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

[Mikecando]

That's a good perspective.

Right now we have a 2001 Accord (only 86K miles but safety-wise and rust-wise, about time for an upgrade) and a 2020 Prius AWD, which we love but is a bit small for longer road trips. Ideal would probably be something like a Maverick + a small SUV, but we're going to keep the Prius for a long time so that's not an option.

Prius should last well over 200,000 miles, much more with dedicated maintenance. Many recalls and being stranded in my 2022 XLT maverick. Hope you have a close dealer nearby. It's my only vehicle, so being without it has cost me time and money. Also, constant power drains have made me buy a jump start charger and a digital voltmeter. Interior Lights never seem to work so I carry an additional flashlight to see inside. all under warranty but such a hassle if you get the short straw production date.

Sponsored

 

[sn00pyguy]

Auto manufacturers have done an amazing job of marketing AWD, as if it is something that is absolutely necessary if you live anywhere where white stuff may occasionally touch the ground. It has been proven in countless objective comparison tests that tires are drastically more important than drive wheels for capability in cold, snowy, and slick conditions. Yet, AWD vehicles now account for about half of all new vehicle sales while only ~15% of cars in areas that regularly get snow will use winter tires.

You may not want to deal with the hassle of switching out the tires (just get "all weather" tires then), but the FWD with proper tires will be more capable in the snow than the AWD with all-seasons - period. AWD + winter tires is ultimately the best, but in 20yrs of living in the Utah mountains I have yet to encounter a situation that multiple FWD and RWD vehicles ('97 nissan pickup, '99 crown victoria, '09 hyundai accent, '17 VW jetta) with proper winter tires could not handle. I snowshoe hundreds of miles each winter, you'd be shocked where my jetta with blizzaks goes.

On the other hand, ask my wife about driving her WRX (what she had when we met) in the snow on all-seasons or my mom, brother, and sister (all with Subaru outbacks) about the accidents they all got into in their first winter living in Utah because they didn't listen to me about getting proper tires.

Hm. It is a king cab Truck that gets 40mpg. I got the lariat for add-on comforts like adaptive cruise control and heated seats. I have had it about a year and a half and it has performed well. Good luck on your decision. If you don't happen to like it, you can sell it and make a few grand in the process.

 

[James K]

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 like Jacob's response. Tires are the most important aspect of winter road driving. AWD mostly helps in deep snow. My family is grown, so I can't comment on the need for luggage space but a cheap cover and a large plastic tote would seem to be the answer. I think it's more a question of how much you'd use the truck features as to which one you go with.

 

[Buellrider]

I’ve always said…
If you like it, just buy it!

works for me

 

[TwoTone]

I think if you are coming from being a Toyota owner, you will be disappointed in the amount of issues the Maverick has/will have.

Yup Toyota are rock solid no problems or recalls.
Oh wait, yea just kidding.
Just a few of the more recent ones.
Everyone just needs to stop with the Toyota and Honda BS. Those days have been long gone for a while now.

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,853,568

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles. Certain replacement 12-volt batteries may not fit properly in the battery tray, allowing the battery to move and contact the hold-down bracket, possibly causing a short circuit. A battery short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the battery clamp sub-assembly, battery tray, and positive terminal cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 17, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 23TB13 and 23TA13.


Potential Number of Units Affected 168,179

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles. The plastic fuel tube routed near metallic brake lines may chafe against the brake lines and become damaged, possibly resulting in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
As an interim repair, dealers will install protective materials and a clamp on the fuel tube, free of charge. Once the final remedy is available, dealers will replace the fuel tube, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 25, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 23TB09/23TA09.


Potential Number of Units Affected 750,795

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching. A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.


Potential Number of Units Affected 43,442

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RAV4 Prime and 2022 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. The electric current rectifying module contained within the DC-DC converter may have been damaged during production, which can result in an electrical short-circuit. A short circuit can cause the DC-DC converter to overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Dealers will replace the DC-DC converter, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TB07/23LB01.



Potential Number of Units Affected 16,679

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. During certain cold weather driving conditions, while driving in EV Mode, the hybrid vehicle control engine control unit (HEV ECU) software may cause the hybrid system to shut down if the accelerator is rapidly pressed to further accelerate the vehicle, resulting in a stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the HEV ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 27, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TA01.



otential Number of Units Affected 83,725

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus NX250, NX350, and Toyota Tundra vehicles. The Skid Control ECU within the Brake Actuator Assembly may falsely detect an overcurrent condition of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Actuator and enter a failsafe mode which prevents the EPB from being engaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.” An electric parking brake that cannot be engaged while in “park” may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the Skid Control ECU, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by October 31, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s numbers for this recall is 22TA11 and 22LA04.



Potential Number of Units Affected 75,316

Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Restraint Anchorage System.” An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is 22TB09/ 22TA09.

 

[VBP]

ordered 24 back in july no build date as of today 12/04\23

 

[Goose20]

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.

Own both >>>Maverick does not hold a candle to honda quality Have 45 k on honda not one warranty claim... Man has had 3 service calls in 3 months... go with the Honda.....

 

[Mav Driver]

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 bought a gas powered XL '23 maverick to replace my 2001 CR-V (AWD) that rusted out at 275K miles. The CRV had a roof rack and a trailer hitch. If I wanted to haul furniture that was too large for the cargo bay I put it in the roof. If it was too big for its roof I rented a trailer (hauled a back hoe up and down the No. Adams-Savoy divide thru the hairpin turn on SR2!). I have 7500 miles on the Mav and it's fun to drive, but I'd swap it for a small SUV (under warranty and with a roof rack), no questions asked. I can't begin to explain all the hoops and cost ill incur to overcome the lack of versatility I had with the CR-V. Best wishes to you

 

[NextTruck]

Yup Toyota are rock solid no problems or recalls.
Oh wait, yea just kidding.
Just a few of the more recent ones.
Everyone just needs to stop with the Toyota and Honda BS. Those days have been long gone for a while now.

Last 3 new cars
2010 Tahoe - Now 190,000 miles. No recalls, great vehicle. Still going strong
2017 Gr Cherokee Overland - Now 148,000. Maybe one minor recall. Still going strong
2023 Maverick EB AWD - Now 7,100 miles. No recalls or issues so far.

A cross section of vehicles here. Many will have there bad years in production. Do your research and maintenance and you will have a good chance of reliable transportation.

 

[ejouie]

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 would recommend getting some tires with snow performance in mind. If not running winter tires/wheels, maybe something like a Cross Climate 2? The maverick has a significant front weight bias which helps a lot for traction in FWD.

My family of 4 all fit in the cabin comfortably. 2 kids in car seats meaning that 1 of them is behind me and I am 6'2. It's a bit more barebones than our enclave for family road trips but is 100% workable.

I have a '23 EcoBoost FWD XLT. 0 recalls. 1 warranty repair (rear passenger window switch). 1 out of warranty repair (windshield rattle went away with windshield replacement from rock impact). I would argue that your local dealership relationship would be of bigger impact in your ownership experience during the warranty period over brand choice.

I am averaging over 30 mpg in my daily commute of 60 miles roundtrip on 2 lane highways.

After 10,000 miles I still feel that it's a great truck for the $.

 

[TwoTone]

Own both >>>Maverick does not hold a candle to honda quality Have 45 k on honda not one warranty claim... Man has had 3 service calls in 3 months... go with the Honda.....

Tell that to the buyers of the then new 9 spd Pilot that had transmissions replaced in under a thousand miles.

Hows this one from this month.
"Honda is recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of a manufacturing defect that could cause engines to improperly run, stall or stop while driving.
The recall applies to certain 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX cars, 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX SUVs, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks, 2018 to 2019 Odyssey minivans, as well as 2016 and 2018 to 2019 Pilot SUVs."

Everyone just stop- your tiny sample size of my X never had a problem and Y did is meaningless.

Honda and Toyota of yesteryear are gone. They all have issues.

 

[BluegrassNbass]

So out of 9 pages was the OP talked into or out of a Maverick or back into a Honda?

 

[Dudley]

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.

My thoughts? In respect to AWD, FWD, RWD, since 1979 we have lived in Fort Wayne Indiana with only a RWD then in the panhandle of Nebraska with quite often not heavy snow but with RWD cars at first and then a FWD Chevy Cavalier, then just north of Kansas City Missouri with that same Cavalier and when daughter used it for college two RWD's, then the Seattle area (snow maybe) with RWD's only, then about 50 miles due west of St. Louis with RWD's only until trading one in on a FWD Jeep Patriot then just outside of Minneapolis (LOTS OF SNOW) with it and a RWD Pickup, and now in retirement in the Indianapolis area near youngest grandkids where the snow is probably similar to southern Ohio with a FWD Maverick and a RWD 2003 Grand Cherokee. In Minnesota alone did we have a very minor accident due to a slight downhill at a stop light where the intersection was pure icy packed snow that not even the FWD Patriot's brakes doing their chatter thing of quick release/apply/release/apply could avoid. In all those places I had to do a lot of driving - in Nebraska even over into Wyoming - it is a drive carefully and sensibly reality. In fact, in the Kansas City area with fairly icy roads a FWD Jeep passed me on a two lane each way suburban road while I was driving the FWD cavalier and about a mile later he was off the road and I just kept steady on the gas and no problems at all.

Packing stuff in our Mav? I have and will seal it off better tonneau cover use the bed to keep stuff dry. Might consider a cargo carrier to put in the bed when needed for traveling just for safety's sake.

 

[sanpablo]

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

First winter for my 23 Mav XLT hybrid. Replaced my wife's 99 Ford Windstar which was a tank in the snow, could drive in 8" of snow no problem. I'm retired so nowhere I need to be if it snows and we have a 2015 Honda CRV Awd and a 2016 Honda HRV Awd. I don't want to drive my Mav if the roads have been salted but our first snow I'll take it out in the neighborhood to see how it handles.

 

[Caravan to Maverick]

First winter for my 23 Mav XLT hybrid. Replaced my wife's 99 Ford Windstar which was a tank in the snow, could drive in 8" of snow no problem. I'm retired so nowhere I need to be if it snows and we have a 2015 Honda CRV Awd and a 2016 Honda HRV Awd. I don't want to drive my Mav if the roads have been salted but our first snow I'll take it out in the neighborhood to see how it handles in the snow.

Caravan 9 inches of snow.

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