Overview
MotorTrend named Ford’s Maverick its 2026 Truck of the Year after two weeks of testing against five other new or updated contenders. The recognition coincides with a midcycle refresh that adds tech, trims, and pricing tweaks aimed at commuters and buyers needing light-duty capability, according to the publication.
Why it won, per MotorTrend
Editors cited strength across performance, engineering, design, efficiency, value, and safety. Highlights include new trailering tech filtered down from larger Ford pickups, improved in-cabin tech, and a lineup that broadens the truck’s appeal without losing its small-footprint practicality.
What’s new for 2026
- 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Sync 4.
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist (standard on Lariat, optional on Lobo, per MotorTrend).
- Fully digital 8.0-inch instrument cluster with drive-mode color themes.
- Exterior refresh with distinct grilles/trim tying Maverick closer to Ford’s larger trucks.
MotorTrend’s Scott Evans noted the trailering aids eased hitching and reversing with about 1,420 pounds in tow, while adding that accessory towing mirrors would help when backing with the smaller factory mirrors.
Pricing and lineup (MotorTrend reporting)
- XL 2.0L EcoBoost FWD: $28,840 (now the least expensive turbo; $1,000 below the hybrid).
- XL Hybrid FWD: $29,840.
- 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: $29,840 (now matches the hybrid FWD price; a $125 improvement over prior parity).
- Step from XL to XLT: $2,500.
- Lariat 2.0L EcoBoost: $37,565 (down $920).
- Lariat Hybrid: $39,785 (down $350).
Towing, payload, and capability
The maximum tow rating remains 4,000 pounds with AWD and the $745 4K Tow package on XL, XLT, or Lariat, per MotorTrend. To enable this on the hybrid AWD, Ford adapted Escape hardware and added a transmission oil cooler and higher-capacity cooling fan. Testers observed the transmission can build heat if wheels are spun in mud or when rocking at low speeds.
MotorTrend said the truck handled payloads up to 700 pounds without bottoming out. The trailer-assist systems reduced effort for hitching and backing, though towing mirrors are recommended for frequent trailer reversing.
Variants and driving impressions
- Hybrid AWD (XLT tested): Smooth, controlled ride; engine holds higher rpm under load during acceleration, which buyers may notice when towing or on grades.
- Tremor: One-inch lift, FX4 equipment (all-terrain tires, skidplates, hill descent control, special modes), off-road focus.
- Lobo: Lowered “street truck” tune, monochrome fascias with black roof, twin-clutch rear axle capable of locking; editors called it eager and fun to drive.
MotorTrend added that the hybrid AWD lacks the FX4 package but still negotiated certain obstacles that challenged a larger electric pickup in testing.
Efficiency (MotorTrend/EPA estimates)
- Hybrid FWD: 42/35/38 mpg city/highway/combined.
- Hybrid AWD: 40/34/37 mpg.
- 2.0L EcoBoost: 30 mpg highway (27 mpg highway in Tremor on knobbier tires).
- Long-term test (2023 Maverick XLT Hybrid FWD): 35.7 mpg over ~24,000 miles.
Interior and design notes
The 8.0-inch digital cluster replaces analog gauges; editors were split on trading needle precision for coarser LED segments but liked the drive-mode color schemes. MotorTrend said Ford’s textures/patterns continue to elevate hard plastics, with new blue accents replacing prior orange highlights. Outside, a restrained facelift differentiates grilles and aligns the Maverick with larger Ford trucks.
Safety
Standard features include forward automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and seven airbags. MotorTrend cites NHTSA results: five stars frontal and side, four stars rollover, for an overall four-star rating. IIHS’s updated moderate overlap test limits the truck to an overall Moderate score, largely due to rear-seat dummy readings, precluding Top Safety Pick status.
Space, packaging, and market context
MotorTrend reports the Maverick provides more rear head- and legroom than Toyota’s Tacoma and nearly 90% of the Tacoma short bed’s capacity in a smaller footprint. The outlet frames it as a tidy, affordable option that covers daily commuting while handling light hauling and towing.
MotorTrend also reports nearly 500,000 Mavericks sold since launch—about triple Hyundai Santa Cruz’s volume—and notes a Toyota competitor is expected in fall 2027.
Dealer and buyer takeaways
- Trailering tech (Pro Trailer Hitch Assist/Backup Assist) is valuable for first-time or occasional towers.
- $745 4K Tow package available on XL, XLT, and Lariat; AWD required for the 4,000-pound rating.
- Hybrid AWD pairs top-tier fuel economy estimates with all-weather traction.
- Clearer pricing staircase returns with a lower-cost turbo FWD entry.
- Consider accessory towing mirrors for frequent trailer reversing.
Editors’ wish list and conclusion
MotorTrend’s team wished for snappier EcoBoost paddle response, more precise steering-wheel hand detection for driver assists, and a revised Lobo exhaust note. Even so, they concluded the refresh broadens appeal, improves capability, and raises the bar—supporting the Truck of the Year win.
