Ford Maverick is MotorTrend 2026 Truck of the Year! 🏆

[Bdesign]

but it's also 72" wide which is as wide as you want to go to have room in the parking space to open your door and also room for the guy next to you be able to open his door without dinging yours. the length is E class, Camry and Accord size

Sponsored

 

[RR - All the way]

Note the color of the Mav in the article is Ruby Red. I am not sure the award applies to Mavericks of other colors????????????????.

 

[Art Vandelay]

I'm glad the Maverick won this MT Truck of the year award but I'm really confused on how it's even possible. I was a continuous subscriber of MT magazine for over 30 years from the early 1990's until mid 2023 when I finally stopped renewing my subscription.

For all off MT's "Of the year" awards one of the main criteria was that to be considered the vehicle had to be brand new or significantly redesigned. And the 2026 Maverick does not in any way fit that criteria. First it was a minor refresh for 2025, a refresh like that would not have qualified a vehicle for an "Of The Year" competition in the past. Plus even it they allowed it based on the refresh they were still a year late, the updated model was for 2025 and there were almost no updates for 2026.

Did MT change the criteria for the OTY competitions in the past few years?

 

[imboden013]

But Ranger has a little more legroom in front, which is what I care more about, but I wanted a Maverick for other reasons.

I’m on my 4th Maverick and currently own a 24 hybrid and a 25 hybrid AWD. Before I bought my 1st Maverick, I owned a Ranger which was a down size from a F150 supercrew. Of the three the Maverick suits my needs better. Loved my 1st one so much I’ve bought a new one each year.

 

[Blue_Max]

I'm glad the Maverick won this MT Truck of the year award but I'm really confused on how it's even possible. I was a continuous subscriber of MT magazine for over 30 years from the early 1990's until mid 2023 when I finally stopped renewing my subscription.

For all off MT's "Of the year" awards one of the main criteria was that to be considered the vehicle had to be brand new or significantly redesigned. And the 2026 Maverick does not in any way fit that criteria. First it was a minor refresh for 2025, a refresh like that would not have qualified a vehicle for an "Of The Year" competition in the past. Plus even it they allowed it based on the refresh they were still a year late, the updated model was for 2025 and there were almost no updates for 2026.

Did MT change the criteria for the OTY competitions in the past few years?

Magazines have lead times. The article says they tested a '25 model. I think the award is for 2026, but they're awarding it to a 2025 model because that's what they evaluated. But it's all a game, anyway. I remember when they ran a live-axle Mustang GT (early Coyote years) against a BMW M3, and the Mustang performed better than the M3 in every category ... but they rated the M3 higher because they liked it better.

 

[zen_]

Well I think that seals the deal then, Ford will definitely screw up the gen 2 (actual platform update). Larger, incoming Raptor and Landed Gentry trims pushing $100K.

 

[Escapologist]

Howabout downsized to global B platform with a 3.5x3.5 bed

 

[imboden013]

Howabout downsized to global B platform with a 3.5x3.5 bed

I think the Mav is just the right size. Two adults can sit in front with enough room to not feel crowded. The bed is wide enough to hold a 4x8 sheet of plywood and with the tailgate in the intermediate position it rides just fine.

 

[dlhort1955]

Don’t call my truck “wee!”

That's a wee bonnie truck you got there Clark.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

2025 is the refined and sorted Maverick- 3 years of effort to improve a known money maker. 2022 was priced to draw people in . Once it was realized how good the concept was, then there was an effort to improve and refine it- 2025 refresh. Hopefully the gen2 version will not veer off the original. I'm sure the upcoming Toyota Stout (?) will affect the gen 2 direction.

Not sure about the 2025 being refined and sorted. The fuel gauge sucks IMO one time You look at it it's at 3/4 of a Tank 10 minutes later it's down another 1/8 of a tank. Not to mention the annoying clicking sound in the passenger side of the dash. The fuel gauge and rattles in the dash are 2 of the reasons I got rid of the 2023 BS BB I had. I have driven Fords all My life but these 2 problems are really annoying Me. You guys in warm Climates have it nice if You lived in cold climates I'm sure You would hear more rattles and clicking noises.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Nah. Tell it like it is. Some customers won't like it, but most won't mind but don't like to be surprised by 'weird' noises in their new vehicle.

True dealing with an annoying clicking sound coming from the passenger side of the dash that You can Hear sometimes with the stereo on 15.

 

[Pete Sheppard]

HOPEFULLY, the relaxation of CAFE standards will slow the usual creeping obesity of vehicle design.

 

[Blue_Max]

HOPEFULLY, the relaxation of CAFE standards will slow the usual creeping obesity of vehicle design.

Don't count on either of those things.

 

[Pete Sheppard]

Don't count on either of those things.

Yeah, I'm sure the search is on for a tame judge who will issue a stay...

 

[1929]

Wat? Deleting the rear slider perfected it?

Not deleting the temperature readout climate control knob?
Not deleting wired entry keypad?

Sponsored