Test driving a '24 Maverick Lariat (AWD) this evening... what should I know if I want to move forward?

[GodWhomIsMike]

I previously had two pickups back to back, and decided to downsize (2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness) and it was instant regret. I met my now wife right after getting it and it's just too small for us. It stays parked more than it is used and I realized moving kayaks and trailers with it isn't nearly as easy as a pickup.

So, tonight I am going to go test drive a 2024 Maverick Lariat AWD with the 4K tow package, hood/fender protective film, and it is Azure Gray.

I typically lease because I have a bad habit of getting rid of vehicles every 2-3 years - so I haven't financed a vehicle in nearly 20 years.

The only mods I would be planning would be mud flaps/guards, swap tires for Cooper Discoverer Trail and Road AT tires in the stock 225/60-18 size, and a tri-fold hard tonneau cover. Maybe color matched body side moldings. But, that's it.

Do these things even lease? What is the current finance rates? Any reason why you wouldn't consider keeping one of these 5+ years? Any long term reliability concerns? Is there any wiggle room to negotiate a few $K off the sticker?

The three vehicles I am looking at is this (or a 2025 Lariat AWD Hybrid - although I am concerned about such a complicated vehicle over a long term plus I absolutely hate 19" wheels and low profile tires with a passion), a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT (would want to upgrade speakers and add an under the seat woofer - but don't like the idea of messing with modern vehicles' overly complicated and sensitive electrical/computer systems), or another Nissan Frontier/Chevy Colorado.

Thoughts? I also would need to trade out of my lease, so I might lose a little bit in that process. I think the buyout is $31K on my '24 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness lease.

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[Glen Baker LLC]

There are a lot of options out there, Maverick being one.
Good luck with your choice.
I'll add,
My Maverick is Ok, having the hybrid, the mileage is very good.
I wish it were a plug-in hybrid.
I also have a full size 350 for when I need an work truck.

 

[Scott Asheville]

They do lease. Also, there is a $750 discount from Ford right now. Be sure to ask about that.

FWIW, I would also test drive a Santa Cruz (They have a great new dark green color) if you don't hate the looks. And also the Honda Ridgeline. And maybe the Ford Ranger - which is an awesome new truck after the redesign. Not sure if those have any interest for you, or if you have the time to drive them.

You mentioned Santa Cruz. A few things, because I researched them heavily. You'll want to decide if you want the turbo with CVT or the non-turbo with a conventional transmission. You hear a lot of horror stories about early SC CVTs, but they have since upgraded to a wet clutch. But my favorite (but I don't tow) would be the SEL Activity. A less powerful engine with a conventional transmission. Also, be aware that a lot of Hyundai dealers will discount Santa Cruz by at least $1,500. And that they are on lots and easily procured.

The SC is a maybe for me this coming fall. I don't hate the looks, and they have awesome tech. And the real world fuel economy is right up there with my XLT ecoboost. And the price is about the same for a mid-trim AWD.

I've had a Maverick in my driveway for two years and counting, and it's done well by me. I'm not complaining. But I didn't marry it.

 

[GodWhomIsMike]

There are a lot of options out there Maverick being one.
Good luck with your choice.
I'll add,
I "like" my Maverick. I also have a full size 350 for when I need an work truck.

I had a 2022 Nissan Frontier SV and the fuel economy was really bad. It got painful commuting to work with it, plus it really sucked parking it since it had the turning radius of an 18-wheeler.

The Crosstrek Wilderness sucks because I'm married now, so there is never enough cargo space and when I want to take the kayaks down the the lake (private community on private roads) - I can't fit them. It was not a great choice of a vehicle. At the time, I just healed up from a motorcycle accident (so hadn't used the truck for truck things for about 6 months), single, and the cost of fuel was bad (14-17 mpg was all I was seeing with the Nissan).

 

[GodWhomIsMike]

They do lease. Also, there is a $750 discount from Ford right now. Be sure to ask about that.

FWIW, I would also test drive a Santa Cruz (They have a great new dark green color) if you don't hate the looks. And also the Honda Ridgeline. And maybe the Ford Ranger - which is an awesome new truck after the redesign. Not sure if those have any interest for you, or if you have the time to drive them.

You mentioned Santa Cruz. A few things, because I researched them heavily. You'll want to decide if you want the turbo with CVT or the non-turbo with a conventional transmission. You hear a lot of horror stories about early SC CVTs, but they have since upgraded to a wet clutch. But my favorite (but I don't tow) would be the SEL Activity. A less powerful engine with a conventional transmission. Also, be aware that a lot of Hyundai dealers will discount Santa Cruz by at least $1,500. And that they are on lots and easily procured.

The SC is a maybe for me this coming fall. I don't hate the looks, and they have awesome tech. And the real world fuel economy is right up there with my XLT ecoboost. And the price is about the same for a mid-trim AWD.

I've had a Maverick in my driveway for two years and counting, and it's done well by me. I'm not complaining. But I didn't marry it.

I was all in originally on the '25 Santa Cruz XRT (The more ""off-road"" model as I live in Northeast PA - so roads suck, there is a lot of snow/ice all winter, and my dirt driveway turns to mash potatoes for a month every spring). It's almost got everything the Limited has minus seat coolers, steering wheel warmer, and Bose Audio. The Santa Cruz has jumped up a lot in costs - the XRT is about $42K and the Limited is $44K. That's at the price of a Lariat Tremor.

 

[retiredmike]

Listen for brake "groan" at low speed/stop.

 

[Rcrew]

I didn’t think the 2024 lariat hybrid came with AWD. Introduced as an option on 2025 builds.

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