I recently spent some time with the Ford Maverick XL front-wheel-drive Hybrid. It was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect from the all-new truck. Ford has launched a new compact pickup that has become all the rage. The Maverick XL 4X2 is a groundbreaking concept. It’s an electrified entry-level pickup that begins for under $20,000. It seats four to five adults. It has the ability to be a work truck.
Underneath the hood is a 2.5-liter hybrid that makes 191 Horsepower and 151 Pound-feet of torque. It’s matted to a CVT transmission. Also, it has the ability to be functional. It has integrated technology. Overall it’s a lot more than I anticipated or expected. I decided to drive around the Washington DC metropolitan area.
I went as far West as Hagerstown Maryland on I-70 and farther west on I-81 in Northeastern West Virginia. When I was in Frederick Maryland I had a Maverick owner speak with me. I told him I was getting 42 miles per gallon in the hybrid. He replied he got the wrong model and he was in a Lariat. Maybe Ford will offer the hybrid engine in other trims in the future. I also drove north on I-95 to Columbia Maryland. I also drove East past Annapolis on I-97.
The hybrid is a fascinating concept. You don’t get power mirrors, you don’t get cruise control. What you do get is excellent telematics with Apple CarPlay integration. The sound system isn’t bad. I was able to play the music I made with the music department at Carnegie Mellon, especially my song Stop The Bullying. The entire Maverick looks nice. Soft plastic materials, electronic braking, and overall exceptional value. The base price on the Ford Maverick XL four-by-two is $19,995. Delivered it came out to $21,490. For more information visit www.Ford.com