It’s not often Ford misreads a trend, especially when it comes to the pickup market. Yet that’s exactly what happened when the new Ford Maverick small pickup truck debuted for the 2022 model year.
Except this miss was actually good in the end: Americans flocked to the right-sized compact pickup in numbers Ford wasn’t prepared for. The truck’s popularity proved so great that the initial manufacturing run was sold out before a single truck landed on a dealer’s lot. The company has been working diligently to increase production, and in the first half of 2024 has sold nearly as many trucks (90,000) as it did in the entirety of 2023 (94,000). Even so, most Mavericks remain sold prior to arriving at a dealer and the used market is flooded with two-year-old trucks going for more than new. It’s a great problem to have if you’re not trying to buy a Maverick.
Not content to rest on this success, Ford has introduced the 2025 Maverick with a slew of new improvements and upgrades taken directly from the feedback of its first quarter-million owners. Best of all, the Maverick retains the lowest starting price of any pickup on the market, even if it isn’t as cheap as it once was.
Hybrid Power Returns as Standard; AWD Now Available
After three years on the market, Ford says the top request from Maverick owners was for an all-wheel-drive hybrid option. For 2025 that wish will be granted. Available on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, the new hybrid all-wheel drive will deliver all-weather traction without sacrificing fuel economy. The front-drive hybrid is EPA rated at 42 mpg on the highway and the company says that it is targeting 40 mpg its AWD version. (It already says the AWD hybrid will get 40 mpg in the city, too.)
When Ford debuted the Maverick, its 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain was not only the cornerstone of the compact truck’s appeal but also standard. As demand for the fuel-efficient choice grew at an exponential rate, Ford quietly raised the price of the hybrid to match that of the premium 2.0-liter EcoBoost in 2023. By 2024 demand was still so great that Ford flipped the script entirely, making the EcoBoost standard and hybrid the premium upcharge powertrain.
To the excitement of potential Maverick owners everywhere, Ford is once again changing course with the 2.5-liter hybrid returning as the standard powertrain across the lineup. However, what was a $1,500 upcharge in 2024 is now $2,375 more expensive overall for 2025.
Outputs are exactly the same as last year, with one asterisk. That means FWD and AWD hybrids have 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder Mavericks have 238 hp and 277 lb-ft. “But didn’t the 2.0-liter make 250 hp last year?” you ask. Yes, sorta. It still makes the exact same power but the rating number is different to align the truck with requirements involving California emissions. So, the number looks less satisfying, but the trucks will all still be roughly as quick as before.
Glammed Up Inside and Out
When the Maverick arrived in 2022 the exterior of all models looked essentially the same. Aside from wheels and a fender badge, it was tough to differentiate between base XL and top-spec Lariat models. Ford has fixed this for 2025 by fitting each trim with its own unique grille. The front bumper has been updated as well, along with the truck’s headlamps. Dark appearance LED headlamps are found across the lineup, while higher trim models receive LED projectors and accent lights for a more premium feel. The Lariat receives a new 19-inch wheel option as well.
The trim differentiation continues inside with new colors and materials across the doors, instrument panel, console, and seats. Orange accents previously used on the XLT have been replaced by a Grabber Blue color. The Lariat adds a Smoke Truffle theme with bronze accents. The Black Appearance Package, available on XLT and Lariat, now brings a unique grille, a black accent roof, black Ford badges, and unique 19-inch wheels.
More Standard Tech
Part of the alure of the 2022 Maverick was the ability to get one at a low price without all the wild technology today’s trucks come loaded with. And that’s still largely the case in 2025. However, as the Maverick’s appeal has broadened so the desire for additional tech among its customer base.
For 2025 the truck’s standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen has been replaced by a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen in all versions. This new display comes paired with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The system runs Sync 4 and offers enhanced voice recognition with connected navigation. A new built-in 5G modem offers the Maverick the latest wireless tech, including the ability to perform over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
Also new is the addition of Ford’s 360-degree camera system that offers a split-view display of what is either directly in front of or behind the vehicle, along with cross-traffic views. The Maverick continues to be available with Ford’s CoPilot 360 suite of safety features; however, for 2025 all models come standard with pre-collision assist with auto emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera, and automatic LED high-beam headlights. Lariat and Tremor models get adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, and speed sign recognition.