The Updated Ford Maverick Adds More Grip and Grins

We might have been hard-pressed to suggest improvements to the Ford Maverick line, which we’ve loved since its launch. (We still own and enjoy the 2023 yearlong test vehicle we bought.) Yet the truxperts at Ford have indeed managed to enhance the appeal of the 2026 Ford Maverick, in part by adding optional all-wheel traction for the truck’s hybrid offerings and by installing the Bronco Sport’s sportiest engine and torque-vectoring rear differential combo into a new, lowered street-truck variant dubbed Lobo.

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Other midcycle tech enhancements designed to boost Maverick’s engineering excellence bona fides include larger screens, trailer-backing aids, and a new Lobo “track-only” drive mode for the street truck that greatly increases its grin-inducing chuckability (especially in the dirt). All-wheel drive makes the hybrid version more fun to drive, too, putting the power down far more effectively. “My favorite thing about the Maverick is that they all handle great,” features editor Scott Evans said. “You don’t have to get the Lobo. The front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive hybrids are also great little trucks to drive and plenty of fun.”

More engineering excellence was called upon to certify the Maverick hybrid’s AWD powertrain for 4,000 pounds of towing to SAE J2807 standards. This requires the $745 4K Tow package, which adds a transmission oil cooler and bigger cooling fan plus an integrated trailer-brake controller, full-size spare, and of course a Class III hitch and seven-pin connector. (Worth noting: The Escape hybrid AWD was only ever rated for 1,500 pounds.)

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We appreciate that rather than simply defaulting to the normal drive mode at restart, it will ask if you’d like to remain in a previously selected mode—especially helpful if the truck is still towing or hauling. Speaking of which, the hybrid yanked around 1,420 pounds of Sea-Doos with ease, its trailer-reversing system helping prevent the jack-knifing that shorter trailers are so prone to. The Tow/Haul mode’s savvy programming keeps the engine on whenever the truck is in motion and noticeably increases the degree of engine braking/regen during deceleration.

Loading 700 pounds into the Lobo’s bed reduced acceleration and efficiency somewhat but didn’t engage the bump stops or adversely affect handling. As such, the Maverick demands the question: “How often do youreally need a bigger pickup?” Aren’t most of your loads better served by a bed normal adults can access by simply reaching over the bed rails, without the need for staircase tailgates? (Remember, big box stores rent full-size pickups for like $20/hour.)

The Maverick’s design is advanced with new fascias, grilles to differentiate the models, and headlights that preserve the family resemblance with the rest of the new Ford trucks. Inside, the enhanced 8.0-inch instrument cluster and 13.2-inch central touchscreen keep things looking up to date, though we wish they offered some hybrid energy-use or eco-history screens. We still applaud Ford’s ability to use novel textures and colors to make hard plastic seem upscale, but the switch from orange to bright blue accents wasn’t universally hailed.

We’re saddened the base price has ballooned by more than $8,000 since 2022, but our yearlong Maverick’s chaperone, digital director Erik Johnson, best summed up our impressions on the midcycle updated Maverick: “Everything Ford changed is all that needed to change. It’s hard to say there isn’t a Maverick perfect for everyone now: off-roader, daily commuter, Snowbelt dweller, driving enthusiast—they’re all served by Ford’s awesome little truck.”

This review was conducted as part of our 2026 Truck of the Year (TOTY) testing, where each vehicle is evaluated on our six key criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. Eligible vehicles must be all-new or significantly revised.