The automotive landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade, with traditional trucks growing larger and more imposing. This upward trend left a distinct void for drivers who require the utility of an open cargo bed but do not want to navigate a massive, garage-dominating vehicle on a daily basis. Slotting beneath the legendary new Ford F-150 and the midsize new Ford Ranger, the Maverick establishes a highly practical class of its own. It is built on a unibody platform rather than a traditional body-on-frame design, which allows it to deliver a car-like ride and exceptional maneuverability.

Unlike heavy-duty jobs requiring a new Ford Super Duty, the average daily routine often involves tight parking spots, narrow streets, and multi-lane traffic. Navigating the busy parking lots around Malmstrom Air Force Base or finding a tight parallel spot near the cultural museums in Great Falls is where the compact size of this truck shines. It measures roughly 200 inches in length, making it significantly easier to garage and park than any midsize or full-size pickup currently on the market.

While some shoppers initially look at compact SUVs like the new Ford Bronco Sport or family haulers like the new Ford Explorer, they quickly realize that a closed cargo area limits their ability to carry dirty gear, home improvement supplies, or outdoor recreational equipment. Our selection of new Ford Maverick models bridges that exact gap, offering a distinct alternative for those who need a bed but prefer a smaller footprint.
​2026 Maverick Lariat​

Table of Contents

Choosing Your Power: Hybrid Efficiency vs. EcoBoost Performance

Deciding on the right powertrain is the most important choice you will make when configuring this compact truck. For the current model year, the standard offering on most trims is the 2.5-liter full-hybrid powertrain, which produces a combined 191 horsepower through a highly efficient Power-Split electric CVT. This configuration is engineered for maximum efficiency, offering targeted fuel economy ratings of 42 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive models. Opting for the available all-wheel-drive hybrid slightly adjusts these numbers to 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway, but adds confident traction for changing road conditions.

If your daily driving demands more rapid acceleration or heavier towing capability, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is the logical alternative. This turbocharged four-cylinder delivers up to 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the EcoBoost drops fuel economy to a still-respectable 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, it drops the zero-to-sixty acceleration time to under six seconds, providing spirited highway passing power.

Commuters who visit our showroom typically compare the hybrid and EcoBoost side-by-side to see which powertrain matches their daily driving habits. Those with lengthy highway commutes or frequent towing needs often lean toward the turbocharged gas engine, while city-focused drivers find the hybrid's unmatched fuel savings impossible to ignore. You can explore our complete stock of new vehicles online to find the exact mechanical setup that fits your lifestyle.

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Behind the Wheel of the Entry-Level Maverick XL Trim

The entry-level XL trim is designed for buyers who appreciate straightforward utility, value, and a no-nonsense approach to vehicle ownership. Rather than packing the cabin with costly, complex electronics, this trim focuses on delivering the core essentials of a modern pickup truck. Standard features include durable cloth bucket seats, a massive 13.2-inch center touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel that ensures a comfortable driving position.

For hard-working residents in Black Eagle who need a no-nonsense truck to haul tools or agricultural supplies along the riverbank, the entry-level trim offers an honest, durable workhorse. It features hard-wearing interior plastics that are incredibly easy to clean after a long day on a job site or an outdoor excursion. Safety is not compromised at the entry level either, as the XL comes standard with automated emergency braking and automatic high-beam headlamps to protect you on every drive.

While higher trims like the XLT, Lariat, or the off-road-oriented Tremor add premium materials and advanced driver-assist systems, the base trim remains a highly popular option for fleets and budget-conscious buyers alike. If you are looking for an affordable entry point into truck ownership, searching our diverse pre-owned inventory can also reveal excellent, low-mileage examples of this highly sought-after model.

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Maverick vs. Tacoma: Compact Versatility vs. Traditional Midsize Capability

When shopping for a smaller utility vehicle, many buyers find themselves comparing this compact truck to traditional midsize options like the Toyota Tacoma. While both vehicles feature an open bed and a crew-cab configuration, they are built for entirely different purposes and driving styles. The Tacoma utilizes a heavy body-on-frame construction designed for serious off-roading and heavier towing, but this rugged architecture results in a stiffer, bumpier ride and significantly lower fuel economy on daily pavement.

In contrast, the unibody construction of the Maverick delivers a smooth, composed ride that feels much closer to a modern crossover than a traditional truck. It handles corners with confidence and maneuvers through tight city traffic without the heavy, slow steering feel typical of midsize pickups. Furthermore, while the Tacoma's non-hybrid engine gets around 21 mpg combined, the Maverick hybrid's 38 mpg combined rating represents a massive reduction in annual fuel costs for daily commuters.

While those who need maximum three-row cabin space for large families might cross-shop full-size SUVs like the spacious 2027 Ford Expedition, drivers looking for a highly maneuverable truck with an open bed will find the compact truck to be the perfect middle ground. It delivers all the light-duty utility most homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts actually use, without the bulky driving dynamics or high fuel costs of a midsize competitor.

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Real-World Utility: Towing Capacity and the 4K Tow Package

Despite its compact classification, this pickup is engineered to handle legitimate hauling and towing tasks. In its standard configuration, both the hybrid and EcoBoost models offer a confident towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is plenty of strength to pull a light utility trailer, a pair of jet skis, or a small pop-up camper. This makes it an incredibly versatile companion for weekend projects and light-duty outdoor adventures.

For those who need to pull heavier loads, equipping the vehicle with the available 4K Tow Package doubles the maximum towing capacity to 4,000 pounds. This package is available on both the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive hybrid models, and it packages several critical mechanical upgrades to protect your powertrain under load:

  • A heavy-duty Class III receiver hitch with a seven-pin wiring connector
  • An upgraded engine cooling fan and a higher-capacity radiator
  • An auxiliary transmission oil cooler to manage heat under heavy loads
  • A shorter final drive ratio for improved low-end pulling power
  • A standard integrated trailer brake controller for safe, controlled stopping

If you are looking for a vehicle that balances daily efficiency with towing capability, this setup offers the perfect solution. It allows you to tow a small travel trailer or a lightweight fishing boat with ease, while still enjoying a vehicle that is far more efficient and easier to drive than a full-size truck. For those looking to transition to entirely alternative powertrains, exploring all-electric options like the new Ford Mustang Mach-E can also highlight the incredible diversity of the modern lineup.

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Maximizing the FLEXBED Storage System and Payload Space

Utility is about more than just towing numbers; it is about how effectively you can use the space you have. The cargo bed is a masterclass in space optimization, measuring 54 inches in length with a total payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. Rather than offering a simple, empty metal box, the innovative FLEXBED storage system is designed to let owners customize the cargo area to fit their specific hauling needs.

The bed walls feature stamped pockets and pre-cut slots that allow you to slide in standard 2x4 or 2x6 lumber to create custom tiered storage, cargo dividers, or DIY bike racks. Additionally, the multi-position tailgate can be locked at a mid-position angle, aligning the top of the tailgate with the top of the wheel wells. This smart design allows you to carry standard four-foot-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood flat in the bed without them sliding out or requiring an angled load.

To support DIY projects, camping trips, and outdoor work, standard 12-volt power outlets are pre-wired into both sides of the bed, allowing you to easily wire in custom LED bed lighting, a small air compressor, or 12-volt coolers. This level of built-in utility makes the cargo bed incredibly functional for a wide variety of tasks. If you are ready to take the next step toward parking one of these versatile trucks in your driveway, you can begin the purchase path by applying for credit online through our secure finance portal.

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Daily Practicality and Family Life in the SuperCrew Cabin

Every model in the lineup features a spacious SuperCrew four-door cabin, ensuring that passenger comfort is never sacrificed for cargo utility. The interior provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with an upright seating position that offers excellent visibility in all directions. The rear seats feature supportive padding and a standard LATCH system, making it easy to install child safety seats for younger family members.

Storage throughout the cabin is highly organized, featuring deep door pockets designed to hold massive water bottles and a large center console with customizable dividers. Lifting the rear seat bottom reveals a spacious, integrated underseat storage area that is perfect for keeping valuable tools, ratchet straps, or emergency supplies secure and out of sight. This clever use of space ensures that the interior remains clean and clutter-free, even when fully loaded for a road trip.

For families who love exploring the outdoors, having peace of mind on the road is just as important as passenger comfort. Every new model comes backed by a comprehensive warranty program, which includes access to expert roadside assistance. If you ever experience a flat tire, a dead battery, or an unexpected breakdown, you can contact Ford Roadside Assistance: 800-241-3673 for manufacturer-backed support that utilizes genuine parts and factory-authorized service centers. To keep your vehicle running in peak condition year-round, you can also schedule service online with our factory-trained technicians.

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Future Outlook: Order Banks for the 2027 Ford Maverick

As demand for this highly practical compact truck remains incredibly strong, forward-looking buyers are already asking about the next model year. Ordering windows for the 2027 model year are anticipated to open in late summer 2026, following the manufacturer's typical annual model transition cycle. Custom ordering a vehicle allows you to select your exact trim, exterior color, powertrain, and optional packages straight from the factory.

Planning ahead for your next vehicle purchase is a great way to ensure you get the exact features you want without compromise. If you are planning to upgrade from your current vehicle, our team can help you value your trade-in online to establish a clear picture of your buying power before the new order banks officially open. This preparation allows you to submit your order the moment the system opens, securing an early production slot for your custom-built truck.

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Common Questions About Maverick Capability and Ownership

Q: Is an integrated trailer brake controller available on the Ford Maverick?

Yes, an integrated trailer brake controller is available on the Maverick. It comes standard when you equip either the EcoBoost or the all-wheel-drive hybrid model with the optional 4K Tow Package, providing safe and controlled stopping power when towing heavier loads.

Q: How does the towing package affect the Maverick's payload capacity?

Adding the towing package does not significantly alter the vehicle's maximum payload capacity. The truck maintains a highly competitive payload rating of approximately 1,500 pounds across most configurations, allowing you to haul heavy cargo in the bed while still utilizing the upgraded towing capability.

Q: What is the standard warranty coverage for the Maverick?

The Maverick comes backed by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty alongside a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Furthermore, hybrid models receive an exceptional eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid component warranty to protect the battery and electric drive system over the long term.

Q: Do I need a special charger at home for the Maverick hybrid?

No, the Maverick hybrid is a traditional full-hybrid vehicle, meaning it does not plug in and does not require any charging infrastructure. The battery self-charges on the go through regenerative braking and the onboard gas engine, making it incredibly convenient for drivers without garage access. For those interested in plug-in performance icons like the new Ford Mustang or electric models, our team can walk you through different home charging setups.

Q: What performance trims are available for buyers wanting something sportier?

For drivers seeking enhanced performance, Ford offers the street-performance-oriented Lobo trim, which features a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique styling. Additionally, the rugged Tremor trim is available for those who want advanced off-road capability, including increased ground clearance and a specialized trail-ready suspension.

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Start Your Next Adventure at Bison Ford

Finding the perfect balance between daily fuel economy, passenger comfort, and open-bed utility has never been easier. The Ford Maverick represents a smart, common-sense approach to modern transportation, delivering all the capability most drivers need in a highly efficient and easy-to-drive package. Whether you are planning a weekend camping trip, tackling home improvement projects, or simply looking to lower your monthly fuel costs, this compact truck is built to handle it all.

Our experienced team is here to provide a straightforward, transparent buying experience from start to finish. We invite you to visit our showroom located at 500 10th Ave S in Great Falls to explore our current inventory and experience this versatile truck firsthand. If you have any questions about available inventory, custom ordering, or current finance options, please give our team a quick call at (406) 727-2552 today.


© 2026 Bison Ford. All rights reserved.

 
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