Best & Worst Ford Maverick Years

I have analyzed all Ford Maverick from 2022 until the latest model and categorized the best & worst years in this simple guide.

The Ford Maverick’s resurgence in 2022 shook up the compact pickup truck market, but not all model years are created identical.

We’ve done the arduous lifting, sifting through data from trusted sources like the NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book, to bring you the lowdown on the finest and worst Maverick years.

Why should you care? Simple. Choosing the right model year can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a bumpy journey of repairs and regrets. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of each generation, looking at everything from powertrains to common problems.

Ready to uncover which Maverick years sparkle and which ones fizzle?

Let’s dive in and get you on the fast track to making a reasonable decision.

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Table of ContentsShow

Ford Maverick Generations

The Ford Maverick made a splash in 2021, reinventing itself as a small truck pioneer. It’s the first in its class with a standard hybrid powertrain, combining effectiveness and utility.

But that’s not all – it’s economical, sports a versatile “Flexbed,” and boasts a roomy, tech-loaded interior. No surprise it’s been selling like hotcakes.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the Maverick’s timeline:

GenerationYears
1st Generation (P758)2022-Present

Not much history to speak of yet, right? But don’t worry – we’ll keep this guide up-to-date with updates as new models roll out. After all, knowing how these trucks evolve could be the vital component in your purchasing decision.

Ford Maverick Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

So, how do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Maverick model years? We don’t just flip a coin – we delve deep. Our rankings are based on a varied smorgasbord of factors:

  • What owners are saying (because who knows better than the folks behind the wheel?)
  • How much it’ll cost you to keep it running smoothly
  • How well it’ll protect you in a pickle (safety ratings)
  • What the pros at Consumer Reports think about its reliability and owner satisfaction
  • The number of times the NHTSA has raised an eyebrow (recalls, investigations, complaints)
  • Ratings from industry big shots like Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com

Coming up, you’ll see a graph that puts all these ratings in one straightforward picture. It’s like a report card for each model year, showing you at a glance which ones make the grade and which ones… well, not so much.

Ford Maverick Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

And because we know you’re busy, we’ve condensed it all down to a concise table. Best years and worst years – laid out clear and simple to help you make a choice you won’t regret.

GenerationBest YearsWorst Years
1st Generation (P758)2023
2024
2022

Remember, when it comes to reliability, recalls are like red flags. The more recalls and complaints a model year has, the more likely it is to give you issues down the road.

Now, let’s plunge into the heart of it – the best and worst years for the Maverick.

Best & Worst Years for Ford Maverick 1st Generation (2022-Present)

Ford Maverick 1st generation 2022 model
The 2022 Ford Maverick

The 2022 Ford Maverick

When Ford brought back the Maverick name in 2022, they weren’t kidding around. This wasn’t your grandpa’s Maverick – it was a small pickup that packed a punch, especially with its standard hybrid powertrain. It was like Ford said, “Hey, let’s make a truck that doesn’t guzzle gas like it’s going out of style.” And people responded.

But here’s the kicker: 2022 turned out to be the feeblest year for the first-gen Maverick. Meanwhile, 2023 and 2024 are flaunting their stuff as the greatest years. Let’s break it down.

The Best Years: 2023, 2024

The 2023 and 2024 Mavericks? They’re like the 2022 model, but with the kinks ironed out and some appealing enhancements to boot.

Under the hood, you’ve got options. There’s the powerful 2.0L EcoBoost engine that flexes with 250 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque. Or, if you’re all about that MPG life, stick with the base 2.5L Duratec iVCT hybrid that’ll have you cruising past gas stations with its impressive 40 city/33 highway MPG.

Ford didn’t stop there. They rolled out fancier trims like the Lariat and the off-road beast called the Tremor package. Want to tackle some trails? The Tremor’s got your back with its improved suspension and rugged all-terrain tires.

On the tech front, these years brought the Ford Co-Pilot360 to the party. We’re talking responsive cruise control, lane-keeping that’s got your back, and an entertainment system that plays smoothly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Bottom line? The 2023 and 2024 Mavericks are the complete package – they’ve got the brains, the strength, and the tech to keep you satisfied on and off the road.

The Worst Years: 2022

Now, about that 2022 model. Look, being initial isn’t always best, and the 2022 Maverick learned that the challenging way.

Early adopters found themselves dealing with a diverse bag of issues. The electrical system was acting up, causing startup headaches and engines stalling out of nowhere. Some folks complained about feeling like they were in a massage chair with all the vibrations during acceleration. And don’t get me started on the “grabby brakes” – nothing like a little unexpected braking to wake you up in the morning.

But wait, there’s more! The 2022 Maverick was hit with a series of recalls. We’re talking side curtain airbags deciding to take a day off, trailer brakes going MIA, turn signals playing hide and seek, engines threatening to turn into barbecues, and fuel tanks that might’ve left the factory with a souvenir dent.

For a debut year, that’s a lot of “oops” moments. If you’re shopping for a Maverick and reliability is your jam, you might want to steer clear of the 2022 model. It’s like buying the initial pancake – sometimes it’s better to wait for the chef to heat up.

See NHTSA 2022 Ford Maverick recalls and grievances.

Ford Maverick Resale Values

Intrigued about how well the Maverick holds its value? Check out this chart showing typical resale values from 2022 to now:

Ford Maverick Average List Price

Conclusion

So, which Maverick should you station in your driveway?

After sifting through the data and scrutinizing the tires, here’s the situation: The 2023 and 2024 Maverick models are your perfect choices.

They’ve ironed out the wrinkles and added some charming touches that make them stand out. On the flip side, you might want to pump the brakes on that 2022 model – it’s got more issues than a magazine stand.

Now, it’s your turn. What features make the Maverick a must-have for you? The hybrid efficiency? That smart Flexbed? Or maybe it’s the technology that’s got you excited?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s hear what makes the Maverick howl for you!

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.