How We'd Spec It: 2024 Ford Maverick

• After selling out two years in a row, the Ford Maverick returns for 2024 with standard turbocharged power.
• Our recommended spec for this small crew-cab pickup truck is a solid all-arounder.
• A worthy alternative is perfect for people with fewer utility and traction requirements.
• The emotional choice packs on the equipment and is the best to drive no matter the road surface.

Unless your requirements for a small pickup truck are simple, we recommend sticking with the standard turbocharged engine. It provides quicker acceleration, is required for all-wheel drive, and is your gateway to the Maverick’s maximum towing capacity. The downside is the fuel economy, as it's expected to return 12-16 mpg less than a Maverick hybrid.

As far as the trim level goes, we suggest the midrange XLT. It represents a significant step up from the bare-bones XL work truck but saves considerable money compared to the loaded-up Lariat.

We would skip the two extra-cost paint colors to keep a lid on the sticker price, saving that money to splurge on all-wheel drive and the 4K Tow package. The XLT Luxury package is worth consideration, especially if you live in a cold climate. In addition to an eight-way power driver’s seat, it has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors and a drop-in bedliner.

The Ford Co-Pilot360 package is also a good idea because it adds a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning and lane keeping assistance. These extras and the $1,595 destination charge would bring the price to $33,800.

The worthy alternative

If you have no plans to tow a trailer, don’t want or need all-wheel drive, and taking a few more seconds to get up to freeway speed is just fine by you, then we recommend upgrading to the Maverick’s hybrid powertrain. You’ll pay $1,500 more for it, but eventually you’ll make that money back at the gas pump. The EPA estimates the Maverick’s hybrid powertrain saves you at least $750 a year on gas compared to a comparable front-drive non-hybrid.

We still think the XLT trim level is the way to go with the hybrid. And after you’ve added the XLT Luxury package and Ford Co-Pilot360 package, this version of the truck totals up to $32,335, including the destination charge.

The emotional choice

If you’re a small truck buyer with a generous budget, we recommend the Maverick Lariat in the new-for-2024 Azure Gray Metallic paint color, equipped with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

For 2024, the Maverick Lariat adds a standard wireless smartphone charger, the contents of the Ford Co-Pilot360 package, and the contents of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist package as standard equipment. The previous Lariat Luxury package is also standard for 2024.

Next, we would add the Tremor package, even if we had no plans to go off-roading. Why? The Maverick Tremor has an off-road-tuned suspension that provides a great ride on pavement. Unfortunately, the Tremor package excludes the 4K Tow package and the Lariat’s available Desert Brown ActiveX artificial leather upholstery. It also dents the fuel economy rating, which drops to 21 mpg.

But hey, this is the emotional choice, remember?

The final add-ons are a tailgate lock and a cargo bed extender. All in, a replica of our dream Maverick would cost $40,850, including the destination charge.

Edmunds says