2027 Ford Bronco SportMotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Excellent valueGreat on- and off-road manners2026 Truck of the Year winnerLobo should be sportierSome cost-cutting evident in cabinMediocre crash test resultsThe compact Ford Maverick bucks the trend of oversized pickups with its right-sized proportions and efficient powertrains. Its excellent value and driving manners factored into its win as MotorTrend's 2026 Truck of the Year. We don't expect any major changes for 2027, but Ford could offer some special edition packages to keep the Maverick lineup fresh.What's NewFord first introduced the Maverick for the 2022 model year and issued a major refresh for 2025. Changes were minor for 2026; the return of FWD for models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder highlighted the short list of updates. Other tweaks included added availability of Fury Orange Metallic Tri-Coat and Marsh Gray paint colors, an optional power-sliding rear window and spare tire, and a one-year trial subscription to Ford's streaming services.What We ThinkThe Ford Maverick is exactly what we hope manufacturers bring to market when we say consumers need options for affordable and fuel-efficient transportation. Equipped with an available hybrid powertrain, the Maverick is good on gas and cheap to operate. Gas-only models are quick to accelerate and offer good utility for a small truck. All-wheel-drive models struggle with tough off-roading, but those serious about taking their Maverick on the trail can spec the Tremor variant that remedies that issue.AdvertisementAdvertisementPleasant driving dynamics are complemented by an interior that punches above the materials used for its construction. Although hard plastics abound, the Maverick's cabin uses attractive colors and textures that give the inside of the truck some vibrancy. What's more, utility is enhanced by useful storage and impressive tech.Truck buyers tend to overestimate the amount of utility they need, and the Maverick does a great job balancing capability with everyday livability. If Ford continues to keep pricing down, the Maverick should continue to be the strong value that made it our 2026 Truck of the Year.Top-Ranked Competitors:Slate TruckHonda RidgelineNissan FrontierToyota TacomaMotorTrend TestedFord is expected to continue offering the 2027 Maverick with a hybrid setup or a gas-only powertrain. Hybrid versions of the Maverick receive a 2.5-liter I-4, an electric motor, and a CVT sending power to the front wheels as the default layout or an available AWD configuration. Output totals 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Maverick Hybrid launches in 7.0 seconds with all-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 Ford Maverick should return with its available 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 developing 238 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Most gas-only versions of the Maverick get an eight-speed automatic transmission, though Ford equips the sporty Lobo with a seven-speed auto. FWD is standard, though AWD is a no-cost option. In our testing, the Maverick Lobo launched from 0 to 60 in just 6.1 seconds.MPGs and RangeThe 2027 Ford Maverick is expected to be at its most efficient with the hybrid powertrain. FWD models should return 42/35 mpg city/highway and 524 miles of range. The efficiency of the AWD Maverick hybrid varies by trim, however. Most models are good for 40/34 mpg and 511 miles of range, while the Lariat grade takes a slight hit down to 39/32 mpg and 497 miles of range.Non-hybrid turbo models are far less efficient, with fuel economy and range varying between configurations. The front-wheel-drive variant is the most efficient of the bunch, getting 23/32 mpg and 429 miles of range. With all-wheel drive, those figures drop to 22/30 mpg and 412 miles of range. Sporty Lobo models take a further penalty with a rating of 21/30 mpg and 396 miles of range. The off-road Tremor grade is the least efficient of all Maverick trucks, rated at just 21/27 mpg and 380 miles of range.Safety Ratings and Features OR Safety and Driver-Assist FeaturesIIHS grades the Maverick with mixed ratings, scoring as well as a top score of Good for the updated side crash test and as poorly as a second-worst result of Marginal for the updated moderate overlap front crash test. The most recent rating of four out of five stars overall from NHTSA isn't much better.Standard FeaturesThe Ford Co-Pilot360 suite should return as standard equipment with front automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, and lane departure warning.Available FeaturesWe expect the Lariat trim and above to be offered with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. These models also receive a 360-degree camera with trailer reverse guidance.AdvertisementAdvertisementBed, Towing, and PayloadWe anticipate Ford will continue to outfit every 2027 Maverick with a 54.4-inch-long bed measuring 53.3 inches wide. Its tailgate features a multi-position feature, and the bed has at least six tie-down points for versatile cargo management.Both hybrid and gas-only Maverick models can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Equipping AWD and the available 4K Tow package ups that number to 4,000 pounds. Ticking the box for this package adds a hitch receiver, a seven-pin wiring harness, upgraded cooling, and a shorter axle ratio for increased pulling power.Payload tops out at 1,500 pounds for most Maverick trims. The off-road-primed Tremor model can't haul quite as much, maxing out at 1,140 pounds.TechnologyInfotainmentFord is expected to deck out every 2027 Maverick with a 13.2-inch infotainment display and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster display. All models will get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ford Connectivity package should also come standard with a one-year trial subscription, adding features such as in-car Wi-Fi, built-in navigation, and content streaming services. Ford equips front USB ports as standard equipment across the Maverick model range.Sound SystemA six-speaker audio system is expected as standard equipment, and an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium setup should be available as an upgrade.Available UpgradesHigher Maverick trims should receive a wireless charging pad, interior ambient lighting, push-button start, and two-zone climate control.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Ford Maverick should begin around $29,000 for the base XL trim with the gas engine and FWD. Choosing the equivalent Hybrid model is expected to add about $1,000. In both, basic features include steel wheels, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable seats, air conditioning, and cruise control.Recommended TrimIf pricing remains the same as the 2026 model year, our choice in the 2027 Maverick range is the XLT trim, which should begin around $30,000 with either powertrain. From there, we'd load it up with all the options and packages we like, configuring the truck for more work-oriented or off-road use. By doing so, it's easy to get a well-equipped truck that's still less expensive than the nearly $40,000 Maverick Lariat trim.AdvertisementAdvertisementMaverick Lobo vs. Maverick TremorWe're expecting the 2027 Ford Maverick to carry over with both of its enthusiast-oriented trims. The Lobo is a sporty street truck with lowered suspension, stylized wheels, and aerodynamic bumpers. Ford doesn't increase power from the turbo-four, but the Lobo should return with bigger brakes, retuned steering, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and a performance-oriented Lobo drive mode.As for the Maverick Tremor, Ford equips a suspension lift, all-terrain tires, stronger half shafts, improved cooling, and that torque-vectoring rearend.