driving on smooth, dry sand or deep snow.
• Tow/Haul: Helps management when towing and hauling.
• Slippery: This mode lowers the throttle response and optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces reminiscent of moist and icy roads, or the place a agency floor is roofed with free, moist or slippery materials.

Hauling and Towing

If towing and going off-road are in your plans, contemplate the Maverick with the two.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine because it has extra horsepower and torque and comes with an 8-speed computerized transmission. For much more enjoyable, the rugged Tremor Off-Highway Package deal is an choice for $3,495 and contains such additions as an off-road tuned suspension, entrance skid plates, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, off-road digicam and extra.

The Hybrid tow ranking is 2,000 kilos, however the EcoBoost bumps as much as 4,000 kilos when geared up with the Tow Package deal ($745). Whatever the energy plant, all Mavericks have a 1,500 pound most payload within the 4.5-foot mattress, which might haul a number of sheets of plywood. We tried it and the added 500 kilos didn’t have a damaging impact on cornering and stopping, nor the acceleration of the peppy hybrid engine. A small journey trailer was simply hauled behind the Maverick Hybrid.

The Maverick Hybrid or EcoBoost weren’t designed to be a heavy-duty work vans, however are extra for the weekend warrior doing DIY initiatives or used for lively life reminiscent of biking and kayaking. For these functions, it’s a viable choice to a bigger truck or a compact crossover.

Inside: Fundamental and a Bit Retro

The 2024 Maverick Hybrid is available in three trim ranges—XL, XLT and Lariat, with a rugged Tremor for these desirous to get just a little soiled. Clear Fleet Report drove the Maverick Lariat that got here with energy home windows and door locks, flooring liners ($135), single zone guide local weather management with a particulate air filter, and 12V and USB ports.

The 8-inch touchscreen housed the 8-speaker B&O sound system that included AM/FM, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple Automotive Play, Android Auto, with Sync 3 for voice activated navigation and communications. FordPass Connect gives comfort options reminiscent of distant lock/unlock, distant keyless entry and engine begin.

The seats within the Maverick Lariat are coated in a sturdy and cozy fabric, with heated entrance seats and the driving force getting 8-way energy changes. The entrance cabin can simply accommodate these over six-feet tall with ample headroom. The middle armrest has a smooth vinyl floor and opens for storage, and there are storage nooks by means of the cabin, together with on the sprint subsequent to the touchscreen, middle console tray and door pockets.

The rear is bit cozier, however the bench seat is completely positive for 3 adults on quick in-town journeys, or attaching two little one seats and making the Maverick a haul-around-the-kids-and-run-errands each day driver. There may be rear under-seat storage, and a intelligent design on the entrance doorways to accommodate a big drink bottle or cup.

Exterior: All Truck

Dimension-wise, the Maverick actually isn’t all that small. It’s about 11-inches shorter than the midsize Ford Ranger and 1-inch longer than the Ford Explorer SUV. As soon as upon a time there was the Ford Courier (1972 – 2007) that was a real compact pickup, however don’t confuse or equate the 2024 Maverick with that diminutive truck, as they don’t have anything in frequent apart from the blue oval on the entrance grille.

The Maverick design is all Ford truck, however with out the menacing presence that’s frequent with many full-size pickups. The graceful physique facet panels, sans chrome, black grille, bumpers and trim on the crew cab look nice in opposition to the optionally available 18-inch machine-face black aluminum wheels that got here commonplace on the Lariat mannequin we drove. Smaller 17-inch alloy wheels are commonplace. The Lariat comes with LED headlights, a full-size spare, heated exterior energy mirrors, LED field lighting, trailer hitch with a 4-pin connector, mattress tie-down locking rails, spray-in mattress liner, energy rear sliding window, heated and vinyl-wrapped steering wheel and a 400W inverter.

Ford says the Maverick is “Constructed Ford Robust.” After pulling a trailer and hauling a bed-full of sheetrock, the Maverick Hybrid has earned its powerful stripes with us. This video, exhibiting the flexibility of the Flexbed, is from our associates at Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk, demonstrating it has been designed for multi-purpose use. It might be one of many causes you contemplate shopping for a Maverick.

The Maverick is 68.7-inches tall, which is simply over 5 foot, seven inches, so at 5 foot, 9 inches I used to be in a position to look over the cab. This lack of bigness is what is going to make the Maverick so interesting, as it would slot in a storage, six footers can simply sit within the entrance and rear seats, and an enormous plus is with the ability to attain over the cargo field sides and contact the mattress flooring. When you have ever wanted to off-load or tie-down something on a midsize or full-size pickup, you’ll recognize the approximate 50-inch field peak.

The field itself has some helpful options, reminiscent of with the ability to place the tailgate flat or at an angle, 10 tie-downs, 4 D-link mattress connectors, slots to drop-in a 2’ X 4’ to boost the ground above the wheel wells, an in-box storage compartment and LED lighting. On the bottom XL there isn’t any energy within the mattress, so stepping-up to the XLT and Lariat means there would be the alternative to energy turbines, lights and different tools with the 400W inverter and a 120V outlet. There are built-in threaded holes to create your personal cargo hauling system, or order any of Ford’s cargo attachments that ought to cowl all wants.

The Maverick has exterior coloration choices of Iconic Silver Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Shadow Black, Sizzling Pepper Purple Metallic, Oxford White, Atlas Blue Metallic, Azure Grey Metallic Tri-coat and Cactus Gray; the final was the colour on our take a look at car.

Comfort and Security

The 2024 Maverick Clear Fleet Report examined had commonplace or optionally available comfort options of a tilt and telescoping steering column, electrical parking brake, distant keyless entry and begin, a tire stress monitoring system, a theft deterrent system, energy tailgate lock and a wi-fi telephone charging pad.

Security techniques embody wiper-activated LED headlamps, rear view digicam, seven airbags (entrance, facet, driver knee, and overhead) and Ford Co-Pilot360. This superior driver help system (ADAS) contains pre-collision help with emergency braking.

Pricing

The 2024 Maverick Hybrid is available in three fashions. Costs embody the obligatory $1,595 vacation spot and supply charge.

XL                $25,410

XLT              $29,410

Lariat           $36,450

Warranties

Hybrid Elements – Eight years/100,000 miles

Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – 5 years/60,000 miles

Roadside Help – 5 years/60,000 miles

Corrosion – 5 years/Limitless miles

Observations: 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid Lariat

For a small car, the 2024 Ford Maverick is an enormous deal, not just for Ford, however shoppers. It’s a large worth with wonderful effectivity, loads of space for storing, intelligent storage choices and the utility of a pickup.

The XL is a cut price proposition at about $25,000, making it probably the most reasonably priced and sensible pickup in the marketplace. In the event you want extra energy, all-wheel drive and extra towing functionality, checkout the Maverick EcoBoost.

For a lot of, this would be the first truck they purchase, together with the “I’m not a truck man” individuals who will discover the flexibility and effectivity laborious to beat.

If extra conveniences and a bit fancier truck is your type, then check out the XLT and Lariat fashions. The Maverick handles clean and has ample acceleration with both engine choice. The excessive effectivity hybrid engine will flip the “I don’t need to personal a hybrid” individual right into a “What was I pondering?” influencer.

The 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid can simply slot into the position at the moment held by a crossover or SUV. It may be a light-duty supply car, utilized by ranchers or farmers needing an affordable runabout, out of doors fanatics and households wanting a flexible DIY challenge car. Do you’ve a teen headed off to school? Take into account handing them the keys to a Maverick Hybrid.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner and Ford.

[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]

Disclosure:

Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at autos from automakers to judge, usually for per week at a time. Our highway checks are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t tackle points reminiscent of long-term reliability or whole value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of autos and information irrespective of those inducements.

Our focus is on autos that supply the very best gasoline financial system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical vehicles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered autos which might be among the many high mpg autos of their class. As well as, we intention to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gasoline car market. We welcome any suggestions from car house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

The publish Road Test: 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.

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