The Most Gasoline-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 regularly with the automobiles 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 situations. Concerning the Maverick Hybrid, I hear nothing however superlatives, together with, “the very best automobile I’ve ever owned.”
The enjoyment of driving the 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid begins with its stellar gas economic 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 via an digital repeatedly variable transmission (eCVT) to show 0-60 mph instances of about eight seconds.
An eCVT just isn’t like a standard 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 start out the engine, cost the battery and allows the regenerative braking that converts kinetic power into electrical power and shops it within the battery when making use of the brakes or coasting.
The EPA has rated the 2024 Maverick Hybrid gas economic system at 42 mpg metropolis/33 freeway and 37 mixed. In 212 miles driving via Southern California, we averaged 44.3 mpg, with the very best gas economic system on an all-city 55-mile run the place the typical 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 situations. That often meant electrical for in-town or in stop-and-go visitors, and hybrid for on the freeway. Gasoline economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and characterize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge pc. Your numbers could 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, until 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 take 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 carried out a stellar job with its hybrid system. It’s so utterly seamless and environment friendly it begs the query why all Ford (and Lincoln) fashions don’t have it a minimum of as an possibility.
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 elective 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 related 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 just isn’t accessible with all-wheel drive, so if going off-road is critical, 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 virtually all of our time.
- Eco: This mode displays modifications in shifts and speeds, then adjusts the engine and transmission efficiency to assist maximize gas effectivity. Our expertise with Eco drive modes is they’re nice for when cruising on the open highway, however can’t ship the wanted efficiency in a pinch (akin to passing).
- Sport: The title is a bit optimistic, however this mode will increase accelerator pedal response, gives 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 accessible FX4 Off-Highway Package deal provides these further drive modes, which work by partaking the AWD lock:
- Mud & Ruts: This mode enhances automobile efficiency to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.
- Sand: For off-road driving on tender, 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 akin to 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, take into account 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 possibility 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 score is 2,000 kilos, however the EcoBoost bumps as much as 4,000 kilos when outfitted 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 may haul a number of sheets of plywood. We tried it and the added 500 kilos didn’t have a adverse 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 tasks or used for energetic life akin to biking and kayaking. For these functions, it’s a viable choice to a bigger truck or a compact crossover.
Inside: Primary and a Bit Retro
The 2024 Maverick Hybrid is available in three trim ranges—XL, XLT and Lariat, with a rugged Tremor for these eager to get slightly soiled. Clear Fleet Report drove the Maverick Lariat that got here with energy home windows and door locks, ground liners ($135), single zone handbook 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 Join provides comfort options akin to distant lock/unlock, distant keyless entry and engine begin.
The seats within the Maverick Lariat are coated in a sturdy and cozy material, 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 tender vinyl floor and opens for storage, and there are storage nooks via 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 high-quality for 3 adults on quick in-town journeys, or attaching two youngster seats and making the Maverick a haul-around-the-kids-and-run-errands each day driver. There’s rear under-seat storage, and a intelligent design on the entrance doorways to accommodate a big drink bottle or cup.
Exterior: All Truck
Measurement-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 sleek physique aspect panels, sans chrome, black grille, bumpers and trim on the crew cab look nice towards the elective 18-inch machine-face black aluminum wheels that got here normal on the Lariat mannequin we drove. Smaller 17-inch alloy wheels are normal. 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 Powerful.” After pulling a trailer and hauling a bed-full of sheetrock, the Maverick Hybrid has earned its robust stripes with us. This video, exhibiting the flexibility of the Flexbed, is from our buddies at Pickup Truck Plus SUV Speak, demonstrating it has been designed for multi-purpose use. It might be one of many causes you take into account 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’ll slot in a storage, six footers can simply sit within the entrance and rear seats, and a giant plus is with the ability to attain over the cargo field sides and contact the mattress ground. When you have ever wanted to off-load or tie-down something on a midsize or full-size pickup, you’ll respect the approximate 50-inch field peak.
The field itself has some helpful options, akin to 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 lift the ground above the wheel wells, an in-box storage compartment and LED lighting. On the bottom XL there isn’t a energy within the mattress, so stepping-up to the XLT and Lariat means there would be the alternative to energy mills, lights and different gear 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, Scorching Pepper Crimson Metallic, Oxford White, Atlas Blue Metallic, Azure Grey Metallic Tri-coat and Cactus Gray; the final was the colour on our check automobile.
Comfort and Security
The 2024 Maverick Clear Fleet Report examined had normal or elective comfort options of a tilt and telescoping steering column, electrical parking brake, distant keyless entry and begin, a tire strain monitoring system, a theft deterrent system, energy tailgate lock and a wi-fi cellphone charging pad.
Security methods embrace wiper-activated LED headlamps, rear view digicam, seven airbags (entrance, aspect, 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 embrace the obligatory $1,595 vacation spot and supply price.
XL $25,410
XLT $29,410
Lariat $36,450
Warranties
Hybrid Parts – 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 automobile, the 2024 Ford Maverick is a giant deal, not just for Ford, however customers. It’s a great worth with wonderful effectivity, loads of cupboard space, intelligent storage choices and the utility of a pickup.
The XL is a discount proposition at about $25,000, making it essentially the most inexpensive 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 onerous to beat.
If extra conveniences and a bit fancier truck is your fashion, then check out the XLT and Lariat fashions. The Maverick handles clean and has ample acceleration with both engine possibility. The excessive effectivity hybrid engine will flip the “I don’t wish to personal a hybrid” individual right into a “What was I pondering?” influencer.
The 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid can simply slot into the position presently held by a crossover or SUV. It may be a light-duty supply automobile, utilized by ranchers or farmers needing an affordable runabout, outside fans and households wanting a flexible DIY challenge automobile. Do you might have a teen headed off to school? Think about 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 check autos from automakers to judge, sometimes for per week at a time. Our highway checks are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t deal with points akin to long-term reliability or whole price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or know-how. 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 gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally function these environment friendly gas-powered autos which are among the many high mpg autos of their class. As well as, we purpose to supply opinions and information on superior know-how and the choice gas automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for different viewpoints. Please tell us your views at [email protected].
The publish Highway Check: 2024 Ford Maverick Lariat FWD Hybrid first appeared on Clear Fleet Report.