America’s Blind Spots Are Expanding How is the Maverick?

[robbyrob]

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/06/26/study-americas-blind-spots-are-expanding

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[Jah.]

Better than most other vehicles imo .

 

[Brent@ANParts]

Not enough people are learning to use their mirrors properly, and even more people are probably driving around with their mirrors in the wrong place. I'm not worried about blind spots at all, but it took me a while to get that comfortable.

 

[HenryFord]

With the regulation requiring backup cameras I think things improved. I would be in favor of replacing the side mirrors with cameras as well. Our rules are archaic and prevent better tech were it is easy to see the improvements. Other safety stuff that is getting pushed isn't nearly as thought out, tested, or as useful and in some cases quite dangerous. With cameras, and sensors things could get a lot better. I know I find the blind spot systems quite valuable personally and is one of the features I spent extra money for on the Maverick.

 

[ripperAZ]

https://usa.streetsblog.org/2025/06/26/study-americas-blind-spots-are-expanding

The sensors alert you to anything in blind spots. I clipped on a wider angle rear view mirror and I can see 4 lanes in it out the rear window even captures a view of the rear side windows, so you can actually see the blind spots. Nothing safer than a wide angle rearview mirror. That’s why all truckers have several of them in their car to see around their cabs

 

[Scott Asheville]

I'm a huge believer in visibility, which is why I miss my 2 door Ranger. I also believe in small vehicles, at which the Maverick fails horribly (it's a bloated fat whale compared to the 1980s small trucks). The smaller the vehicle, the easier it is to know where the corners are.

I've had my Maverick for 3 years now, 32,000 miles. I feel it has relatively great visibility. The updated rear camera helps. The low roofline hurts, because the mirror is low too - hurting forward visibility - big blind spot to front-center-right.

I have the CP360 option, which is awesome. Best feature is rear cross traffic alert.

So I'd thumbs up the Maverick, with the observation that a smaller two door truck like the Slate would probably be marginally better. Slate is doing a national tour soon. I look forward to sitting in the thing and discovering for myself if I love it or hate it.

 

[Cherokee]

I’ve never had a problem backing up, never needed a camera. I have no blind spots because I’m still able to turn my head and look back.
Those common side blind spots don’t exist if you move your head forward and back while continuing to look in the mirrors, Both sides.

Have someone stand in your blind spots, learn to move till you see them. Easy peasy.

 

[dalola]

A pair of 3" stick-on frog eye mirrors will be your best friend.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I’ve never had a problem backing up, never needed a camera. I have no blind spots because I’m still able to turn my head and look back.
Those common side blind spots don’t exist of you move your head forward and back some.

Have someone stand in your blind spots, learn to move till you see them. Easy peasy.

Kids and animals not include?
Huge blind spot behind a Maverick without the benefit of the camera.
This is all you can see at 25 FEET out of your rear view mirror or side mirrors of an average four or five year old child

Everything to do with a low roof line and the inability to mount the rearview mirror any higher up inside the cab.

 

[icegradner]

With the regulation requiring backup cameras I think things improved. I would be in favor of replacing the side mirrors with cameras as well. Our rules are archaic and prevent better tech were it is easy to see the improvements. Other safety stuff that is getting pushed isn't nearly as thought out, tested, or as useful and in some cases quite dangerous. With cameras, and sensors things could get a lot better. I know I find the blind spot systems quite valuable personally and is one of the features I spent extra money for on the Maverick.

Camera side mirrors have serious issues with dirt, rain and winter conditions. No thanks.

 

[HenryFord]

Kids and animals not include?
How far back do you think a 5-year-old kid has to stand before you can see him out of your rear view mirror?

I get their point that yes, you can get out of the truck and go look to make sure you aren't about to back over the lawn mower that your wife just parked back there so you could put it away, a kid, a pet. Yes you can crane your neck around, bob, weave, and get a good eyeball. Those methods all work. But if I can get some assistance that is easy and un-intrusive, doesn't distract me from the job at hand I am all for it. Cameras and sensors are cheap now and can be powerful tools. Having that info projected up on the windshield with a HUD would be very helpful. Put that giant center screen to use at times or on the driver information console in front of the driver. Make it easy and a no brainer. Just so many ways this could be even better than it is today and be a huge help for people. Not sure why the push back to having even better tools if it were available.

 

[HenryFord]

Camera side mirrors have serious issues with dirt, rain and winter conditions. No thanks.

Depends on the cameras, where they are located, and what functions they incorporate. Same issues with mirrors.

 

[icegradner]

Depends on the cameras, where they are located, and what functions they incorporate. Same issues with mirrors.

Never had issues with mirrors in those conditions, not with heated mirrors anyway. On fancy high end 100k cars sure the cameras have heat, cleaning screens and stuff, but that chances of that showing up on any entry level vehicle like the Maverick is a long way off.

 

[icegradner]

I get their point that yes, you can get out of the truck and go look to make sure you aren't about to back over the lawn mower that your wife just parked back there so you could put it away, a kid, a pet. Yes you can crane your neck around, bob, weave, and get a good eyeball. Those methods all work. But if I can get some assistance that is easy and un-intrusive, doesn't distract me from the job at hand I am all for it. Cameras and sensors are cheap now and can be powerful tools. Having that info projected up on the windshield with a HUD would be very helpful. Put that giant center screen to use at times or on the driver information console in front of the driver. Make it easy and a no brainer. Just so many ways this could be even better than it is today and be a huge help for people. Not sure why the push back to having even better tools if it were available.

Indeed. I've tested the Maverick with my utility trailer that's only 6 feet long. It's invisible behind the truck without the backup camera. That's how big the blind spot is! Not using the camera to aid in safe backing up up is almost irresponsible, given that it's there.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Most of us have also not noticed the trend towards rising hoods. I call it part of the "macho man" trend. Gotta have that macho man front to the car. As a result, we're now developing huge blind spots in front of the car.

If you parked a 1970s or 1980s small truck next to a Maverick, you'd break out laughing. Same functionality. Same size engine. But the hood was probably a foot lower. My 2010 Ranger came with a "power bulge" hood. Yea, right. Compensating for something there fellas.

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