2025 Ford Maverick Review: The Little Truck That Could (And Still Does)

2025 Ford Maverick review

Let’s be real—the Ford Maverick wasn’t supposed to work. A compact, unibody pickup with a standard hybrid engine and a sub-$25K price tag? It sounded like a weird experiment. But guess what? America freaking loves it.

Now, for 2025, Ford’s giving the Maverick a few tweaks to keep it fresh in a market suddenly flooded with wannabe mini-trucks (cough Hyundai Santa Cruz cough). So, is it still the best small truck you can buy, or has the competition caught up? Let’s dig in.

What’s New for 2025? (Spoiler: Not Much, and That’s Fine)

  1. Exterior: Still a Handsome Little Hauler
    Ford didn’t mess with the Maverick’s “baby F-150” looks too much, but there are some subtle changes:
  • New grille design (black mesh on the FX4 Off-Road package, because aggressive).
  • Updated LED lighting—standard across all trims now (take that, base-model Tacoma).
  • Fresh wheel options, including 18-inch black alloys on the Lariat Tremor.
  • Two new colors: Eruption Green Metallic (a Bronco heritage shade) and Avalanche Gray (for those who miss the ’90s).
  1. Interior: Still Plastic, But Smarter Plastic
    The Maverick’s cabin won’t confuse anyone for a luxury truck, but Ford made some small upgrades:
  • New 12-inch touchscreen (up from 8-inch) with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • Revised center console with more storage (because truck people love cubbies).
  • Heated seats/steering wheel now available on XLT (no need to splurge on Lariat).
  • B&O Sound System (optional)—because sometimes you need bass while hauling mulch.
  1. Powertrains: Hybrid Still the Star
    No surprises here—the same two engines return:
  • 2.5L Hybrid (191 HP, 42 MPG city): The default choice for commuters (and the reason this truck exists).
  • 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo (250 HP, 22 MPG): For people who think they need more power (you don’t).
  • No AWD on Hybrid—still the Maverick’s biggest limitation.
  1. The Tremor Package (For Posers Who Like Dirt Roads)
    New for 2025, the Maverick Tremor adds:
  • 1-inch lift (because stance).
  • All-terrain tires (for gravel parking lots).
  • Skid plates (to protect against… curbs?).
  • Orange accents (because extreme).

It’s not a Ford Raptor, but it’ll make your Home Depot trips feel adventurous.

What Still Sucks?

  • No Plug-In Hybrid—come on, Ford, even the Escape has one.
  • AWD Only on EcoBoost—why can’t hybrid buyers get it?
  • Cheap Interior Materials—this is still a budget truck, after all.
  • Markup Madness—dealers still charging $5K over MSRP for hybrids. Should You Buy One?
    ✅ If you want a cheap, efficient, practical truck—it’s still unbeatable.
    ✅ If you’re a city dweller—small size + hybrid MPG = perfect urban hauler.
    ✅ If you DIY/home reno—the 4.5-ft bed fits plywood (with the tailgate down).
    ❌ If you tow often—max 4,000 lbs (EcoBoost only).
    ❌ If you need luxury—this ain’t a Rivian R1T. Verdict: 9/10
    The 2025 Maverick proves Ford didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. It’s still the smartest small truck for real people who just want something affordable, useful, and efficient. Now, about that PHEV version…

Your Turn: Would you take a Maverick over a Tacoma if it saved you $15K? Or is the lack of AWD hybrid a dealbreaker? Sound off below! 🚛💨