When it comes to trucks, Ford is well within its comfort zone. The brand’s full-size F-150 is easily the country’s best-selling truck and—along with the Super Duty, midsize Ranger, and all-electric Lightning—has helped to build one of the most versatile lineups in today’s market. That said, there has been one glaring omission. Ford retired the original Ranger back in 2012, reviving the pickup as a midsize model in 2019. That move left fans of Detroit’s Big Blue Oval without a compact truck—an oversight that the brand corrected in 2022 when it introduced the Ford Maverick for sale.
The compact pickup has defied expectations since its debut, bucking the “bigger is better” ethos currently sweeping today’s auto market and giving drivers a smaller option that’s perfect for everyday driving. The Maverick has certainly been a hit, earning multiple industry accolades, including being named one of Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2024—but how does the truck hold up when it comes to those demanding applications like towing, hauling, and off-roading?
While it might lack the raw power of some of its larger cousins, the Maverick is undoubtedly versatile. Between its 4,000-lb towing capacity, adaptable Flexbed, and two dedicated off-road equipment packages, the Maverick is designed to go toe-to-toe with any other compact pickup on the market. Let’s take a closer look to see how one of the newest additions to the Ford lineup is living up to the high bar set by America’s favorite truck brand.
Towing & Hauling
Are you looking to load up your jet ski, snowmobile, or snowmobile for a weekend of off-the-grid fun? The Ford Maverick is here to help. With a towing capacity of between 2,000 and 4,000 lbs, this compact pickup is surprisingly brawny for its size. When equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine, the Maverick provides 2,000 lbs of raw towing power along with 1,500 lbs of payload capacity. If you have some larger towing projects in mind, consider upgrading to the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. This turbocharged powerplant doubles the truck’s towing capacity to 4,000 lbs, which is great for utility trailers and larger boats.
In order to achieve that 4,000-lb capacity, Maverick drivers will need to opt for all-wheel drive along with the 4K Tow Package, which adds a full complement of towing-specific goods to the mix: a Class II hitch, a trailer hitch receiver, and a seven-pin connector that can control a trailer’s electronics and brakes right from the cab. Also, an upgraded radiator and transmission cooler help the pickup deal with the increased stress that can come with towing and hauling. The Maverick might not offer the same sheer towing power of some of Ford’s larger pickups, but those models would certainly struggle to match this compact’s road manners or impressive fuel economy of 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
When it comes to hauling, the Maverick is packing a secret weapon: Ford’s Flexbed. Introduced in the 2023 Maverick, this innovative bed packs a number of hidden features that dramatically boost its utility. The 4.5-foot bed can fit up to 18 sheets of 4×8 plywood and boasts a 12-volt power outlet (or optional 110-volt outlet), but it’s the Flexbed’s ability to adapt to a driver’s changing needs that really set it apart. The Flexbed is a DIYer’s dream, allowing drivers to grab a standard 2×4 and use it to create built-in bike racks and segmented storage spaces. It’s a refreshing change of pace in a market where automakers are usually all too eager to sell you their proprietary aftermarket storage solutions (though Ford does offer a suite of such products).
From fishing rod holders and snowboard carriers to bespoke storage and mobile workbenches, the Flexbed is whatever you want it to be. The bed is available with ten tie-down points, though drivers can also add their own thanks to this truck’s bolt-in C-channels. These tie-downs give drivers the ability to tightly secure their power equipment or recreational vehicle and ensure it won’t be bumping around the bed on the way to your next project or trailhead. An available LED light strip makes it easy to sort through the bed after the sun has gone down, and if you’re looking for a little nightcap, the tailgate tie-down can even be used as a bottle opener.
Off-Roading Outfits
Off-road-capable pickups have become an increasingly important niche over the last decade. For a new generation of active, outdoorsy drivers, off-road capability is a must-have feature. These drivers aren’t necessarily looking for dedicated off-road vehicles but for reliable daily drivers that can double as rugged adventure vehicles when the weekend hits. Ford clearly took this trend into consideration when designing the Maverick pickup, which is available with not one but two off-road equipment packages.
For just $800, Maverick drivers can upgrade their pickup with a host of off-road equipment, including a performance suspension, Hill Descent Control, and skid plates as part of the FX4 Package. Those looking to turn their truck into a true off-road contender can invest in the $3,495 Tremor off-road package, which adds an electronic locking rear differential, tow hooks, Trail Control, and so much more. Let’s take a closer look and see how these two equipment packages can help you weather whatever the trail might throw at you…
The FX4 Package
Available on the XLT or Lariat trims, the FX4 package ups the Maverick’s off-road credentials from front to back. It all starts with a suspension lift that adds 0.3 inches of ground clearance for a total of 8.6 inches. That might not sound like much, but even the smallest improvement in ground clearance can make all the difference when you’re trying to dodge rocks, logs, and other off-road obstacles. Speaking of the suspension, Ford has made some notable upgrades in that department as well, with an independent multi-link trailing arm suspension paired with a set of off-road-tuned shock absorbers. Perfect for soaking up the dips and bumps common to off-road driving, this overhauled suspension should go a long way toward ensuring off-road success and improving overall comfort.
If worst comes to worst, there’s always the FX4’s four skid plates, which add a little extra protection to vital underbody components. The FX4 package also includes a set of unique 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in some of Pirelli’s finest all-terrain tires with a tread pattern designed to balance off-road performance with on-road comfort. As any seasoned off-road driver knows, the right tires are worth their weight in gold when it comes to improving traction and powering through loose surfaces.
While the right off-road hardware is certainly important, the FX4 package is also loaded with some software that’s just as vital. Ford’s Hill Descent Control can basically be described as off-road cruise control and is sure to come in handy when you’re descending a steep grade. Hill Descent Control allows drivers to set their pickup to a predetermined speed while they divert their attention to steering around tight corners and avoiding potentially dangerous obstacles.
With the FX4 package, drivers are also treated to two extra drive modes in addition to the Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Eco, and Sport settings found on the stock Maverick. Mud/Ruts mode is ideal for those well-trod off-road trails, while Sand mode is specifically designed to improve your chances when dealing with loose, granular surfaces. In addition to all the equipment listed above, those opting for the FX4 package will also be treated to a front bash plate, trailer hitch receiver, upgraded engine cooling fan, high-capacity radiator, and front tow hooks for when you (or your buddy) get in a little too deep.
The Tremor Package
Those seeking the Maverick’s brawniest off-road guise should look into the Tremor package. Available for the XLT and Lariat trims equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the Tremor package turns the Maverick into a no-holds-barred off-road beast that’s ready for whatever the trail can throw at it. The Tremor package sets itself apart right out of the box with a host of appearance-related upgrades that distinguish the truck from the base-model Maverick.
From black chrome headlamps and taillight accents to fender vents, upper grille, and front tow hooks done up in a distinctive Tremor Orange hue, there’s no mistaking the Tremor. This pickup also comes in an exclusive Avalanche Gray color and is splashed with a “Tremor” box-side decal and limited-edition dark Ford badges. The interior is treated to a number of Tremor-specific upgrades, including a Tremor Orange instrument panel and contrast stitching, along with Black Onyx seats and all-weather floor mats in the front and rear that are easy to hose down after a particularly muddy outing. The Tremor sports 17-inch machined-faced Tarnish Dark Aluminium wheels with Tremor Orange-painted pockets, while an optional Tremor Appearance Package adds a Carbonized Gray-painted roof and mirror caps to the package, not to mention black graphics for the hood and lower body.
But drivers aren’t paying $3,495 for a surface-level makeover, so what about the Tremor’s off-road equipment? Ford has graced the trim package with one of its most robust suspension setups outside of the borderline supertruck that is the F-150 Raptor. Drivers will get access to a 1.0-inch suspension lift when compared to the Maverick’s standard all-wheel drive models, as well as monotube shock absorbers and improved front and rear springs and front shock absorbers. A twin-clutch rear drive unit with an electronic locking rear differential provides maximum traction by forcing the wheels to move in unison, delivering 100% torque and keeping you from getting mired in the muck. A heavy-duty transmission cooler will let you attack the trail with confidence, while the full-size spare tire will certainly come in handy if something goes awry.
The Tremor package’s most unique feature might be Trail Control, an upgraded version of Hill Descent Control that works whether you’re ascending a grade, traveling on flat ground, or making your way down a steep hill. The feature can be activated when the Maverick is in AWD mode and moving at between 1 and 20 mph, taking over throttle control and braking inputs to maintain a set speed. Like Hill Descent Control, Trail Control allows drivers to focus on maneuvering the truck and monitoring their roll angle without having to worry about what’s going on with the pedals, giving them an advantage that can mean the difference between a successful off-road excursion and one that ends in frustration.
The Athleticism of the Ford Maverick
The Maverick might be the smallest pickup in Ford’s current lineup, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at its towing/hauling capacity and off-road ability. The automaker has managed to create a well-rounded truck that’s just as comfortable off-road as it is on paved surfaces, which isn’t an easy feat when you consider the low starting price.
Sure, there are brawnier trucks on the market, but in this size-obsessed segment, Ford is offering a refreshing alternative that packs some real value when you factor in fuel efficiency and adaptivity. The FX4 trim offers drivers a taste of the Maverick’s off-road chops, while the Tremor package takes it to a whole other level, giving drivers the chance to get down and dirty at a fraction of the cost of some of the industry’s mid- and full-size off-road models.
Ford has built its reputation around trucks like the best-selling F-150, but the Maverick is here to show that the Blue Oval brand is just as adept when it comes to the smaller side of the pickup market.
