Howdy: Looking at Mavericks

[RSTX]

I've been reading here for the last couple of weeks and finally decided to join. I don't own a Maverick yet, but hope to in the next couple of months. I don't even own a pickup/truck/vehicle with a bed, just a small suv. It works for the most part, but I am a woodturner, and I frequently use it to bring home chunks of wood. I find myself wanting a bed that I don't have to keep clean. So, I've started looking at the small pickup market.

The Maverick seems like it will fit my needs without too many compromises. I don't require tow capacity (I do not own a trailer nor have a place to put it). I don't need a lot of payload nor space for large items. Off road capability is NOT a concern. The only time I get off the pavement is if I accidently put a tire off the edge of my driveway into the grass, so front wheel drive is totally fine. This vehicle will be more of a second car, so it needs to be *relatively* cheap to buy, run, and insure. My wants include: efficiency (looking hard at the hybrid), easy to drive/park/live with, comfortable (needs good AC because Texas!), and that's about it.

I'm focusing mainly on car-based pickups, like the Maverick and Ridgeline. I just don't need or want the body-on-frame capabilities and drawbacks. The Ridgeline looks great, but even it is more capability than I truly need. So, I've narrowed my search to the Maverick. If I were using this to commute or haul people around all the time I would probably look at the XLT or even Lariat, but since it will just be me driving it once or twice a week, I think the XL will suffice. I'm looking at dealerships from Houston to Austin and see several XL models selling for $27k-28k. I plan on test driving one in the next week or two.

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[b1miller]

If you want to listen to Sirius XM or use the map feature on the display you will want the Sync 360 option. Using the Carplay feature has been the most frustrating feature of my 2024 Maverick. Constant drop outs when using Bluetooth or it just locks up and as we discovered on a recent 1500 mile trip weak cellular coverage makes Carplay useless. To the point that I may sell mine next year and go to a Ranger which what was I originally wanted. I also do not like using the display in sunny or bright sunshine. It is almost unusable.
I like my Maverick FX4 most of the time but those 2 issues have been extremely disappointing for me.

 

[a***h]

It sounds like you're on track with your search. The main thing I would stress is the Hybrid. That extra 10 mpg will pay off with spades.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Sounds like you have done your research, Rick. A hybrid XL may be just the ticket. I cross-shopped Ridgeline as well, and just did not need the larger size or relative "extravagance," even though we have been primarily a Honda family for years.

My XLT has the same entertainment setup as the XL, and I have not had any issues with it, and I use CarPlay every trip. I'm sure it is locale-dependent based on your local cellular coverage. For your purposes it may not matter at all.

If you wander around the forums, you'll probably notice that the most common care-and-feeding issue for the hybrids seems to be just watching and maintaining the 12V battery. It is often as simple as having a modern trickle charger handy. Good luck!

 

[Decayed]

I'd just get the cheapest base model possible. The only add on should be a spray in bed liner. Everything else will be fine for your stated purposes.

 

[Bodageta]

If you want to listen to Sirius XM or use the map feature on the display you will want the Sync 360 option. Using the Carplay feature has been the most frustrating feature of my 2024 Maverick. Constant drop outs when using Bluetooth or it just locks up and as we discovered on a recent 1500 mile trip weak cellular coverage makes Carplay useless. To the point that I may sell mine next year and go to a Ranger which what was I originally wanted. I also do not like using the display in sunny or bright sunshine. It is almost unusable.
I like my Maverick FX4 most of the time but those 2 issues have been extremely disappointing for me.

Make sure you have the latest updates on your phone and also
Try someone else’s phone if you haven’t. I have 25000 miles on my 2023 XLT. I use a wireless plug and connect wirelessly to CarPlay. I’ve only had it freeze less than 5 times in all those miles. For the first 1000 miles I had my phone plugged in by cable and also basically no issues.

 

[peeturd]

I’ve got a 2023 xl fwd, only option I got was the trailer socket w/elec plug ($100). I am totally delighted with this truck - no problems whatsoever and Apple play from phone works perfectly.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I'd just get the cheapest base model possible. The only add on should be a spray in bed liner. Everything else will be fine for your stated purposes.

Yes by the way the op reads with only driving once or twice a week, it would take many years to make up for additional $1500 for the hybrid.

I've been reading here for the last couple of weeks and finally decided to join. I don't own a Maverick yet, but hope to in the next couple of months. I don't even own a pickup/truck/vehicle with a bed, just a small suv. It works for the most part, but I am a woodturner, and I frequently use it to bring home chunks of wood. I find myself wanting a bed that I don't have to keep clean. So, I've started looking at the small pickup market.

The Maverick seems like it will fit my needs without too many compromises. I don't require tow capacity (I do not own a trailer nor have a place to put it). I don't need a lot of payload nor space for large items. Off road capability is NOT a concern. The only time I get off the pavement is if I accidently put a tire off the edge of my driveway into the grass, so front wheel drive is totally fine. This vehicle will be more of a second car, so it needs to be *relatively* cheap to buy, run, and insure. My wants include: efficiency (looking hard at the hybrid), easy to drive/park/live with, comfortable (needs good AC because Texas!), and that's about it.

I'm focusing mainly on car-based pickups, like the Maverick and Ridgeline. I just don't need or want the body-on-frame capabilities and drawbacks. The Ridgeline looks great, but even it is more capability than I truly need. So, I've narrowed my search to the Maverick. If I were using this to commute or haul people around all the time I would probably look at the XLT or even Lariat, but since it will just be me driving it once or twice a week, I think the XL will suffice. I'm looking at dealerships from Houston to Austin and see several XL models selling for $27k-28k. I plan on test driving one in the next week or two.

Hello and welcome to MTC. Hope you get a Maverick soon, I'm sure you will appreciate what it has to offer. A spray in bed liner is highly recommend x2. FYI cubic ft in a Ridgeline is 33.9 the Ford Maverick is 33.6 not much difference because of higher sides or rails. Also backseat room on the non hybrid Maverick has similar leg room and more headroom than the Ridgeline. I think if you have narrowed it down to the Maverick you have researched both already. Like I mentioned above the non hybrid would be less expensive, give you more rear seat leg room and give you additional power with an increase in horsepower, torque and getting an 8 speed transmission instead of the cvt in the hybrid. Almost forgot, a little more room or storage under the rear saet. Whichever one you choose, best of luck, hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Gray Goose]

Your needs are roughly the same as mine. XL will be sufficient. Receiver hitch and Copilot 360 are good options to get.

 

[Decayed]

Your needs are roughly the same as mine. XL will be sufficient. Receiver hitch and Copilot 360 are good options to get.

Certainly the trailer hitch is a value - is it still like $150? CP 360 might be overkill for him though.

 

[Jone]

I'd just get the cheapest base model possible. The only add on should be a spray in bed liner. Everything else will be fine for your stated purposes.

Yep. My only regret is not holding out for SIBL

 

[b1miller]

Did not mean to sound so negative. Just had a bad weekend with the Carplay issues. Not sure if it's the IPhone or the truck.

But the positive.
Mine is the XLT model and works for me.
The bed size is good for my needs also.
Love the gas mileage. 26-33 mpg. Much better than my F150.
Very comfortable inside.
Lots of storage inside and in bed.
Good ride even with the FX4 option.
Tons of accessories available.
Like the 4K tow package.
Spray-in bed line is great.

 

[Gray Goose]

Certainly the trailer hitch is a value - is it still like $150? CP 360 might be overkill for him though.

Yes I debated about the CP360 when placing the order. The tipping point was power mirrors that come with CP360. The last vehicle I had with manual mirrors was a '96 Ranger.

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