Ford Maverick 2.0L Intel From Hands-On Experience

[pxpaulx]

Do you mean the tailgate? If so, it is not damped like most full-size trucks, however, it does have a torsion bar assist which makes the tailgate feel incredibly light when opening or closing.

From what I can tell the damper I had added on my Ranger won't be able to swap into the maverick's tailgate - the mount points are definitely (unsurprisingly of course) different. Do you think there will be one made as aftermarket? I know my Ranger one is built by another company but sold as an optional Ford part - just wondering if something similar would be likely to come along.

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[keebs159]

Thanks for the write-up, Noah. Do you know if this truck has the 4k Towing Package with the stronger final drive ratio?

 

[starquestbd22]

What are some of the things your not crazy about in the Ranger?

Short version? Height, appearance, ride quality, trans and driveline smoothness.

And for the longer version. Honestly, the majority of them are pretty subjective. I'm not a fan of how tall the Ranger is. I'm 5' 10" and it has step bars so getting in and out is fine but I like something that I can step in and out of easily without step bars. My wife's Highlander is the perfect height. Also, I can reach over the bedside of the Ranger somewhat but I know the Maverick will be better. Aside from comfort and practicality, being so tall and kinda narrow at the top gives the Ranger the tall goofy kid look. I like the body styling overall but the Maverick looks lower and wider and I like that.

The ride quality is another thing that I'm not crazy over. Honestly, it isn't terrible. It could be much worse. But it's a little firm for my tastes over rough surfaces. It's a body on frame...I get it.

A couple things that aren't subjective are the transmission and the take-off shudder. The 10spd trans isn't terrible but its reputation for being a little jerky or twitchy is pretty well deserved. It's never harsh or rough really but most shifts aren't extremely smooth either. Seems like it may be getting a little better as it breaks in but I can tell it'll never be as smooth as the 8spd in my wife's Highlander or the 6spd in my 17 F150 that I traded. Higher end vehicles than the Ranger, I know, so probably not a fair comparison. But I hope the 8spd in the Mav is smoother at least. Also, the take-off shudder is something that a lot of these new Rangers have. It's a very brief and relatively minor shudder or vibration that occurs at around 10mph when accelerating from a stop. Pretty sure it is related to the pinion angle. Supposedly some Rangers don't do it but of the three brand new ones I test drove, they all did it. Ford knows but I don't think they have produced a guaranteed fix. It's more of a nuisance than anything.

Bottom line for me is I'm excited about having something that rides, drives, and feels like an SUV that I can still haul stuff in. I don't need the capability of body on frame, ground clearance, or additional 3500 pounds of towing that the Ranger provides. I wanted something smaller and better on gas than my F150 and the Ranger was a step in the right direction. If not for the Maverick, I wouldn't consider trading the Ranger. But the Mav is an even bigger step in the same direction.

**EDIT: Also, as crazy as this may seem, I'm excited about the extra 2" of rear seat legroom for the kiddos and the under seat storage. Room isn't a huge factor but more is better, right? The under seat storage in the Ranger is pathetic.

 

[starquestbd22]

From what I can tell the damper I had added on my Ranger won't be able to swap into the maverick's tailgate - the mount points are definitely (unsurprisingly of course) different. Do you think there will be one made as aftermarket? I know my Ranger one is built by another company but sold as an optional Ford part - just wondering if something similar would be likely to come along.

I would be utterly shocked if Dee Zee doesn't product one. And being a relatively simply product, I'd guess it'll be out and available quickly.

 

[pxpaulx]

true, and factory warranty so no tune lol

Within a year of the Ranger's release the official Ford Performance tune was available, fully warrantied. Here's hoping we see the same!

 

[jcsan18]

I have a question.


What are some things on the Maverick that you found odd or didn’t particularly care for, in your experience?

 

[06Warrior]

Short version? Height, appearance, ride quality, trans and driveline smoothness.

And for the longer version. Honestly, the majority of them are pretty subjective. I'm not a fan of how tall the Ranger is. I'm 5' 10" and it has step bars so getting in and out is fine but I like something that I can step in and out of easily without step bars. My wife's Highlander is the perfect height. Also, I can reach over the bedside of the Ranger somewhat but I know the Maverick will be better. Aside from comfort and practicality, being so tall and kinda narrow at the top gives the Ranger the tall goofy kid look. I like the body styling overall but the Maverick looks lower and wider and I like that.

The ride quality is another thing that I'm not crazy over. Honestly, it isn't terrible. It could be much worse. But it's a little firm for my tastes over rough surfaces. It's a body on frame...I get it.

A couple things that aren't subjective are the transmission and the take-off shudder. The 10spd trans isn't terrible but its reputation for being a little jerky or twitchy is pretty well deserved. It's never harsh or rough really but most shifts aren't extremely smooth either. Seems like it may be getting a little better as it breaks in but I can tell it'll never be as smooth as the 8spd in my wife's Highlander or the 6spd in my 17 F150 that I traded. Higher end vehicles than the Ranger, I know, so probably not a fair comparison. But I hope the 8spd in the Mav is smoother at least. Also, the take-off shudder is something that a lot of these new Rangers have. It's a very brief and relatively minor shudder or vibration that occurs at around 10mph when accelerating from a stop. Pretty sure it is related to the pinion angle. Supposedly some Rangers don't do it but of the three brand new ones I test drove, they all did it. Ford knows but I don't think they have produced a guaranteed fix. It's more of a nuisance than anything.

Bottom line for me is I'm excited about having something that rides, drives, and feels like an SUV that I can still haul stuff in. I don't need the capability of body on frame, ground clearance, or additional 3500 pounds of towing that the Ranger provides. I wanted something smaller and better on gas than my F150 and the Ranger was a step in the right direction. If not for the Maverick, I wouldn't consider trading the Ranger. But the Mav is an even bigger step in the same direction.

**EDIT: Also, as crazy as this may seem, I'm excited about the extra 2" of rear seat legroom for the kiddos and the under seat storage. Room isn't a huge factor but more is better, right? The under seat storage in the Ranger is pathetic.

Thanks for the review. I’ve never been crazy about the Ranger.

Too tall and big. I dislike the tail lights on it. They look oversized.

Now I never driven one but never really was interested in one to try out. To me the Maverick checks off a lot of boxes. Can’t wait to get it.

I have the 10 speed auto in my 18’ Mustang GT. 1st year it was offered. I’ve heard many reviews and forum members say it hunts gears and shifts aren’t smooth at times. I’ve never experienced that with mine. It actually shifts smooth and is super fast.

Some Mustang owners brought it into Ford and had them reprogram the transmission and it seemed to do the trick.

 

[keebs159]

Short version? Height, appearance, ride quality, trans and driveline smoothness.

And for the longer version. Honestly, the majority of them are pretty subjective. I'm not a fan of how tall the Ranger is. I'm 5' 10" and it has step bars so getting in and out is fine but I like something that I can step in and out of easily without step bars. My wife's Highlander is the perfect height. Also, I can reach over the bedside of the Ranger somewhat but I know the Maverick will be better. Aside from comfort and practicality, being so tall and kinda narrow at the top gives the Ranger the tall goofy kid look. I like the body styling overall but the Maverick looks lower and wider and I like that.

The ride quality is another thing that I'm not crazy over. Honestly, it isn't terrible. It could be much worse. But it's a little firm for my tastes over rough surfaces. It's a body on frame...I get it.

A couple things that aren't subjective are the transmission and the take-off shudder. The 10spd trans isn't terrible but its reputation for being a little jerky or twitchy is pretty well deserved. It's never harsh or rough really but most shifts aren't extremely smooth either. Seems like it may be getting a little better as it breaks in but I can tell it'll never be as smooth as the 8spd in my wife's Highlander or the 6spd in my 17 F150 that I traded. Higher end vehicles than the Ranger, I know, so probably not a fair comparison. But I hope the 8spd in the Mav is smoother at least. Also, the take-off shudder is something that a lot of these new Rangers have. It's a very brief and relatively minor shudder or vibration that occurs at around 10mph when accelerating from a stop. Pretty sure it is related to the pinion angle. Supposedly some Rangers don't do it but of the three brand new ones I test drove, they all did it. Ford knows but I don't think they have produced a guaranteed fix. It's more of a nuisance than anything.

Bottom line for me is I'm excited about having something that rides, drives, and feels like an SUV that I can still haul stuff in. I don't need the capability of body on frame, ground clearance, or additional 3500 pounds of towing that the Ranger provides. I wanted something smaller and better on gas than my F150 and the Ranger was a step in the right direction. If not for the Maverick, I wouldn't consider trading the Ranger. But the Mav is an even bigger step in the same direction.

**EDIT: Also, as crazy as this may seem, I'm excited about the extra 2" of rear seat legroom for the kiddos and the under seat storage. Room isn't a huge factor but more is better, right? The under seat storage in the Ranger is pathetic.

Interesting notes on the 10-speed there. I saw a very early preliminary Maverick spec sheet that had a 10-speed replacing the 2.0's 8-speed in one of the packages (can't remember which) but it vanished and switched to all 8 for the 2.0 in subsequent versions. I assumed that meant it was a typo, but maybe they tested it and found it too rough for a vehicle aimed at "non-truck" buyers.

 

[Pantomath]

Hi Noah.... Any chance you could park it next to a Ranger pickup (or other size I can compare) and take a picture to compare sizes? I'm struggling to envision how big/small this thing is!! I have a taller husband and I don't know if he will fit...or have to walk!

 

[thosw]

Hi Noah.... Any chance you could park it next to a Ranger pickup (or other size I can compare) and take a picture to compare sizes? I'm struggling to envision how big/small this thing is!! I have a taller husband and I don't know if he will fit...or have to walk!

I bet if he fits in the Honda Civic, he’ll fit in the Maverick!

 

[detroiter313]

this is the hybrid cluster, unless the 2.0 is gonna rev to 18000 rpm.

i know but this is the best I got without the 6.5 inch screen

 

[detroiter313]

Hi Noah.... Any chance you could park it next to a Ranger pickup (or other size I can compare) and take a picture to compare sizes? I'm struggling to envision how big/small this thing is!! I have a taller husband and I don't know if he will fit...or have to walk!

hey Ellie! sorry I am not currently with the vehicle, but I can help by saying that myself (6'3) can fit great, and my buddy (6'8) can fit great in it also, and I could sit behind him. In my experience I feel that if the ranger has a smaller and less- "roomie" than the maverick. I love the maverick leg room and it feels spacious...

BUT I have a picture of the maverick I checked out next to a mustang and an edge if that helps lol.

 

[detroiter313]

From what I can tell the damper I had added on my Ranger won't be able to swap into the maverick's tailgate - the mount points are definitely (unsurprisingly of course) different. Do you think there will be one made as aftermarket? I know my Ranger one is built by another company but sold as an optional Ford part - just wondering if something similar would be likely to come along.

I have a feeling that with the size of the bed, dimensions, and also based off of how ford is doing accessories for the F-150, Ranger, Bronco, Bronco Sport and all, I don't see why they wouldn't. I feel this car will be one of the best "camping" expedition trucks, so companies like Thule, Yakima, and others will hop on the sizes. I have a feeling that they will do some "cool" add ons

 

[detroiter313]

Short version? Height, appearance, ride quality, trans and driveline smoothness.

And for the longer version. Honestly, the majority of them are pretty subjective. I'm not a fan of how tall the Ranger is. I'm 5' 10" and it has step bars so getting in and out is fine but I like something that I can step in and out of easily without step bars. My wife's Highlander is the perfect height. Also, I can reach over the bedside of the Ranger somewhat but I know the Maverick will be better. Aside from comfort and practicality, being so tall and kinda narrow at the top gives the Ranger the tall goofy kid look. I like the body styling overall but the Maverick looks lower and wider and I like that.

The ride quality is another thing that I'm not crazy over. Honestly, it isn't terrible. It could be much worse. But it's a little firm for my tastes over rough surfaces. It's a body on frame...I get it.

A couple things that aren't subjective are the transmission and the take-off shudder. The 10spd trans isn't terrible but its reputation for being a little jerky or twitchy is pretty well deserved. It's never harsh or rough really but most shifts aren't extremely smooth either. Seems like it may be getting a little better as it breaks in but I can tell it'll never be as smooth as the 8spd in my wife's Highlander or the 6spd in my 17 F150 that I traded. Higher end vehicles than the Ranger, I know, so probably not a fair comparison. But I hope the 8spd in the Mav is smoother at least. Also, the take-off shudder is something that a lot of these new Rangers have. It's a very brief and relatively minor shudder or vibration that occurs at around 10mph when accelerating from a stop. Pretty sure it is related to the pinion angle. Supposedly some Rangers don't do it but of the three brand new ones I test drove, they all did it. Ford knows but I don't think they have produced a guaranteed fix. It's more of a nuisance than anything.

Bottom line for me is I'm excited about having something that rides, drives, and feels like an SUV that I can still haul stuff in. I don't need the capability of body on frame, ground clearance, or additional 3500 pounds of towing that the Ranger provides. I wanted something smaller and better on gas than my F150 and the Ranger was a step in the right direction. If not for the Maverick, I wouldn't consider trading the Ranger. But the Mav is an even bigger step in the same direction.

**EDIT: Also, as crazy as this may seem, I'm excited about the extra 2" of rear seat legroom for the kiddos and the under seat storage. Room isn't a huge factor but more is better, right? The under seat storage in the Ranger is pathetic.

That 2 inches (no joke intended) is a lot (okay maybe small joke intended)

The size difference is ridiculous

 

[detroiter313]

Thanks for the write-up, Noah. Do you know if this truck has the 4k Towing Package with the stronger final drive ratio?

I am not sure if the one I tested did. I do know that it is possible to have that.

One thing I critique ford for is based off the way they advertise, because the way they market it almost makes it seem like that if you do NOT get the 4k towing package, you CANNOT tow more than 2000 lbs. but that's not how it works.
If you get the 2.0L and AWD, I believe you should be able to tow up to 4000 Lbs., because if you went to the pricing sheet, the 4k towing package only includes the trailer lock, the 7-pin connector, the upgraded intercooler, high capacity radiator, cooling fan and drive train upgrade, but I don't see why you couldn't tow 3000 - 4000 lbs with maybe even the off road package. I Don't know I wish ford gave specifications more on that

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