2-20-24 Featured Vehicle
Ford Maverick XLT Tremor
The Ford Maverick turned the truck market on its head when it debuted in 2021. No one saw a compact pickup like this coming, especially from a company that pumps out full-size trucks by the boatload every hour.
RPM News Weekly Photos by Peter Ciani
The surprise didn’t end there, not only was Ford’s compact pickup a reality but it was also set to replace the somewhat forgettable Ford EcoSport subcompact SUV as the brand’s entry-level vehicle. The Maverick was also cheaper than the EcoSport in 2022 and included a standard hybrid powertrain at that time.
In 2024, Ford made some changes to the engine options, and the 2.5-liter hybrid engine is no longer standard. Instead, the previously optional 2-liter EcoBoost now serves as the base motor. While this might seem like a downgrade in terms of efficiency, the 2-liter engine offers more power than the 2.5-liter hybrid, generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque. The 2-liter engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the 2-liter. The 2.5-liter hybrid is exclusively offered with a PowerSplit continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.
It’s no surprise however that the Maverick exceeded expectations, with dealer inventories falling well below customer demand. Unfortunately, this led to some dealers imposing ridiculous markups, but thankfully Ford has begun to increase the production capacity of the Maverick.
It’s a straightforward formula: an affordable compact truck with efficient performance and a small yet practical pickup bed. Ford wasn’t the first to do it, but clearly they’ve found the right mix.
As if the Maverick needed a sales push, Ford introduced the Tremor Off-Road Package for 2023 featuring a 1-inch lift, heavy-duty transmission cooler, and a twin-clutch differential along with a few more performance tweaks.
For $3,495 The Tremor Off-Road Package can be added to either the XLT or Lariat with Advanced AWD and includes the following:
