Car&Driver - January 22 Maverick Review Summary

[JASmith]

Car and Driver Jan 2022 issue includes a Maverick Review. Don't believe we can post the full article, but I know we can post general takeaways for the sake of discussion:

• XLT Ecoboost FX4 (non 4K package) returned 29mpg in their 75mph highway fuel economy test, matching its EPA estimate, and they got 21mpg overall average which is better than midsize trucks do in their hands.
• They praise the Ecoboost for delivering smooth and responsive power, and the 8-speed is "unobtrusive" and got the truck to 60mph in 5.9 seconds
• Positive impression of interior with "tasteful contrasting colors and textures", although point out the smallish touchscreen and old-school twist key ignition are the most obvious cost cutting sacrifices.
• They report that the Ecoboost is quiet, with full throttle registering only 71 decibels and idles at 39 decibels.
• They add though that 70mph cruising is loud at 70 decibels (3 db higher than Santa Cruz), only one decibel quieter than full throttle with "prominent wind rush noise around the mirrors and A-pillars" with modest insulation and that "thwacks from pavement seams can reverberate inside".
• AWD FX4 suspension they reported "taut yet comfortable and composed ride" that changes direction with ease, but note a lot of body roll and numb steering feel.
• 0.82 g of skidpad grip and stopped from 70 mph in 172 feet
• Maverick Test-Track Performance would have been the best overall of any midsize truck, were it not for the Santa Cruz which tied it with almost identical performance.
• They warn that FWD should be avoided citing the Ecoboost "pulverizes the front-driver’s tires" and highly recommend AWD!
• Weight distribution is 59% front 41% rear on FX4.
• Plus: Strong turbo-four engine, attractive pricing and EPA numbers, solid tow and payload ratings. Minus: Missing some modern amenities, noisy on the highway, imprecise steering. Equals: A handy pint-size pickup with everyday charm.

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[James D]

• They warn that FWD should be avoided citing the Ecoboost "pulverizes the front-driver’s tires" and highly recommend AWD!

Once I see this I give no credentials to the reviewers.

I got AWD and it is worth every penny. $3305 makes your Mav much more capable including the eco engine, AWD, 8 speed trans, and upgraded independent rear suspension. If this is mostly a road trip vehicle, hwy mpg not much different than hybrid even with way more power and safer passing.

AWD gives you the ability to add 4k tow for only $745 and FX4. But I passed on FX4 because I did not want to lose eco and sport modes on a 250 hp engine. Even with a 1 1/2" lift, the Mav is not a true rock crawler. Get a Tremor for that. A rock would tear up the Mav's belly after sliding past the skid plate. AWD can easily handle the dirt roads to the trailhead and is safer in bad weather.

I also did not want the FX4 stickers messing up my clean paint job. They will fade and start peeling over time.

Bottom line, if you want a more capable truck for almost the same hwy mpg and you don't want to pay 5-15K dealer ADM for zero added features, order an eco version. You can still order today and not wait until late summer for a hybrid. Find a dealer that charges msrp on orders they are out there.

 

[mamboman777]

Cool! A good review for the Ecoboost!

It sounds like they didn't even test a hybrid. If money weren't an option, I'd probably be buying an AWD Ecoboost, too.

 

[Tbolt]

I got AWD and it is worth every penny. $3305 makes your Mav much more capable including the eco engine, AWD, 8 speed trans, and upgraded independent rear suspension. If this is mostly a road trip vehicle, hwy mpg not much different than hybrid even with way more power and safer passing.

AWD gives you the ability to add 4k tow for only $745 and FX4. But I passed on FX4 because I did not want to lose eco and sport modes on a 250 hp engine. Even with a 1 1/2" lift, the Mav is not a true rock crawler. Get a Tremor for that. A rock would tear up the Mav's belly after sliding past the skid plate. AWD can easily handle the dirt roads to the trailhead and is safer in bad weather.

I also did not want the FX4 stickers messing up my clean paint job. They will fade and start peeling over time.

Bottom line, if you want a more capable truck for almost the same hwy mpg and you don't want to pay 5-15K dealer ADM for zero added features, order an eco version. You can still order today and not wait until late summer for a hybrid. Find a dealer that charges msrp on orders they are out there.

My 4x4 stickers still look brand new on my 2012 F150. I haven't noticed these bad stickers on newer vehicles. How very odd.

I agree the AWD is definitely worth the upgrade. Should hold it's resale value better too.

 

[ShadowChas]

I got AWD and it is worth every penny. $3305 makes your Mav much more capable including the eco engine, AWD, 8 speed trans, and upgraded independent rear suspension. If this is mostly a road trip vehicle, hwy mpg not much different than hybrid even with way more power and safer passing.

AWD gives you the ability to add 4k tow for only $745 and FX4. But I passed on FX4 because I did not want to lose eco and sport modes on a 250 hp engine. Even with a 1 1/2" lift, the Mav is not a true rock crawler. Get a Tremor for that. A rock would tear up the Mav's belly after sliding past the skid plate. AWD can easily handle the dirt roads to the trailhead and is safer in bad weather.

I also did not want the FX4 stickers messing up my clean paint job. They will fade and start peeling over time.

Bottom line, if you want a more capable truck for almost the same hwy mpg and you don't want to pay 5-15K dealer ADM for zero added features, order an eco version. You can still order today and not wait until late summer for a hybrid. Find a dealer that charges msrp on orders they are out there.

I preferred the larger display screen & wheel upgrade I believe was a bargain option and the stickers come off easily if you don’t like them. And your 4K tow doesn’t add to your eco mode but again it’s all preferential to get what you want in any case the eco boost is definitely a fun & functional way to go

 

[JASmith]

I preferred the larger display screen & wheel upgrade I believe was a bargain option and the stickers come off easily if you don’t like them.

Wheels are nice too, but its never quite been made clear if the FX4 or standard shocks are more comfortable, or if no difference is perceptible. For me, the 4K tow would be the more functional option, but once you add AWD and 4K that is a pretty large price increase over the FWD.

In another thread someone mentioned that if you were to usually drive it in eco mode and save flooring it to entrance ramps and highway passing, then roasting the tires concern may not be such a big deal.

 

[Old Ranchero]

Wheels are nice too, but its never quite been made clear if the FX4 or standard shocks are more comfortable, or if no difference is perceptible. For me, the 4K tow would be the more functional option, but once you add AWD and 4K that is a pretty large price increase over the FWD.

In another thread someone mentioned that if you were to usually drive it in eco mode and save flooring it to entrance ramps and highway passing, then roasting the tires concern may not be such a big deal.

valid points. something else to consider is FWD has twist beam rear end while AWD gives your IRS. Does the monotube rear shocks of FX-4 package make any discenable difference with FWD vs. AWD? This is probably my last new vehicle in my lifetime and I had already budgeted $30k for a smaller truck before any hint of Maverick leaked out. I ordered ECO AWD, 4K tow, SIBL because that is ideal for my needs, hobbies and lifestyle and will never sell it, yet still come in @ $26.5k OTD.

 

[BlueSnake77]

Car and Driver Jan 2022 issue includes a Maverick Review. Don't believe we can post the full article, but I know we can post general takeaways for the sake of discussion:

• XLT Ecoboost FX4 (non 4K package) returned 29mpg in their 75mph highway fuel economy test, matching its EPA estimate, and they got 21mpg overall average which is better than midsize trucks do in their hands.
• They praise the Ecoboost for delivering smooth and responsive power, and the 8-speed is "unobtrusive" and got the truck to 60mph in 5.9 seconds
• Positive impression of interior with "tasteful contrasting colors and textures", although point out the smallish touchscreen and old-school twist key ignition are the most obvious cost cutting sacrifices.
• They report that the Ecoboost is quiet, with full throttle registering only 71 decibels and idles at 39 decibels.
• They add though that 70mph cruising is loud at 70 decibels (3 db higher than Santa Cruz), only one decibel quieter than full throttle with "prominent wind rush noise around the mirrors and A-pillars" with modest insulation and that "thwacks from pavement seams can reverberate inside".
• AWD FX4 suspension they reported "taut yet comfortable and composed ride" that changes direction with ease, but note a lot of body roll and numb steering feel.
• 0.82 g of skidpad grip and stopped from 70 mph in 172 feet
• Maverick Test-Track Performance would have been the best overall of any midsize truck, were it not for the Santa Cruz which tied it with almost identical performance.
• They warn that FWD should be avoided citing the Ecoboost "pulverizes the front-driver’s tires" and highly recommend AWD!
• Weight distribution is 59% front 41% rear on FX4.
• Plus: Strong turbo-four engine, attractive pricing and EPA numbers, solid tow and payload ratings. Minus: Missing some modern amenities, noisy on the highway, imprecise steering. Equals: A handy pint-size pickup with everyday charm.

I've been watching just about every Maverick review out there and they are all over the place. Some say the ride is quiet. Others say there is a lot of wind noise and engine noise. Some say the ride is good, others say it is choppy.

I test drove a 2.0L eco boost AWD with the FX4 in late October. The dealer had it for test drives and wasn't selling it. I didn't do a test drive perhaps as long as I should have over all road conditions but I did take it on a short highway jaunt. The engine was very quiet at idle. On the road, the engine didn't appear noisy. The ride was a little stiffer than my 2018 Escape, but I figure that was in part to the AT tries on the FX4 package. What I did experience though was a lot of wind noise. I'm thinking that maybe it had a bad door seal as I heard that was an issue on some Mavericks.

 

[Old Ranchero]

overall, that article I think is a pretty fair, unbiased assessment. 1 thing I view differently is the last bullet point:

Plus: Strong turbo-four engine, attractive pricing and EPA numbers, solid tow and payload ratings. Minus: Missing some modern amenities, noisy on the highway, imprecise steering. Equals: A handy pint-size pickup with everyday charm.

For my personal situation, the MINUSES are really Pluses! I prefer the small screen and less safety/Nanny tech and keyed ignition (my 2018 F-150 has as well). I test drove an XLT with FX-4 and believe it actually creates more noise on highway and imprecise steering with the bigger tires so that is not an issue for me with my build of XL with stock steelies , AWD, and 4k Tow instead of FX-4. Another bonus of standard 17" wheels is the replacement cost is less than 18, 19, 20" tires.

YMMV

 

[ccubedzx3]

Coming from a Malibu Premier to this, I was a little nervous that my truck would rougher, noisier, and loud. In actuality, it has a strong, composed ride quality, not stiff at all. It is quieter than I expected, with both wind noise and road noise. The engine is a little noisier than my Malibu, which also has a 2.0T, but that is expected as I am sure firewall insulation and cabin insulation are of higher quality on the Malibu. So far, my truck has exceeded my comfort expectations, and I am thankful I made the switch!

 

[JASmith]

I've been watching just about every Maverick review out there and they are all over the place. Some say the ride is quiet. Others say there is a lot of wind noise and engine noise. Some say the ride is good, others say it is choppy.

Part of the problem is WHAT random viewers are comparing it to. Are they comparing it to a crossover in ride quality or to say a Chevy Colorado? Most trucks ride harsh and have more wind noise since they are more boxy shaped compared to crossovers and especially compared to sedans.

But if you compare it to a Porsche 911 GT3 RS ? Well, they measured that one at 108db on throttle, the loudest factory vehicle they've tested to date.

What's nice about Car and Driver though about the decibel part at least, is they use the same test equipment, so you can google "car and driver model XYZ decibels" and compare popular options. That's how you can see that objectively they measured the Santa Cruz being quieter for the highway cruise portion.

The only problem with the measurement is that the weather conditions won't be the same. My truck is WAY noisier when its really windy/gusty out for example. Creates all kinds of weird turbulence that way compared to calm air.

 

[WesM]

I got AWD and it is worth every penny. $3305 makes your Mav much more capable including the eco engine, AWD, 8 speed trans, and upgraded independent rear suspension. If this is mostly a road trip vehicle, hwy mpg not much different than hybrid even with way more power and safer passing.

Hybrid folks are getting 36-40mpg on the highway... thats quite a bit better than the 2.0 where folks are seeing 29-31 mpg highway. Unless they are playing hypermiling games, in which cases I have seen almost 40mpg for the 2.0 and like 60+ mpg on the hybrid. low 30s is still really good for a vehicle like the Maverick and I would have not hesitated to buy one if the hybrid did not exist, but there definitely is a significant difference between the hybrid and 2.0.

Also surprising, a few reviewers mentioned they thought the FWD Mavericks had a more comfortable suspension.

 

[CenTexMav]

I agree that the perception has to do with the reviewer. Folks buy the truck for different reasons.. my XLT EB w/FWD works great for how I use it. There is some engine noise but that really isn't bad at all. Most of the time I don't even think about it. I do think it was funny that the guy that tinted my windows said he had been tinting windows for 30 years and said for the most part, cars are cars. He doesn't get excited over exotic and luxury cars any more. He did comment that the seats were some of the most comfortable ones he has sat in... compared them to a recliner. He thought the truck was nice and liked the size... but he really liked the seats.

 

[JASmith]

Also surprising, a few reviewers mentioned they thought the FWD Mavericks had a more comfortable suspension.

That's a great point, some of the reasons for the different reviews could be that really its three different suspension setups you can get; fwd, awd, and awd w/ FX4.

I know on our old Charger, the one thing we didn't like was that while the Charger was soooo comfy suspension wise, the Scat Pack we had was actually pretty harsh in that particular trim.

I've had zero luck finding side-by-side FWD vs AWD reviews though that really explore that.

 

[CenTexMav]

That's a great point, some of the reasons for the different reviews could be that really its three different suspension setups you can get; fwd, awd, and awd w/ FX4.

I know on our old Charger, the one thing we didn't like was that while the Charger was soooo comfy suspension wise, the Scat Pack we had was actually pretty harsh in that particular trim.

I've had zero luck finding side-by-side FWD vs AWD reviews though that really explore that.

I'm going out on a limb and am going to say that the difference in ride is going to be negligable between AWD and FWD... if it is tuned for off road I think it would make more of a difference. Just AWD vs FWD should be pretty darn close. Handling would be different.. in just normal driving I think you would be hard pressed to tell apart if you did not know which version you were in. ( I guess normal driving may vary from person to person... I drive much different in my Maverick than the WRX I had that hit 60 in under 5 seconds and cornered like a scalded cat on rails. )

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