What They’re Saying: 2025 Ford Maverick

Ford recently hosted nearly 80 media, content creators, influencers, and others in San Diego for the first drive experience of the new 2025 Ford Maverick and to learn about the updated models’ enhanced capabilities.  

Attendees drove the new Maverick Hybrid all-wheel drive and Maverick Lobo models on urban streets and highways as well as other dynamic drive routes. An autocross course allowed media to experience Maverick Lobo’s performance and handling capabilities and its new track-only Lobo drive mode. Participants also tested Maverick’s advanced towing and driver-assist technology, including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, in another demonstration. 

A sample of the reviews for Maverick are included below. Bronco Sport media reviews will be shared later this week.  

Raves

“For the price and its sheer utility value, the Maverick is hard to fault in any trim level. It is, despite its size and price, a Ford truck in every sense.” – CarBuzz  

“… the Maverick is still a highly likable little truck. As a utilitarian tool, it makes a lot of sense, and the improvements for 2025 both add configurability and spice up the lineup with some exciting new trims.” – Car and Driver

“Just as before, the Maverick offers buyers a lot of utility for not a lot of money. And with better tech and a hybrid/all-wheel-drive option, there are more reasons than ever to consider downsizing for your next pickup purchase.” – Edmunds  

“It's not the Focus RS you wish Ford would still build you, but the Maverick Lobo is the sportiest non-Mustang Ford will build you right now. While driving the Lobo had me pining for Fords gone by, it isn't lost on me that this is maybe the best-driving pickup ever built. If you cut your teeth on Taurus SHOs and Fiesta STs, but now you need to make Home Depot runs, the Maverick Lobo might be your perfect one-vehicle solution.” - Jalopnik

“All of the changes made to create the Lobo seem minor on their own, yet they add up to a significantly different – and fun – driving experience, proving engineers did their homework and spent plenty of effort getting everything dialed in.” – Hagerty  

“This thing is really good, and I’m enamored. ... Ford has conjured up some vehicular magic here, and it’s no illusion.” – Driving

“The 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo turns up the wick on style and performance, borrowing equally from tuner culture and Ford’s deep bin of performance parts.” – Detroit Free Press  

“Since it launched three years ago, I – and many others – have argued the Maverick is all the truck most people need. That’s still the case now, so much in fact that I’m still surprised nobody else has tried to seriously compete. With the broadening of the lineup including better tech and hybrid AWD, the 2025 Ford Maverick isn’t just the best small truck you can buy, it’s one of the best affordable vehicles on the market full stop. Hopefully it stays that way.” – AutoGuide

“Statistically speaking, that is a pretty safe bet to make as Ford's little trucklet here remains one of the hottest vehicles on the market, new or used.” – Cars.com   

“… unlike a home-brew street truck, the Maverick Lobo rides really well. It’s easily comfortable enough as a daily driver …” – Motor1.com 

Rants 

“Like so many other things these days, the Maverick isn't nearly as affordable as it used to be.” – Car and Driver

“Yes, it’s all a bit plasticky in here, but hey, this is a (relatively) low-priced vehicle.” – Driving

“... the stiffer springs required for its 1,400-pound payload and trailer-towing abilities make its unladen ride a touch on the stiff side.” – Wired

“It definitely feels more crossovery trucky than it does hot hatch. … If you're hoping for a hot hatch with a truck bed, this is not it.” – Cars.com 

“The interior, while made of good quality materials that feel nice, wasn’t up to the task of trimming out my $43,000+ tester unit.” – Jalopnik

“Options are pretty much an all-or-nothing affair, and “all” costs an additional $5,495.” – Hagerty