Ford has been smart they have always gotten the aftermarket companies involved with a new car. Look at all the aftermarket products available for the New F-150 and Bronco even before we got our hands on them. This is what gives Ford a leg up on the other car companies.
With my experience with other Fords I've owned and own the real MPG's manually calculated would be on the order of 27.5 to 28 MPG. Still exceptional mileage.
I'm 60 yo and I'm long past caring what other people think. I don't buy with the herd I buy what appeals to me and the Maverick does. The Mavericks low cost and just the right amount of technology makes it "talk" to me. I bet Ford is amazed that Maverick appeals just as much to my age...