2023 Ford Maverick Tremor

Test Drive Notes Library

Pros
Size. The Maverick is like an F-150 that’s been on Ozempic for a year. And it’s refreshing to drive a pickup truck that’s not obese. It’s not compact, like the Japanese pickup trucks of the 1970s and 80s, but it’s a reasonably sized vehicle — not impossible to park in a city, or maneuver in a crowded parking lot. It’s shorter and, importantly, narrower than both the full size F-150 (huge) and the mid sized Ranger (pretty big) and their competitors. If you want some pickup utility, but an ability to carry four people when necessary, and don’t want parking to be a traumatic experience, the Maverick is a good option.
Price. It’s almost unimaginable to get a pickup truck today for $30,000. But here was a very well equipped pickup, with some options we’d probably pass on, for around $33,000. Give up the Tremor off-road package, and you can get it for even less.
Comfort. The most surprising things about the Maverick is how comfortable the ride is. We expected a harsher, truck-like ride, especially in a smaller, less expensive vehicle. But the Maverick was anything but harsh. It was quite soft riding, more car-like than most trucks we’ve driven. It’s an easy truck to drive everyday.
Mileage. There are two powertrain options on the Maverick. There’s the hybrid option, and there’s the 2.0 liter gasoline four-cylinder that powers the Tremor. It makes 250 horsepower and pairs with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. While the EPA rates the 2L Maverick at 21 mpg overall, it surprised us on the upside, averaging an impressive 28 mpg. Now, much of our test driving that week was on highways and gently rolling backroads. But that’s still impressive. Power was more than adequate, and engine noise during normal driving was not an issue. By the way, the hybrid, front wheel drive Maverick makes 191 hp and is rated at 37 mpg!
Controls. Perhaps because it’s not a “luxury” vehicle, the Maverick is blessed with simple controls. Hard switches for all the important stuff are well placed on the center console. The modest, 8-inch screen does the job, and includes Apple CarPlay. No capacitive switches, no going through multiple menus for adjust the climate settings. Up to date, but basic in a good way.
Handling. Nothing sporty, but competent. Tracking was straight with no wandering. Minimal body lean in around-town driving.

Cons
Seat comfort. The seats are not the most supportive, and got a bit uncomfortable after several hours of driving. They’re fine on shorter trips. The smaller size is most noticeable in the back seats, where legroom is tight.
Name. Tremor? Really? Why would you name a version of a truck after a Parkinson’s symptom? What’s next the Maverick Incontinence? I’m sure there are people who want to drive around with the word “Tremor” printed on their truck, but we’re not among them.