Talk me into or out of the Maverick--getting cold feet

[icegradner]

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

I've seen some good advice here, but I'll throw this out there anyway.

1. The Hybrid does fine in snow with good winter tires, or depending on how cold it gets, all weather tires work as well. As you think, the Hybrid really is the only reason to get a Maverick, there are better vehicles at this price point, unless a truck bed is a must for you. I primarily got the Maverick over a RAV4 Hybrid because I could keep wet tools and gear out of the passenger space.
2. For a family travel vehicle I think you'd find the Maverick as restrictive as you think it will be without a bed cover or bed cap. A bed cover is an affordable solution, but will not be 100% water resistant. If you went for a bed cap, still not fully waterproof, so might as well get an SUV. For a single person, or a two person family, or a family of 3-4 that does not travel long distances the Maverick is great.
3. Build quality. It's okay, but it's built Ford rough and the software feels like it's still in beta testing. If you don't have time for issues, go with Toyota or Honda your chances of having trouble free ownership is better (but not guaranteed).

Sponsored

 

[tom_tucker]

I've seen some good advice here, but I'll throw this out there anyway.

1. The Hybrid does fine in snow with good winter tires, or depending on how cold it gets, all weather tires work as well. As you think, the Hybrid really is the only reason to get a Maverick, there are better vehicles at this price point, unless a truck bed is a must for you. I primarily got the Maverick over a RAV4 Hybrid because I could keep wet tools and gear out of the passenger space.
2. For a family travel vehicle I think you'd find the Maverick as restrictive as you think it will be without a bed cover or bed cap. A bed cover is an affordable solution, but will not be 100% water resistant. If you went for a bed cap, still not fully waterproof, so might as well get an SUV. For a single person, or a two person family, or a family of 3-4 that does not travel long distances the Maverick is great.
3. Build quality. It's okay, but it's built Ford rough and the software feels like it's still in beta testing. If you don't have time for issues, go with Toyota or Honda your chances of having trouble free ownership is better (but not guaranteed).

55+ mpg picking up this king size mattress today over 38 miles with snow tires. In the rain. And I'll be able to put the king size bed in there with the mattress and haul it 160 miles over mountains. It will be slower than summer tires, but still. Nothing can touch this with my very well sealed bed cap which is close to waterproof. I also have a cab roof rack with huge cargo ski box and a hitch mounted cargo basket. Plenty of options. The Maverick would travel just fine with those accessories and basic tonneau.

I had cold feet for months and even test drove and almost ordered a Forester. I'm glad I went Maverick bed cap route instead. Way more useful than the average SUV. OP's choice.

 

[icegradner]

55+ mpg picking up this king size mattress today over 38 miles with snow tires. In the rain. And I'll be able to put the king size bed in there with the mattress and haul it 160 miles over mountains. It will be slower than summer tires, but still. Nothing can touch this with my very well sealed bed cap which is close to waterproof.

I had cold feet for months and even test drove and almost ordered a Forester. I'm glad I went Maverick bed cap route instead. Way more useful than the average SUV. OP's choice.

You can get the same space with a Hybrid SUV with the back seats folded down. I actually had more space in my 2013 RAV4 with the seats down than the bed of the Maverick with the tailgate down like in this picture. Now obviously the Maverick is better if something is longer than that though. Cap on a full size truck I get, Maverick? Might as well get an SUV, unless you take the cap off regularly.

 

[dc73pdsgt]

its a truck just so you know. the rear seat space is small even though its considered a super crew style. as for the bed you can always get a cover or cap for it if you are concerned with hauling everyday family stuff. if you aren't planning on that then your stuff will get dirty or wet depending on the conditions. if you are thinking you can haul family stuff with a baby seat in the back I would rethink that. todays baby seats are huge. if you place it in the center of the rear seat you will have some space on either side. if you place on one side or the other then you might be able to get some of your stuff in the back seat but invariably you would end up using the bed of the truck. sounds to me like you are better off with an SUV than the Maverick. don't get me wrong I love my Maverick but Im not hauling around a kid, only my dogs and I have 2 locations for them. one in the rear seat and one in the bed.. good luck on what ever you decide.

 

[FamousAmos]

Apples and oranges imo

personal decision

Apples and oranges..............EXACTLY. The Forester runs $30K - 34K, is not an hybrid, but has probably the best electric AWD in the world. The Hybrid CR-V runs $34K - 40K. It's not fair to compare these two to the Maverick. The cheaper Maverick will probably be "inferior" to these two autos in every category, EXCEPT MPG AND PRICE. Good luck. If you have the money, pick the Subaru. Addendum: pickup trucks are not known for the performance in show.

 

[tom_tucker]

You can get the same space with a Hybrid SUV with the back seats folded down. I actually had more space in my 2013 RAV4 with the seats down than the bed of the Maverick with the tailgate down like in this picture. Now obviously the Maverick is better if something is longer than that though. Cap on a full size truck I get, Maverick? Might as well get an SUV, unless you take the cap off regularly.

Ah, that $45,000 magical RAV4 you speak of. The king bed is 84". Can you get a car seat in that magical SUV with the rear seats folded down? Yes I can in the Maverick. I'm laughing all the way to the bank with the private offer I got. And yes, I'm able to remove the cap.

Just checked. My base price on this vehicle was 25k. That's a 5 year old RAV4.

 

[icegradner]

Ah, that $45,000 magical RAV4 you speak of. Can you get a car seat in that magical SUV with the rear seats folded down? Yes I can in the Maverick. I'm laughing all the way to the bank with the private offer I got. And yes, I'm able to remove the cap.

Just checked. My base price on this vehicle was 25k. That's a 5 year old RAV4. You loose badly every time sir.

Didn't say anything about kids seats, nor price. My old RAV4 wasn't $45k either. If the person is looking at a CRV-Hybrid, price likely isn't the big issue. Just what was most practical for the OP. What works for you and me might not be right for them. I'm not here to tell people what to do, just showing options. I also chose the Maverick, so chill.

 

[FJM]

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

I’ve enjoyed my Mav Lariat EcoBoost 2022, interior and all. Any vehicle is going to have its hiccups, so far mines been running great, I always take care of each of my vehicles and usually have a good 10 to 12 year run with them. That being said, I’d say just get the truck and give it a go and see how it feels, you can always switch it up for something else down the road. Good luck.

 

[Caravan to Maverick]

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

I have a 23 Hybrid. This will be my first winter with it. I hope it does well in snow as my 93 caravan did

 

[Bob the handyman]

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

I have a 2022 first edition Maverick Lariat hybrid and it has been great. No issues or problems. Back seat is a little tight for three but we have 2 child car seats. I get 44 mpg on long distance and 39/40 around town. I love it and it fully loaded. Driving on eco mode maximizes your mileage. The best part is the bed. It's only 4.5 feet but hauling big items is no issue with this truck. Don't get cold feet, you will love the truck.

 

[JennyJoannSuebeeMcNash]

55+ mpg picking up this king size mattress today over 38 miles with snow tires. In the rain. And I'll be able to put the king size bed in there with the mattress and haul it 160 miles over mountains. It will be slower than summer tires, but still. Nothing can touch this with my very well sealed bed cap which is close to waterproof. I also have a cab roof rack with huge cargo ski box and a hitch mounted cargo basket. Plenty of options. The Maverick would travel just fine with those accessories and basic tonneau.

I had cold feet for months and even test drove and almost ordered a Forester. I'm glad I went Maverick bed cap route instead. Way more useful than the average SUV. OP's choice.

Love the cap on this truck. Where'd you get it?

 

[Emc66]

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

So, I ordered a '24 Hybrid XLT back in August and I was very surprised to get a build date email yesterday (February 2024). But--in part because I expected more like a year's wait--I've been looking at Foresters and especially CR-V Hybrids instead these past few months.

While I've always wanted a truck (and not a huge one, which is why I was so excited about the Maverick and the hybrid), I'm getting cold feet for a couple reasons and would welcome some perspective from current Maverick owners to help me decide whether or not to go with the Maverick. I'll outline my main thoughts below:

• I'm not not sure how well the Hybrid (no AWD) will do in the snow, which we get a few times a year in my area (southern Ohio). I know it's not rear-wheel drive and we don't get a ton of really bad snow (usually!) but I do think an AWD (and especially a Subaru) would have the edge. I didn't order an EB because I wanted the fuel economy of the hybrid. How has your Maverick hybrid done in the winter? ,
• I'm not sure how practical the Maverick is for a family of three (including a toddler still in a carseat), in part because it doesn't seem like there's much cargo space (aside from the bed, which is of course exposed to the rain, and because I've seen on here that carseat space is very limited. How has the Maverick worked as a family vehicle for you?
• Finally, I'm a little concerned about the overall build quality/reliability of the Maverick. I know people tend to post more complaints than praise in general, but seems the CRV-V hybrid and Forester are more reliable and, overall, better built/more comfortable (especially the CR-V hybrid). I worry about the deep sleep issue, the recalls, etc. I've always owned Toyotas and Hondas and really appreciate a reliable vehicle I can keep for 10+ years.

Thanks for any thoughts and perspective! This forum has been very helpful.

You’re trying to compare apples to oranges….
Forrester is more comparable to the Bronco Sport, personally I have never been a fan of Subaru products.
The Maverick has a smaller back seat,
our older daughters don’t complain about the seat, however it is tight. You reference Toyota, the Tacoma is a great truck however it’s roughly $10k more than a Maverick and it aligns more with the Ranger. Were 500 miles into our Maverick and love it just as much as much our Bronco Sport. We’re averaging 41 mpg running around our home town. It rides nice, quiet and is functional. As far as recalls, issues etc time will tell.

 

[sprubs]

You’re trying to compare apples to oranges….
Forrester is more comparable to the Bronco Sport, personally I have never been a fan of Subaru products.
The Maverick has a smaller back seat,
our older daughters don’t complain about the seat, however it is tight. You reference Toyota, the Tacoma is a great truck however it’s roughly $10k more than a Maverick and it aligns more with the Ranger. Were 500 miles into our Maverick and love it just as much as much our Bronco Sport. We’re averaging 41 mpg running around our home town. It rides nice, quiet and is functional. As far as recalls, issues etc time will tell.

how tall are the daughters? I'm a littler over 6' and I find it pretty reasonable. maybe not for a long trip but medium length trip no big deal.

 

[JohnieM]

I have been exceptionally happy with the ride, handling and no problems with quality. I have AWD Lariat. My advise listen to your wife and listen to what your instincts tell you.

 

[sprubs]

For the price I think the maverick is hard to beat. Both engine options seem solid. It's reasonable to drive around, easy to park, fits in a regular garage, but still covers quite a bit of "truck" scenarios. Obviously if you want to tow you have to go ecoboost.

Sponsored