The Ford Maverick’s comeback in 2022 shook up the compact pickup truck market, but not all model years are created identical.
We’ve done the heavy lifting, sifting through data from trusted sources like the NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book, to bring you the lowdown on the best 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 path of repairs and regrets. We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of each generation, looking at everything from powertrains to frequent problems.
Ready to find out which Maverick years shine and which ones fizzle?
Let’s dive in and get you on the quick track to making a wise choice.
Table of ContentsShow
Ford Maverick Generations
The Ford Maverick made a splash in 2021, reinventing itself as a compact truck game-changer. It’s the first in its class with a standard hybrid powertrain, marrying efficiency and utility.
But that’s not all – it’s cost-effective, 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:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation (P758) | 2022-Present |
Not much history to speak of yet, right? But don’t worry – we’ll keep this guide current with updates as new models roll out. After all, knowing how these trucks evolve could be the crucial ingredient in your buying 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 dig deep. Our rankings are based on a 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 easy-to-digest 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.
And because we know you’re busy, we’ve distilled it all down to a straightforward table. Best years and worst years – laid out plain and simple to help you make a choice you won’t regret.
| Generation | Best Years | Worst 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 troubles down the road.
Now, let’s get into the meat of it – the best and worst years for the Maverick.
Best & Worst Years for Ford Maverick 1st Generation (2022-Present)
The 2022 Ford Maverick
When Ford brought back the Maverick name in 2022, they weren’t messing around. This wasn’t your grandpa’s Maverick – it was a compact 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 listened.
But here’s the kicker: 2022 turned out to be the worst year for the first-gen Maverick. Meanwhile, 2023 and 2024 are strutting their stuff as the best 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 delightful upgrades to boot.
Under the hood, you’ve got options. There’s the muscular 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 remarkable 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 beefed-up suspension and all-terrain tires.
On the tech front, these years brought the Ford Co-Pilot360 to the party. We’re talking adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping that’s got your back, and an infotainment system that plays nice with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Bottom line? The 2023 and 2024 Mavericks are the total package – they’ve got the brains, the brawn, and the tech to keep you happy 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 grab 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 unintended braking to wake you up in the morning.
But wait, there’s more! The 2022 Maverick was hit with a procession 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 commemorative 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 first pancake – sometimes it’s better to wait for the chef to warm up.
See NHTSA 2022 Ford Maverick recalls and grievances.
Ford Maverick Resale Values
Curious about how well the Maverick holds its value? Check out this graph showing average resale values from 2022 to now:
Conclusion
So, which Maverick should you park in your driveway?
After digging through the data and kicking the tires, here’s the deal: The 2023 and 2024 Maverick models are your best bets.
They’ve ironed out the wrinkles and added some delightful 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 ingenious Flexbed? Or maybe it’s the tech that’s got you thrilled?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s hear what makes the Maverick tick for you!
