- First Name
- Brad
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2021
- Threads
- 36
- Messages
- 362
- Reaction score
- 629
- Location
- Titusville, Fl
- Vehicle(s)
- 2015 Kia Forte
- Engine
- 2.5L Hybrid
- Thread starter
- #1
I know we all have our own reasons for choosing Maverick over other vehicles. Assuming of course you have already made your choice and aren't just coming here looking for info. If you are hopefully this post helps you make your choice.
When I got into the market for my next vehicle I had a lot of things I was looking at.
The pricing was a part of it, for sure. The lower the price the more creature comforts I can add. A new Maverick, moderately well equipped, costs about the same as a few year old used Ranger/Frontier/Tacoma.
Gas mileage, well, I remember $5 a gallon gas back in 2015. That's part of why I sold my Jeep Cherokee and bought the little Kia I'm about to replace.(whenever they build my Mav hybrid, lol) I don't want to be in a position where gas money becomes an issue again. I'm too old for that $@%*. In my case thats why I chose the hybrid.
Lower ride height and bed height. I'm 5'5" and my wife is 5'2". I'd rather not need a ladder to climb into my vehicle, or to reach into the bed. In my work van I have to carry a small step ladder to reach the roof rack, and its annoying. Same with getting into the bed of the F250 Super duty at work.
The bed itself. I am not someone who uses the bed often, and when I do its small things usually. A run to lowes or tractor supply for stuff. Rarely if ever would a 4.5 foot bed be too small. If it is, ill take a sheet of plywood and anchor it to wooden crossmembers in the bed, strap it in with a set of tie downs, and Boom! temporary 8 foot bed.
The ride. From everything I have found out so far the Maverick rides more like an SUV and less like a truck, because of the way its constructed. My wife has a bad back, a smoother ride means less pain for her. I'm a fan of that.
The creature comforts. One thing that was a must have is heated seats, once again for her bad back. Works wonders on mine too, but I'm more concerned with her then me. She is also a big fan of having a sunroof. The fact that one is available relatively cheaply was a big bonus.
The activeX seats are also kind of a must for me, as I have grandkids that would stain up cloth seats in less time that it has taken me to type this.
There are those talking about "low end materials" in the cab. There is quite a bit of hard plastic in the areas that aren't commonly touched. I see that as a bonus. Easier to clean and maintain. Hell, it could be painted sheet metal and I would be OK with it.
There are a few things that I wish were set up differently on Maverick though.
I would like to see an AWD hybrid. Not for me personally, but for those living in snowy climates. FWD is good in the snow, but AWD/4WD is better.
A broader range of customization than just the two tiers of luxury package. There is a lot that I am getting with the package that I don't really need but I have to take it to get what I want.
Heated seats are a must for me, and so is the activeX material, so I really had no options as a hybrid buyer. Its probably done this way to simplify manufacturing, but still slightly annoying.
Tow hooks should be available and fully functional for all models. If you think only people out four wheeling get their truck stuck you have never been thru a snowstorm or hydroplaned on a wet road. Lots of reasons someone could end up in a ditch, I would have gotten a tow hook upgrade if it were available. Sadly, Its not for us hybrid folks.
I may think of more later, and I'm sure others will add their pros and cons in the comments.
When I got into the market for my next vehicle I had a lot of things I was looking at.
The pricing was a part of it, for sure. The lower the price the more creature comforts I can add. A new Maverick, moderately well equipped, costs about the same as a few year old used Ranger/Frontier/Tacoma.
Gas mileage, well, I remember $5 a gallon gas back in 2015. That's part of why I sold my Jeep Cherokee and bought the little Kia I'm about to replace.(whenever they build my Mav hybrid, lol) I don't want to be in a position where gas money becomes an issue again. I'm too old for that $@%*. In my case thats why I chose the hybrid.
Lower ride height and bed height. I'm 5'5" and my wife is 5'2". I'd rather not need a ladder to climb into my vehicle, or to reach into the bed. In my work van I have to carry a small step ladder to reach the roof rack, and its annoying. Same with getting into the bed of the F250 Super duty at work.
The bed itself. I am not someone who uses the bed often, and when I do its small things usually. A run to lowes or tractor supply for stuff. Rarely if ever would a 4.5 foot bed be too small. If it is, ill take a sheet of plywood and anchor it to wooden crossmembers in the bed, strap it in with a set of tie downs, and Boom! temporary 8 foot bed.
The ride. From everything I have found out so far the Maverick rides more like an SUV and less like a truck, because of the way its constructed. My wife has a bad back, a smoother ride means less pain for her. I'm a fan of that.
The creature comforts. One thing that was a must have is heated seats, once again for her bad back. Works wonders on mine too, but I'm more concerned with her then me. She is also a big fan of having a sunroof. The fact that one is available relatively cheaply was a big bonus.
The activeX seats are also kind of a must for me, as I have grandkids that would stain up cloth seats in less time that it has taken me to type this.
There are those talking about "low end materials" in the cab. There is quite a bit of hard plastic in the areas that aren't commonly touched. I see that as a bonus. Easier to clean and maintain. Hell, it could be painted sheet metal and I would be OK with it.
There are a few things that I wish were set up differently on Maverick though.
I would like to see an AWD hybrid. Not for me personally, but for those living in snowy climates. FWD is good in the snow, but AWD/4WD is better.
A broader range of customization than just the two tiers of luxury package. There is a lot that I am getting with the package that I don't really need but I have to take it to get what I want.
Heated seats are a must for me, and so is the activeX material, so I really had no options as a hybrid buyer. Its probably done this way to simplify manufacturing, but still slightly annoying.
Tow hooks should be available and fully functional for all models. If you think only people out four wheeling get their truck stuck you have never been thru a snowstorm or hydroplaned on a wet road. Lots of reasons someone could end up in a ditch, I would have gotten a tow hook upgrade if it were available. Sadly, Its not for us hybrid folks.
I may think of more later, and I'm sure others will add their pros and cons in the comments.
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