The best-selling vehicle in Canada isn’t an SUV. It’s a pick-up truck. Most are destined for fleet, business, or professional duties, but don’t overlook these cargo-hauling rigs as single-purpose appliances. They’re multi-dimensional SUV alternatives that are often overlooked. We’d even argue that the compact, entry-level Maverick is better suited to city dwellers who require five-seater capability and maneuverability but don’t regularly tow or haul.
The Maverick is a quick-fire, do-it-all Swiss army knife that fits in your pocket, without the size commitment of a Ranger or F-150, nor the thirst or footprint that come with it. It’s not egregious in measurement, nor does it sit any higher than a RAV4 or CR-V. Its one-size-fits-all truck bed will accommodate most furniture pieces from kitchen islands to sofas and couches, and a 360-degree camera view will help first-time truckers acclimate to the piloting role.
Don’t expect Ford’s smallest, unibody truck to be as off-road capable as the body-on-frame Jeep Gladiator or Toyota Tundra, as it’s meant for more casual scenarios and terrain. Treat it more as an extended SUV. But there are multiple trims available, like this Tremor, that add more on- and off-road capability. Tremor sits at the top of the trim ladder ($48,100) and is appropriately equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension with a 1.0-inch lift kit for increased ground clearance, a lockable rear differential, an off-road driving mode to take advantage of the knobby 17-inch all-terrain tires, and orange accents inside and out.
Who is the Tremor meant for? Those who require the occasional pursuit off the beaten path, but refuse to upsize to a Ranger or F-150. The suspension feels rugged and durable, but the ride suffers as a result and is harder-edged than that of many compact SUVs like the Escape or RAV4. Busier and noisier, the compromised ride is a small trade-off for the feeling of invincibility it gives the driver. The all-terrain tires are the culprit, but the Maverick remains relatively refined at higher speeds. The steering does not wander, and body control is well-judged and immune to heavy turbulence or wind.
The Tremor is available only with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, but it’s a mighty unit that produces a healthy 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The power is bottled up with that typical EcoBoost delay, but once the torque kicks in, the propulsive thrust is more than enough for a truck of this size. It’s a proper hauling companion, huffing and puffing with a gruff, agricultural tone that constantly reminds you that this isn’t a luxury SUV. Entertaining turbo blowoff valve noises accompany greedier exploration of the pedal, and while they envelop the Maverick in extra auditory theatre, we feel they’re somewhat unnecessary.
Otherwise, we applaud the smooth gearbox that works unnoticed behind the scenes and the decent fuel economy we achieved, at 11.2 L/100 km. It’s clearly not as efficient as the hybrid variant, but we appreciate this motor’s more authentic and predictable power delivery. We can’t say the same for the overly elastic and overboosted steering. The wheel is easy to rotate to larger angles as a result, but it’s more difficult to modulate accurately.
The Maverick blends friendly on-road handling with a manageable footprint and a spacious, well-equipped interior. It doesn’t require the dimensional obligation of a Ranger or F-150, but it delivers the hauling and towing capability that small businesses or casual buyers might require. The Tremor adds visual flair and some off-road prowess, but the $50,000 price tag already has us looking to upsize to a Tacoma. How much truck do you need? It’s a debate that goes back to when the first truck was invented, but we genuinely think the more affordable XL and XLT trims make better use of this otherwise well-packaged truck.
Specifications:
Model: 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor
Paint Type: Azure Grey
Base Price: $48,100
Price as Tested: $51,570
Wheelbase (mm): 3,075
Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,096 / 1,844 / 1,762
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 11.2
Tires: 235/65R17
Leave a Reply