Is the Ford Maverick a success?

Yes. The Ford Maverick has proven to be a notable success in the U.S. market, delivering strong demand, accessible pricing, and standout fuel economy in a compact pickup that appeals to a broad range of buyers.

Context: why a compact pickup mattered for Ford

When Ford introduced the Maverick for the 2022 model year, it reimagined what a small pickup could be: a unibody, feature-rich truck that aimed to combine truck practicality with car-like efficiency and a low starting price. The goal was to attract first-time truck buyers, fleet customers, and value-conscious shoppers who wanted utility without-footprint high costs. In the years since, the Maverick has become a barometer for how well a compact, affordable truck can perform in a crowded market.

Sales performance and demand

To understand the Maverick’s market reception, consider the following indicators of demand and commercial performance.

• Broad appeal to first-time buyers and value-focused customers who needed utility without paying premium truck prices.


• Two powertrain options—the efficient hybrid and the more capable EcoBoost—giving buyers a balance of efficiency and capability.


• Competitive fuel economy, with the hybrid variant widely praised for delivering strong miles-per-gallon in real-world use.


• Continued dealer interest and a steady order bank, even as supply constraints affected availability at times.


• Strong overall value for a new pickup in its class, contributing to favorable total cost of ownership compared with some rivals.

Taken together, these factors illustrate why the Maverick has maintained healthy momentum in the market and contributed to Ford’s broader truck strategy.

Market impact and industry reception

The Maverick’s success has had ripple effects beyond its own sales numbers, influencing Ford’s approach to trucks and prompting industry-wide adjustments in the small-pickup segment.

• Ford positioned the Maverick as the entry point of its truck lineup, pairing it with the Ranger for mid-size capability and a broader appeal to different buyer segments.


• The model helped spur competition in the segment, with rivals accelerating or refreshing their own compact pickups and hybrid options to mirror Maverick’s efficiency and value.


• Analysts and reviewers highlighted the Maverick’s practicality, interior versatility, and strong standard feature set for a low-price truck, reinforcing the case for affordable, efficient pickups.


• The Maverick’s success contributed to a broader industry emphasis on hybrid powertrains and flexible cargo layouts in light-duty trucks.

Overall, the Maverick’s performance reinforced Ford’s strategy of broadening its appeal in the pickup segment and underscored consumer demand for affordable, efficient work trucks.

Challenges and caveats

Despite its success, the Maverick has faced headwinds common to new, popular models in a constrained market, which are important context for evaluating its performance.

• Supply-chain constraints and semiconductor shortages led to fluctuating dealer inventory and longer wait times for some configurations.


• Pricing dynamics, including markup and dealer preparation fees in certain markets, affected the perceived value proposition for some buyers.


• Competition from other compact pickups and new crossovers with hybrid options has intensified, placing ongoing pressure on Ford to maintain feature parity and pricing.


• Continued evolution of emission and fuel-economy standards may influence future powertrain options and trims offered in the Maverick lineup.

These factors illustrate that while the Maverick is a success in many respects, its performance has been moderated by broader market conditions and competition.

What the industry and consumers say

Across reviews and market analyses, the Maverick is frequently cited for delivering value, practicality, and efficiency in a compact truck package. Critics often praise its interior space for a small truck, adaptable bed and cabin configurations, and the choice between a capable EcoBoost variant and an exceptionally efficient hybrid. Consumer response has remained solid enough to sustain interest over multiple model years, even as Ford and the market navigate supply dynamics and pricing pressures.

Summary

The Ford Maverick stands as a meaningful success in Ford’s lineup: it carved out a new niche in the pickup market by combining affordability, practicality, and efficiency in a compact, unibody design. Its blend of value pricing, flexible configurations, and strong real-world fuel economy attracted a wide audience, from first-time truck buyers to cost-conscious fleet customers. While supply challenges and competition have tempered some of the halo, the Maverick has reshaped expectations for what a small pickup can deliver and remains a notable pillar of Ford’s strategic approach to trucks.

Was the Ford Maverick successful?

And yes sales are absolutely booming for the Ford Maverick. In 2024 Ford sold 131,142 Mavericks in the United States and that was an increase of 39.4%.

Which is better, Honda Ridgeline or Ford Maverick?

The Maverick ranks #1 in compact pickups and earned our 10Best Trucks award, while the Ridgeline ranks #6 in mid-size trucks. Both earned Editors' Choice honors, but serve different needs: the Maverick prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability, while the Ridgeline emphasizes comfort and car-like driving dynamics.

Does the Ford Maverick have a lot of issues?

Common Ford Maverick problems include build quality concerns like inconsistent panel gaps and interior rattles, multiple safety-related recalls for the hybrid engine fire risk and side curtain airbags, and electrical issues such as dead batteries and faulty systems. Other frequent complaints are related to brake issues, including premature wear and potential failures, and the potential for premature rust due to lack of extensive underbody protection.
 
Build quality and design issues 

• Inconsistent panel gaps and interior rattles: Early models had issues with uneven panel alignment and interior trim pieces that developed rattles. 
• Engine noise and vibrations: The absence of cabin insulation allowed engine noise and vibrations to be more noticeable in early models. 
• Rust concerns: Due to a manufacturing process that prioritizes affordability, some models may have a higher risk of premature rust on the underside and suspension components. 

Safety and recall issues

• Hybrid engine fire risk: A significant recall involved hybrid models due to the potential for engine failure causing fuel and oil leaks near hot components, creating a fire risk. 
• Airbag and seatbelt failures: Recalls have been issued for side curtain airbags that may not deploy properly and rear seat belt buckles that were not securely attached. 
• Brake system problems: Issues include randomly illuminated brake lights and potential malfunctions in the trailer brake controller and overall braking system. 
• Fuel tank leaks: Some early models had fuel tank leaks caused by improper installation of certain bed liners. 

Electrical and software problems

• Dead batteries: Owners have reported unexpected and sudden battery deaths. 
• Frozen or malfunctioning systems: Problems include frozen radios and infotainment screens, as well as a body control module that may falsely detect electrical issues or cause warning lights to fail. 
• Power delivery issues: Some vehicles have experienced issues like a surging sensation when stopped, which can occur with the ICE engine. 

Other issues

• Brake system issues: In addition to the recall-related problems, owners have reported issues like premature wear on brake pads and rotors, and sticking brakes at low speeds. 
• CV axle failures: Some owners have reported clicking noises when turning, which could indicate a failing CV axle. 
• Steering wheel and column problems: The steering wheel upholstery was sometimes improperly fitted, and the steering column was sometimes visibly exposed in early models. 

What is the #1 selling truck in the US?

The best-selling truck in America is the Ford F-Series, which has held the title for 48 consecutive years. This includes various models like the F-150, F-250, and F-350. Its popularity is attributed to its long history, reliability, and versatility. 
You can watch this video to learn why the Ford F-150 is America's best-selling truck: 59sCoastLifeYouTube · Mar 6, 2025

• A 48-year streak: The Ford F-Series has been America's top-selling truck for nearly five decades, with sales surpassing 33 million units since 1977. 
• Versatility: The F-Series lineup offers a wide range of models to suit different needs, from the popular F-150 to the heavy-duty F-250 and F-350. 
• Innovation: The F-Series has continuously updated with new features, such as Pro Power Onboard, a hands-free driving system, and advanced towing technology, to meet customer demands. 
• Overall popularity: It's also the best-selling vehicle of any kind in the U.S., a position it has maintained for 42 years.