Small pickups fill a definitive niche in North America. Whether it’s for personal or commercial use, affordable pricing, good practicality and low maintenance costs made them popular for decades. From 1982 to until 2011, Ford filed that niche with the compact Ranger, a truck that endeared itself to legions of fans, including myself (I owned two of them from new). Yet, when the true compact Ranger was retired after the 2011 model year, it definitely felt there was a void in the market. While the Ranger was later reintroduced as a mid-size pickup, to compete with the likes of the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, there was still a need for a true compact truck.

A huge hit

In 2021, Ford introduced the Maverick (a name first used on a compact car from 1970-77). Engineered off the same architecture as used on the Ford Bronco Sport, here was a new-generation small pickup that fit the bill. It was truly compact, affordably priced and catered to those who needed something along the lines of the old Ranger. Although launched as a 2022 model in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maverick proved a huge hit—and Canadians fell in love with it.

For 2025 Ford has added new features and trims, all in an effort to further broaden this truck’s appeal and address feedback from those that purchased and drove one. 

Offered with two powertrains, a 250 horsepower 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine teamed either with an 8-speed automatic or seven-speed unit with paddle-shift, or a 191 horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder Hybrid with 94 kW motor and electronic CVT. 

The 2025 Hybrid now offers both front and all-wheel drive with the Hybrid powertrain (addressing a previous criticism among owners). Additionally, the truck’s towing capacity has been increased, with up to 4,000 lbs now available with the optional 4K towing package (standard is 2,000 lbs).

Expanded trim levels

For 2025, trim levels have also been expanded, so you get the XL, XLT, Lariat, off-road focused Tremor (now its own separate model) and the street/performance-oriented Lobo. 

Inside, customers are treated to a larger 13.2-inch central touch screen, and Ford SYNC 4 technology that features enhanced voice recognition, making it easier for drivers to operate in-vehicle features using the system for infotainment and navigation. There’s also a standard 8-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the combination of both screens allows for easy, straightforward maneuvering, thanks to an available 360-degree Camera System, similar to that first introduced on the larger F-150. This allows split-view displays both in front and behind the vehicle, as well as cross-traffic views, making parking in tight spaces and in urban areas, or backing up trailers a breeze. The latter is further enhanced by what Ford calls Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Back Up Assist. 

Often, backing up to a trailer can be a frustrating experience, with it being very difficult to making sure that the hitch on the truck is properly aligned with the trailer’s tongue. Ford has provided a solution by using the rear camera and corner radar sensors on the Maverick to align the hitch with the trailer tongue. Once everything is lined up, the sensors will then use steering and throttle/braking inputs to ensure the hitch and trailer tongue align each and every time. 

Trailer tuition

Once hitched up, Pro Trailer Back Up Assist, which is operated via a knob on the console allows the driver to reverse steer the truck and trailer in the right direction, preventing the risk of jack-knifing or damage. It can seem counter intuitive at first, since you need to rotate the knob in the opposite direction to which you’d traditionally steer when backing up, but it’s easy to learn and soon, becomes second nature. 

Other tech upgrades inside include wireless charging pads for smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an onboard 5G modem that makes the Maverick compatible with the latest in wireless technology and enables the truck to receive software updates for the various vehicle systems.

Additionally, technology comes with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of safety solutions. For the 2025 model year, every Maverick comes with Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, as well as Lane-Keeping Aid, Rear View Camera and automatic LED High-Beam Headlights. Lariat and Tremor models now also come with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering and Speed Sign Recognition Functions.

Lobo for the street

For dealers, a big change is the introduction of the Maverick Lobo. This adds a new theme for Ford’s versatile compact truck and will likely be a great showroom traffic builder for many stores. 

The Lobo essentially marks the return of the Ford street-performance pickup (last seen with the 1999-2004 F-150 Lightning). It features unique styling touches including a distinctive grille, painted rear bumper and rocker mouldings, with a black painted roof. The Lobo comes with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine as standard but features a range of performance enhancements to deliver a truly sporting driving experience. It features unique suspension and chassis tuning with a 0.5-in (1.27 cm) front and 1.12-in (3-cm) rear suspension drop. 

The specially tuned dampers and steering, combined with a twin-clutch rear differential on the truck’s AWD system, allow for real torque vectoring—enabling drivers to throttle-steer the Lobo in a manner that’s similar to a rear-wheel drive performance car. It’s a lot of fun, especially on a racetrack, where you get to explore the capabilities of the Lobo. Further adding to the performance aspect are a track only Lobo drive mode that boosts stability, grip and cornering prowess, minimizing the dreaded understeer that’s usually inherent in vehicles with front-drive architecture.

Other features on this performance-oriented truck designed to enhance the driving and ownership experience are larger brakes with twin-piston front-calipers like those used on the Ford Focus ST, plus standard black, turbo style 19-inch wheels and performance tires. There’s also an upgraded cooling system with a larger capacity radiator and fan from the Maverick towing package, plus a standard transmission cooler.

A nod to this truck’s street-oriented persona can be found inside the cabin, where Lobo models receive special Grabber Blue and Electric Lime stitching, the Lobo name embossed into both front seats, plus street-art touches from interior designer Kristen Keenan who drew inspiration from her time spent creating athletic shoes. 

Maverick Lobo comes in two trim levels for 2025, standard, and high, the latter adding heated steering wheel and seat features, Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver-assist, a 360-degree camera, spray-in bedliner, moon roof, as well as Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.