Since its 2021 introduction, the Ford Maverick has been the Taylor Swift ticket of the automotive world. Ford’s compact pickup was so popular it sold out quickly. Only in 2024 did Ford finally manage to increase production capacity enough to keep the truck in stock at most dealerships.
When you have a smash hit like that, you don’t need to improve it. But Ford has the opportunity, anyway, with a 2025 update of the little truck. And Ford has taken the chance to fix perhaps shoppers’ biggest complaint about the existing Maverick.
Buyers will finally be able to get a hybrid version with all-wheel drive (AWD). Until now, they’ve had to choose AWD or hybrid power. For the next model year, they can get both in one truck.
Prices will begin at $27,980 (including $1,595 for shipping and handling). Ford hasn’t revealed pricing beyond that. But the 2024 model can push to nearly $40,000 fully equipped.
Trim levels include a bare-bones XL, mid-level XLT, well-equipped Lariat, and off-road-focused Tremor.
Chunkier Look
The Mav gets a visual update for 2025. But this isn’t a major redesign, so the changes remain cosmetic. The front end gets a larger, more prominent grille and loses the horizontal bar that housed the Ford badge on the last Maverick.
Each trim level will get its own grille pattern.
LED daytime running lights take on an inverted dogleg shape that gives the Maverick a stronger resemblance to the rest of the Ford truck family.
The top-level Lariat trim gets new 19-inch wheels with a more sophisticated flair. Sadly, the old-fashioned steelie-look wheels available on the 2024 XLT trim have disappeared from the order sheet. The XL model does retain the steelies, however.
Larger Screen, New Tech
Interior changes are minimal, but the big one you’ll notice right away. The 2025 Maverick comes standard with a 13.2-inch central touchscreen in place of the 8-inch screen on the 2024 edition. It runs Ford’s SYNC 4 user interface, which has enhanced voice recognition capability.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. A built-in 5G modem lets it receive over-the-air software updates, which can save owners a trip to the dealership for some issues.
Ford has ported over the well-liked 360-degree camera system from the F-150. That’s particularly useful on the trail, but Ford advertises the cameras as a parking aid.
Customizable Interior, Bed
One of the Maverick’s best features has always been its unique swappable interior mounting system.
The Ford Integrated Tether System allows owners to “3D print custom parts like charging cord wraps, console dividers, and custom cupholders.” It returns on the updated model.
The bed gets added flexibility with Ford’s FlexBed system. Ford explains, “Pockets molded into the sidewalls allow cut pieces of 2×4 to section off the bed to help prevent cargo and gear from sliding around. Dividers in the top pockets create two-tier loading, great for bags of mulch on the bottom and landscape timbers on top. And the bed, coupled with the multi-position tailgate, is large enough to fit up to 18 full sheets of half-inch 4-by-8-foot plywood.”
Manufacturers still haven’t brought multi-function tailgates to trucks this small. But Ford says the tailgate can be “positioned flat to haul long cargo such 2x4s or a couch or secured in the middle position to carry a mountain bike with a place to rest the rear wheel.” Dealers offer a bed extender as well.
The bed features one 110-volt outlet, and Ford notes that “DIYers can add their own features like 12V outlets or lighting with pre-wired 12V connections.”
Gas-powered or Hybrid, FWD or AWD
Powertrain options carry over from 2024 – no need to fix what isn’t broken. But Ford will enhance the lineup by letting buyers choose front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD with either propulsion system.
That means the choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 238 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a hybrid system. The latter makes 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.
If you plan to use your Maverick to tow, you’ll want the 4K Tow Package. With either powertrain, it boosts towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 4,000.
Still (Almost) One of a Kind
The improvements should make the 2025 edition of the Maverick a hot seller. Lack of competition should do the same.
Modern trucks seem to grow with every redesign. The midsize trucks of today would look like full-size trucks to your parents.
The Maverick is still almost completely unique in pushing back against the big-truck trend. Only Hyundai builds a competitor with its Santa Cruz, and many truck fans find that more an unusual SUV than a true pickup.
Industry rumors persist that GM, Ram, and Toyota may all build small trucks to capitalize on the demand the Maverick revealed. But, so far, none have been announced for 2025.
