Ford Maverick Hybrid Real-World Review

Quick Take

✔ MPG still exceeds expectations

✔ Extremely practical for everyday life

✔ Reliable so far — zero meaningful issues

✔ Hybrid system is smooth and genuinely enjoyable

✘ Cabin noise is louder than expected

✘ Infotainment can be glitchy with Android phones

✘ Oil changes are unnecessarily irritating

👉 Bottom line:

After 2 years and 18,000 miles, the Maverick Hybrid has proven to be one of the best overall vehicle values we’ve owned.

At a Glance

Vehicle: 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid XL

Miles: ~18,000

Ownership Time: 2 years

Real-World MPG

• City: 55–60 MPG

• Highway: 36–38 MPG

• Mixed: 41–42 MPG

Reality Check

This is not a luxury truck.

The XL trim is basic, and the cabin is noticeably louder than our F350 dually—especially on rough pavement.

And while the technology is useful, the infotainment system can occasionally be frustrating with Android Bluetooth connections.

But none of those things changed the bigger picture:

👉 This truck has been exceptionally practical, economical, and reliable.

Reliability (So Far)

This is one area where the Maverick has exceeded expectations.

After 18,000 miles:

✔ No repairs✔ No warning lights✔ No rattles✔ No mechanical issues✔ No unexpected problems

That matters.

Especially in a newer hybrid platform.

MPG — The Biggest Surprise

The fuel economy still feels slightly ridiculous for a truck.

Actual Results:

• 55–60 MPG around town

• 36–38 MPG highway

• 41–42 MPG mixed driving

• 
  

Those numbers exceeded our expectations.

The Hybrid System

The hybrid system has been:

✔ smooth

✔ seamless

✔ surprisingly fun

One unexpected feature we ended up liking:

👉 Ford’s “Braking Coach”

It teaches you how to maximize regenerative braking efficiency, and it genuinely helps improve MPG over time.

Real-World Utility

This is where the Maverick really shines.

We use it regularly for:

• Home Depot runs

• Lowe’s

• feed store trips

• hauling bikes

• road trips

• general cargo hauling

  
  

And despite its smaller size:

✔ We’ve hauled full sheets of plywood

✔ Hauled 2x10 lumber

✔ Easily transported bikes in the bed

The adjustable tailgate setup makes the bed much more useful than we originally expected.

Comfort & Driving Experience

The seats have remained comfortable, even on longer drives.

Longest single-day trip so far:

👉 ~325 miles

No complaints.

The truck:

✔ feels solid

✔ stable at highway speeds

✔ safe and confidence-inspiring

That was important to us after years of owning full-size trucks.

Technology

This XL trim includes:

• lane-keeping assist

• pre-collision assist

No adaptive cruise control on this model.

Lane Keeping

The system is fairly basic compared to newer systems, but:

👉 it’s useful

And honestly, this technology changed our thinking more than we expected.

The Unexpected Side Effect

This truck may have accidentally become:

👉 a “gateway drug” to EV and self-driving technology.

Enjoying:

• regenerative braking

• hybrid driving

• lane assist

• 
  

made us much more curious about what newer systems—especially Tesla’s FSD—might be capable of.

Without that curiosity, we probably would have kept the Maverick indefinitely.

What Annoys Us

Not much—but a few things stand out.

Cabin Noise

Road noise is louder than expected.

We’ve been told higher trims have better sound deadening.

Infotainment

Bluetooth connection with Android phones can occasionally be glitchy.

Oil Changes

This is unnecessarily annoying.

To access the oil drain plug, you must remove:👉 a large bottom cover held in place by:

• 17 screws

• plus tabs

Not difficult—just irritating.

Ownership Costs

✔ Insurance has been reasonable

✔ Maintenance has been inexpensive

✔ Tires are wearing well

No ownership surprises so far.

Would We Buy It Again?

Absent our growing interest in Tesla and FSD technology:

👉 Absolutely.

For us, it’s still the best small truck we’ve seen.

Especially because:

• we already own a heavy-duty tow vehicle

• so the Maverick only needs to handle everyday life

And it does that extremely well.

Who It’s For

✔ People wanting MPG without losing utility

✔ Truck owners tired of using heavy-duty trucks for errands

✔ Anyone wanting a practical, affordable daily driver

Who Should Skip It

✘ People wanting luxury-level refinement

✘ Heavy RV towers

✘ Those sensitive to road noise

Final Answer

If someone says:

👉 “I need a practical daily driver with a truck bed”

Answer:

👉 The Maverick Hybrid is still the best option we’ve personally seen.