2026 Ford Maverick

Overview

The Ford Maverick is the smallest truck in the Blue Oval's lineup, filling the need for those who want the utility of a pickup but are put off by their ever-increasing price and size. The Maverick has a unibody design, which means it has more in common with an Escape than a F-150. That comes with some benefits, like improved ride quality and a quieter ride overall, but you do sacrifice some capability in the process. It can't tow as much as the next-size-up Ford Ranger, for instance, and its off-road hardware isn't as impressive. As long as you don't plan on pushing your truck to its limits, however, the Maverick offers a compelling value statement; this is bolstered by the Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain, which nets the compact truck an impressive EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined driving. We're not expecting any major changes for 2026.

Edmunds spotlight: The right size for you

The Maverick's primary appeal is its size. Full-size and midsize pickup trucks have grown dramatically over the past 20 years, but customer needs really haven't. If you want the utility of a truck for camping trips, hardware store runs and soccer practice, the Maverick will almost certainly do the job. And it will do so at a lower price with better fuel economy. 

Competitors to consider

The Ford Maverick has one primary competitor: the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz has a less traditional design that you may find either appealing or off-putting. It is also not available as a hybrid (yet). But it's feature-rich and offers a more upscale interior than the utilitarian Maverick. And you can't beat Hyundai's impressive 10-year powertrain warranty.