I was in your exact situation. I sold my basic manual trans Mazda3 and got Maverick XLT. No issues and couldn't be happier after almost 2 yrs. Maverick has more width for the kids in the back and I'm getting a hair better mileage with the Maverick. I often have 3 kids across the back with...
It looks like you're looking for lower profile. The Access Tonnosport is also a bit lower, and is the one I've had for 2 years and like it. It is $374 and made in USA.
https://www.accesscover.com/tonnosport/
That is 12 yr old and 10 yr old on the sides and rear facing 1 yr old in the middle. I don't have any recent pics but even 4 adults plus middle car seat worked fine for a recent trip.
My '22 hybrid has done well in the NW IL winters. Better than previous FWD vehicles I've had. I've always been a car nut who continually shops for a better vehicle to fit my needs, and this is the 1st time I have no reason to car shop. I use the bed for both light & heavy duty uses.
My family...
I have towed twice with about 2,500 lbs. Both were about 22mpg.
First time was with firewood only 35 miles at 55 mph on flat ground. Easy with no issues.
Second time was towing an ATV 80 miles both ways on hills at up to 55 mph. Tow/Haul mode the whole time. This did not go well. Temps in...
Here is how my calculation comes out based on $3.50 rural IL gas, hybrid 45mpg I achieved over 1yr, and 32mpg Eco assumption based on knowing how I'd drive it & comparable cars I drove.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/homemade-double-kayak-sled-bed-mounted.17568/
I bet you could do something like this, then tie down bikes in the center.
I've had my Mav for a year and family of 5 ride in it comfortably. 17 month old has been in the middle in a rear facing baby seat and now a rear facing car seat. 9 & 12 yr olds on the sides.
I have a soft rollup cover and got caught in hail a couple weeks ago. I pulled off the road so that the impacts were reduced. Most of the hail was small, but some were quite large. I couldn't find any damage to my paint or cover.
I rotate at home with no issues. Break free all the lugs, lift with floor jack and use jack stands at the corners. Some aggressive drivers might only get 30k out of these tires. Mine look good at 1yr 23k, and will likely replace next winter for snow traction at 40k+.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/showcase/maverick-lariat-hybrid-tlrv-rove-lite-14fl-travel-trailer.201/
Here is someone you can ask questions about towing Rove Lite with hybrid.
Boards can be used to make a 2nd level luggage holder as well and still fit under the cover. I also use two 2x4s stacked at the rear and a net for day to day small stuff. I use a $300 Access TonnoSport soft rollup cover.
https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/showcase/maverick-lariat-hybrid-tlrv-rove-lite-14fl-travel-trailer.201/
There are some using the TLRV Rove Lite.
I'm also able to get 50mpg and 600+ miles on rural slow roads, but interstate travel drops to 30s mpg and 500 mi.
I agree, Mav has great mileage and range, but a little confused.
694 miles / 37.8 mpg = 18.3 gal. Mav has 13.8 gal tank.