FYI: The new 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor showcases its off-road capabilities and elevated pricing, challenging perceptions of compact trucks.
I was the first on the Automotive.fyi staff to glimpse the 2022 Ford Maverick. True story. And the same goes for the Tremor variant. I attended Ford’s unveiling of the Tremor package but hadn’t had the chance to drive one—until now. This past weekend, the 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor arrived for a test drive, and I was eager to dive in.
While the Tremor’s off-road upgrades are compelling, it serves as a lens to scrutinize the entire Maverick lineup. Without further ado, let’s delve into my observations.
1. Pricey Proposition
A persistent gripe with Ford’s recent compact platforms, from the Escape to the Bronco Sport, is the steep escalation in price with additional options. The Maverick is no exception. Once touted as a bargain at $20,000, this Lariat-based Tremor now commands approximately $38,500, including delivery and options.
Yes, that’s still below the average new car transaction price, but consider it’s only about $1,000 shy of a mid-tier Ranger XLT 4×4 and about $2,000 cheaper than a bare-bones four-wheel-drive F-150. It’s an attractive truck, but its "pretty" nature likely won’t win over the hard-working handyman crowd.
2. Interior Lacks Premium Feel
Speaking of design, the Maverick’s interior does little to justify its price tag. The cabin design is more imaginative than my 2011 Jeep Wrangler’s, yet the cost-cutting is evident. Even with less than 1,000 miles, signs of wear on touchpoints are glaring. The blue plastic, though visually appealing at first, is prone to smudges and scuffs.
3. Genuine Truck Experience
Ford intentionally crafted the Maverick to maintain a truck-like feel, and it shows. The ride is rougher than a typical unibody compact car, but this ruggedness lends authenticity. It’s unmistakably a practical vehicle over a luxury one. The strategic exclusion of sound-deadening materials aids in keeping production costs down, even if the compromise is a noisier cabin.
4. Audible Truck Traits
Here’s a curveball—the Maverick sounds like a truck but isn’t very loud. Unlike its platform predecessors like the Focus ST, the 2.0T engine doesn’t deliver the exhilarating exhaust note one might expect. While it has a distinct growl, it lacks the aggressive sound signature of its sporty forebears.
5. Potential for Modern Mini Truck
The Maverick has attributes that could make it an excellent modern mini truck. Its platform could easily support a high-performance model, drawing on the hot Focus’s heritage. The Tremor and Bronco Sport Badlands both feature an adept rear differential, making it tempting to imagine a factory model more focused on performance, ideally with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. A plug-in hybrid variant would also capture a dynamic market segment.
6. Versatile Utility Vehicle
For those seeking practicality, the Tremor trim might appear specific, but it doesn’t lack utility. Our test vehicle came outfitted with practical tools, including integrated power outlets and a luxurious bed extension. It accomplishes all the standard Maverick tasks but shines with added flair and utility.
7. Not a Focus Replacement
While the Maverick is intriguing, it’s no Focus. The Focus set a high standard for compact hatchbacks, known for its spry handling despite transitory shortcomings. Conversely, the Maverick is larger, heavier, and less nimble. Enthusiasts searching for the driving joy of a 5-door Ford will find their options limited to base Escape or Bronco Sport models.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor impresses as a capable, albeit pricey, compact truck. With its genuine truck feel and potential as a modern mini truck, it bridges practicality with adventure. However, it’s no substitute for the cherished Focus. As a utility vehicle, it excels, but driving enthusiasts may find it a compromise. Stick with Automotive.fyi for the latest in automotive insights.
Jack Carney, Editor, Automotive.fyi
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