Detailed comparison review of my Mavericks -- XLT vs Lariat, Hybrid vs 2.0. FWD vs FX4 vs Tremor

[710-oil-614]

The Tremor-Fuel is not its friend. I dont know why its so different. Mid 20s on hwy, high teens in town. Its fast, but still has the 2k limit.

That is surprising. My Tremor (93, shell V power only, 33psi cold tires) gets me 21.5mpg in the city and 26-27mpg on the highway. For the first 7,600 miles I have averaged 23.4mpg

The XLT seats are more comfortable, but the heated seats and steering wheel are a worthy tradeoff.

My XLT has heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

EDIT: That is also an impressive array of Mavericks!!!

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[imboden013]

I went with lariat lux as I wanted the reverse sensing system and that was only way to get it. Only complaint I have with my 22 lariat lux with copilot 360 is the rattles in the dash. It comes and goes so I’ve not been able to track it down yet. Great mpg for an AWD 33mpg across 30k miles.

 

[dbp]

Everyone has their preference and or needs. I won't own another vehicle with vinyl, fake leather, or leather seats. The 2024 XLT luxury package gives some of the nice things mentioned in OP. Unfortunately it also includes the drop in bed liner that's a no deal, or deal breaker similar to vinyl seats in the lariat. I looked at it from a different view, I was able to save my money, also Ford missed out of the extra profit by not letting customers upgrade to spray in bed liner. That's how much I want cloth seats and not going to live with a drop in bed liner

I can live without power seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote starter on FOB, heated mirrors and possibly other options. I wanted the heated mirrors but not worth living with a drop in bed liner.

Now I just like the OP mentioned my dislikes or deal breakers. Besides the tremor package which is a deal breaker because of the hit I would take on mileage and not able to tow 4k. What I'm trying to say just like the OP which I might add an excellent overview and very much appreciated is it boils down to what a buyer wants vs what the manufacturer offers.

Best of luck with your new Maverick with the Lariat trim. How about some pictures. Thanks for the information and sharing your opinion and experiences. On a side note waiting for my order to get here.

I agree with you about the bed liner. I went with an XLT 2.0 with no liner, and added a BedRug after I received it. I've had them in all my other trucks, my van and even the floor in my enclosed trailer.

 

[SloopJB]

Good read.

My choice of Lariat came down to two things: heated steering wheel and auto-cruise. If those were available on the XLT, I would have gone that route.

My 2024 XLT FX4, XLT Lux is equipped with heated steering wheel and seats And auto cruise and Copilot 360. The AWD is a real blessing, especially in weather. I have a PHEV RAV4 Prime. That is my go-to vehicle for cost control. It is delivering over 100 mpg. The electrical cost for me is 5.5 cents per mile on that vehicle. I will stay with the Ecoboost until Ford gets with the program and gives us the option for AWD, and PHEV. They already do this in other models.

 

[Maverickman74]

Nice review. Coming from vehicles, like a Jeep ZJ/MJ and a OBS Bronco, our Tremor is very car-like. Smooth, barely any body roll, just a touch of bounce from the rear end speeding over speed bumps(i like to call them ramps), not so much truck as station wagon. That may be changed a bit with our topper installed. Fully setup it probably add 220lb max. It can get truly great fuel mileage but not over 65mpg, not on a hill, and not anywhere but a couple 7 mile stretches of Maui. When Im on those stretches the fuel coach indicates 30+mpg, which tracks with what I experienced on the highway on the mainland. On Maui, on our roads and routes its 20mpg, also we are always loaded just a couple hundred lbs under max payload.

All that is more than well traded for the fact that this thing grips like Spider-Man. If it has the clearance and angles it sticks. Plain and simple. The other thing is just how fast it is. I havent had a fast car for about 8 years and I thought I was gonna have to tune it and do other speed stuff right off the bat. But so far I just havent been wanting for more speed. The only place it isnt grin on your face fast is at take-off. But floor it when you see that opening ahead while merging, it literally rears up and launches.

I just love these trucks. XLT has enough luxury for a poor guy like me. The last luxury I rode in regularly was a 77 Lincoln Mark. This has every feature that had except power seats. Its not as luxurious as my brothers Cadillac but it is probably classier than I am.

 

[Leuf]

Everyone has their preference and or needs. I won't own another vehicle with vinyl, fake leather, or leather seats. The 2024 XLT luxury package gives some of the nice things mentioned in OP. Unfortunately it also includes the drop in bed liner that's a no deal, or deal breaker similar to vinyl seats in the lariat. I looked at it from a different view, I was able to save my money, also Ford missed out of the extra profit by not letting customers upgrade to spray in bed liner. That's how much I want cloth seats and not going to live with a drop in bed liner

I can live without power seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote starter on FOB, heated mirrors and possibly other options. I wanted the heated mirrors but not worth living with a drop in bed liner.

If you are not going to add the luxury package or some other package like FX4, then you might as well just get an XL and upgrade the wheels yourself if you can't stand the steel wheels. Especially if you live somewhere it snows and would put snow tires on the steelies. There is very little value in the XLT trim level by itself. It's value is in access to the packages that the XL cannot get.

 

[TheShark]

If you are not going to add the luxury package or some other package like FX4, then you might as well just get an XL and upgrade the wheels yourself if you can't stand the steel wheels. Especially if you live somewhere it snows and would put snow tires on the steelies. There is very little value in the XLT trim level by itself. It's value is in access to the packages that the XL cannot get.

The biggest value for the XLT is in it's availability.

 

[Jimmyland]

Well ladies and gentlemen we are now a few years into this wonder truck. I have owned quite a few of this in quite a few different forms. Picking up a 2024 hybrid in May (only the 10th or 11th build date gotten).

This review is for those who do not quite know which to get.

First and foremost-MPG's
How much liquid dinosaur to the different setups use? Well if you are strictly in town and don't tow the hybrid is the hands down winner. I can easily average 50 mpgs around town. Highway it is 30-35 depending on how heavy the foot is. I went from Tuscaloosa, AL to Stone Mountain, GA. Filled up in Tuscaloosa. Stayed two days in GA. Filled up this side of Atlanta on the way back because I had finally gotten down to 1/4 of a tank.

The Fx4-I honestly averaged 30-33 on the highway with this vehicle. That was dang impressive. It gave the hybrid a run for its money on the highway. In town it dropped to the mid 20s. Average over 5k miles was 29 MPGs. Where this truck impressed was the go go power, but that is for later in the review. If you tow or have a lot of highway miles, this is the truck for you.(Mine has the 4k package)

The Tremor-Fuel is not its friend. I dont know why its so different. Mid 20s on hwy, high teens in town. Its fast, but still has the 2k limit.

Drivability-This one is simple and straightforward. The hybrid behaves like a large car. The FX4 like a nimble SUV and the Tremor like a truck. The hybrid feels smooth and linear. They FX4 feels slightly more planted, but a little bit more body roll. The Tremor lets you feel like you know all 4 tires are good and planted. It has much more body roll but nothing alarming.

All of this transfers to rain and slick conditions. The hybrid you slow up a little but never feel a true lack of traction. If you hit mud, turn off the traction control otherwise the trucks computer will pull you to a hard stop and not let you go.

The FX4 never feels out of touch. Its good on slick conditions and give you a nice feel of confidence, even in snow and ice.

The Tremor is almost an offroad truck. The computer is dead on putting power where power needs to be put. Great in any sketchy situation.

They are all comfortable on the highway. They all tow well. The hybrid had never left me wanting more power, the 2.0 has had me surprised at the power. If the hybrid is a 'quick' little truck(and it is) then the 2.0 is plain fast. It is hands down faster than some sports cars of the 90s and as fast as most factory trucks today.

Reliability-The only one that has left me stuck has been the hybrid with the first recall of a bad connection. Other than that they have all be rock solid trucks. The 2022 did develop a rattle. The 2023s have not.

Lariat vs XLT-
This comes straight down to preference. After having the Lariat I will not go back to the XLT. The wireless charging is nice. I find my self using AA less and less(would NOT be the case if it were AA Wireless) and relying on the nav system. The voice recognition is horrible. I would rather the AA still today. I have a lifetime Sirius account so that gets used more than not. The best part of the Lariat is the powered rear window. It is nice to be able to push a button and open it. Great air flow when it is open and nice to crack the sunroof and that on a hot day. The XLT seats are more comfortable, but the heated seats and steering wheel are a worthy tradeoff. The lake keeping vs lane centering differences are astounding. The lariat HOLDS that centerline. Stop and go traffic the truck will do the work for you if you can learn to trust it. Its as close to self driving as you can get without self driving. If you dont need or want any of this than the XLT is fine.

Bottom line, I recommend them all. Hopefully this will help some of you trying to decide which is for you.

Great review. I love my 2023 Eco Boost Lariat. Worth every penny.

 

[JBL14]

Gasoline mostly comes from plants, not dinosaurs. Plants have stored sunshine energy God conveniently designed for our use.

 

[Hunters Edge]

If you are not going to add the luxury package or some other package like FX4, then you might as well just get an XL and upgrade the wheels yourself if you can't stand the steel wheels. Especially if you live somewhere it snows and would put snow tires on the steelies. There is very little value in the XLT trim level by itself. It's value is in access to the packages that the XL cannot get.

To some point I do agree with your post. In my situation I think the XLT has value and merit. I might miss a few things but XLT upgrades the cloth interior including a center armrest with drink holders, the locks work the tailgate or allow a locking tailgate that's also convenient. Don't underestimate the value of flex bed on the XLT trim, the remote mirrors are invaluable if your towing or have multiple drivers both situations a constant need to adjust mirrors, another standard option is speed control, you also mentioned tires but forgot the aluminum wheels that come with the XLT. What you touched on but also have to figure in is the FX4 package that is not available on the xl trim. Keep in mind getting all terrain tires is going to cost you more than the price of FX4 package that you can get on the XLT and tires will cost you most likely more than the FX4 package. It also will give you a larger screen 4 to 6,5 inches, HD fan and shroud for extra cooling, two additional modes, hill descent, front tow hooks, skid plates and upgraded shocks/suspension.

So if someone wanted enough of what's posted the XLT with FX4 with all terrain tires needs to be used to offset the difference in price and most likely I forgot other advantages of the XLT trim.

One thing comes to mind is resale value. A XLT trim most likely would be worth more on a used vehicle.

You or others may not feel the price difference is worth what you get and that's okay. I think it's more money but it does have value.

 

[BradnChristine]

...

One thing comes to mind is resale value. A XLT trim most likely would be worth more on a used vehicle.
...

Resale value isn't on my list of concerns. I buy a car/truck because it will serve my wants/needs and generally keep them between 6 and 20 years. Vehicles are just a depreciating asset. I've bought "rare" cars in the past that turned out to depreciate faster than a not-so-rare car. Case in point was a 1999 SLK230. Dropped like a rock when everyone else started imitating its foldable hardtop. I still kept it 19 years and it was fun (when the top worked).

 

[Hgeneallen]

Well ladies and gentlemen we are now a few years into this wonder truck. I have owned quite a few of this in quite a few different forms. Picking up a 2024 hybrid in May (only the 10th or 11th build date gotten).

This review is for those who do not quite know which to get.

First and foremost-MPG's
How much liquid dinosaur to the different setups use? Well if you are strictly in town and don't tow the hybrid is the hands down winner. I can easily average 50 mpgs around town. Highway it is 30-35 depending on how heavy the foot is. I went from Tuscaloosa, AL to Stone Mountain, GA. Filled up in Tuscaloosa. Stayed two days in GA. Filled up this side of Atlanta on the way back because I had finally gotten down to 1/4 of a tank.

The Fx4-I honestly averaged 30-33 on the highway with this vehicle. That was dang impressive. It gave the hybrid a run for its money on the highway. In town it dropped to the mid 20s. Average over 5k miles was 29 MPGs. Where this truck impressed was the go go power, but that is for later in the review. If you tow or have a lot of highway miles, this is the truck for you.(Mine has the 4k package)

The Tremor-Fuel is not its friend. I dont know why its so different. Mid 20s on hwy, high teens in town. Its fast, but still has the 2k limit.

Drivability-This one is simple and straightforward. The hybrid behaves like a large car. The FX4 like a nimble SUV and the Tremor like a truck. The hybrid feels smooth and linear. They FX4 feels slightly more planted, but a little bit more body roll. The Tremor lets you feel like you know all 4 tires are good and planted. It has much more body roll but nothing alarming.

All of this transfers to rain and slick conditions. The hybrid you slow up a little but never feel a true lack of traction. If you hit mud, turn off the traction control otherwise the trucks computer will pull you to a hard stop and not let you go.

The FX4 never feels out of touch. Its good on slick conditions and give you a nice feel of confidence, even in snow and ice.

The Tremor is almost an offroad truck. The computer is dead on putting power where power needs to be put. Great in any sketchy situation.

They are all comfortable on the highway. They all tow well. The hybrid had never left me wanting more power, the 2.0 has had me surprised at the power. If the hybrid is a 'quick' little truck(and it is) then the 2.0 is plain fast. It is hands down faster than some sports cars of the 90s and as fast as most factory trucks today.

Reliability-The only one that has left me stuck has been the hybrid with the first recall of a bad connection. Other than that they have all be rock solid trucks. The 2022 did develop a rattle. The 2023s have not.

Lariat vs XLT-
This comes straight down to preference. After having the Lariat I will not go back to the XLT. The wireless charging is nice. I find my self using AA less and less(would NOT be the case if it were AA Wireless) and relying on the nav system. The voice recognition is horrible. I would rather the AA still today. I have a lifetime Sirius account so that gets used more than not. The best part of the Lariat is the powered rear window. It is nice to be able to push a button and open it. Great air flow when it is open and nice to crack the sunroof and that on a hot day. The XLT seats are more comfortable, but the heated seats and steering wheel are a worthy tradeoff. The lake keeping vs lane centering differences are astounding. The lariat HOLDS that centerline. Stop and go traffic the truck will do the work for you if you can learn to trust it. Its as close to self driving as you can get without self driving. If you dont need or want any of this than the XLT is fine.

Bottom line, I recommend them all. Hopefully this will help some of you trying to decide which is for you.

Thank you! GREAT REPORT!

I purchased my 1st Maverick just a few weeks ago. The main reason we purchased it is to pull behind our MotorHome; however, I will also use it to commute with and save the miles on my MB S Class.

i wanted the Lariat with the FX4, but because we are towing behind our RV, I couldn’t get a 4x4. And I bought a XLT because I didn’t want to pay $40 grand to pull behind the RV.

With the XLT, we did order the XLT Luxury Pkg, the 360 Tech Pkg and the Black Appearance Pkg.

We are absolutely loving our little truck!

 

[Hunters Edge]

Resale value isn't on my list of concerns. I buy a car/truck because it will serve my wants/needs and generally keep them between 6 and 20 years. Vehicles are just a depreciating asset. I've bought "rare" cars in the past that turned out to depreciate faster than a not-so-rare car. Case in point was a 1999 SLK230. Dropped like a rock when everyone else started imitating its foldable hardtop. I still kept it 19 years and it was fun (when the top worked).

Did you sell your cars after 6 or 20 years? If so you still should be concerned over resale value even if they depreciate.

Let's look at the cost of the XLT $2200

Wheels 1200 to 1500
Tailgate lock (order) 40
Speed Control aftermarket 300
All terrain tires 1000

1200+40+300+1000=2540

XLT +FX4=3000-2540= 460

460 to get speed control on the wheel not aftermarket, locks work on the FOB and the power locks, remote mirrors and everything else on the XLT and the FX4 packages besides the resale value you should gain. For me to buy xl and then buy all terrain tires and wheels I would rather have all the other items especially the flex bed, tow hooks, extra cooling, better suspension, larger screen, hill descent and two additional driving modes.

FYI if I did buy the xl or XLT I would also purchase the 4k tow on both. Not just the hitch or the 7 and 4 trailer electric hook up , or the electric brake controller but to get a trans cooler. I also have an older vehicle almost 16 years old. If you notice when Kelley blue book or Carvana etc.. trim matters in the value.

It boils down to different opinions and wants or in some cases needs. Either way if you buy the XL or XLT it's a good value, in a Maverick, JMHO

 

[Hunters Edge]

Thank you! GREAT REPORT!

I purchased my 1st Maverick just a few weeks ago. The main reason we purchased it is to pull behind our MotorHome; however, I will also use it to commute with and save the miles on my MB S Class.

i wanted the Lariat with the FX4, but because we are towing behind our RV, I couldn’t get a 4x4. And I bought a XLT because I didn’t want to pay $40 grand to pull behind the RV.

With the XLT, we did order the XLT Luxury Pkg, the 360 Tech Pkg and the Black Appearance Pkg.

We are absolutely loving our little truck!

Nice looking truck, hope you keep enjoying it for several years.

 

[Luthinator]

I, Like some spend a lot of time driving. In Illinois we have every type of weather. I have not had many issues with front wheel drive in winter. I decided the annual fuel savings was more important than the all wheel drive that would be helpful for the 4-10 day a year, it might be helpful to have. I love the 24' Lariat hybrid. The temps have been cooler out. I am still averaging between 40 - 42mpg with mixed driving. There is almost nothing I do not like about this truck, so far (only had it 2 weeks). The only weird thing, I haven't quite had time to figure out, is when the 120v power outlets work and/or turn off. It is one of my favorite vehicles I have ever had.... the 99' Firebird was up there too. Nothing beats T-tops and a killer sound system!!
That being said there are tons of options for everyone.
I really appreciate this thread not turning into a one bashing everything the OP said! Some of these get out of hand by people nit-picking too much.

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