2026 Maverick Top Rated Edmunds
What Is the Edmunds Top Rated Truck Award?
Every year, the automotive experts at Edmunds evaluate hundreds of vehicles across dozens of categories. Their Top Rated awards are based on a combination of professional reviews, real-world testing, ownership data and consumer feedback.
Unlike popularity contests or reader polls, the Edmunds Top Rated program uses objective criteria, such as value, performance, comfort and overall ownership experience, to determine winners. One thing’s for sure, it’s the first winner to be easy to park.
When a vehicle earns the Edmunds Top Rated badge, it means the editorial team concluded it's the single best option in its class. For the truck category in 2026, the Ford Maverick beat out every competitor to claim the top spot. Its larger siblings, the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger were the runners up, giving the sweep to Ford.
That's not a minor distinction. Edmunds is one of the most-visited automotive research sites in the country, and millions of shoppers rely on their data and reviews before making a purchase decision. Meanwhile, over at Car and Driver, the Maverick is one of its 10Best and an Editor’s Choice.
What Makes the 2026 Ford Maverick Stand Out
So what exactly pushed the Maverick to the top of Edmunds' list? It comes down to a few key strengths that set this compact truck apart from everything else on dealer lots:
Hybrid Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The Maverick offers a hybrid and a turbo for about the same price. That fuel efficiency makes the Maverick a practical daily driver, not just a weekend hauler. For buyers who want truck capability without spending a fortune at the gas pump, the Maverick delivers.
Affordability and Value
Starting MSRP for the 2026 Ford Maverick is $28,145 (turbo) and $29,840 (hybrid). These prices make it one of the most affordable new trucks on the market. When you factor in the hybrid drivetrain and the fuel savings that come with it, the Maverick's total cost of ownership is hard to beat.
FLEXBED Versatility
Ford's FLEXBED system turns the Maverick's 4.5-foot bed into a genuinely flexible workspace. There are built-in slots, tie-downs, and an available 110V outlet. Whether you're hauling gear for a weekend project, loading up bikes or organizing tools, the bed is designed to adapt to real-life use.
Technology and Safety
The 2026 Maverick comes equipped with Ford's SYNC infotainment system along with a suite of standard driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring. These are the kinds of features that used to be reserved for higher trims or more expensive trucks.
The bottom line: The Maverick isn't trying to be a full-size workhorse. It's a smart, efficient, well-equipped compact truck built for people who need truck versatility without truck-sized compromises. That's exactly the kind of vehicle Edmunds rewards.
2026 Ford Maverick Trim Levels and Key Specs
The 2026 Maverick lineup gives you options without overcomplicating the decision. Here's a quick overview:
XL: The base trim comes with the hybrid powertrain, 13.2-in touchscreen, SYNC infotainment, and key driver-assist tech. An exceptional value at the entry price point.
XLT: The volume seller in the lineup adds upgraded interior touches, additional tech features and more styling options.
Lobo:This distinctive street truck has a lowered ride height and performance-tuned suspension. A specific "Lobo Mode" is designed for fun on closed-course driving.
Lariat: The premium trim provides leather-trimmed seats, a larger touchscreen, premium audio and enhanced comfort features.
Tremor: The off-road-oriented package with all-wheel drive is paired with the EcoBoost engine. Adventure equipment includes lifted suspension, all-terrain tires and unique styling.
Engine Options:
Standard: 2.5L hybrid: 42 mpg city/35 mpg highway
Available: 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Ford Maverick vs. the Competition
Earning the Edmunds Top Rated Truck award means the Maverick didn't just perform well: it outperformed its rivals and many more. Here's how it compares to the other trucks shoppers typically cross-shop.
Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the Maverick's most direct competitor. Both are compact, unibody trucks built for everyday use. However, the Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain gives it a significant fuel economy advantage, and the Maverick's starting price is lower.
Maverick vs. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is a solid midsize truck, but it's bigger, heavier and more expensive than the Maverick. For buyers who don't need the Tacoma's off-road capability or larger bed, the Maverick offers better fuel economy and a lower price of entry.
Maverick vs. Chevrolet Colorado
Like the Tacoma, the Colorado plays in the midsize segment. The step up in size signals a higher price than the Maverick. The Maverick wins on fuel economy, affordability and city-friendly maneuverability.
Test Drive the Award-Winning Ford Maverick at Rodeo Ford
The 2026 Ford Maverick didn't earn Edmunds' top honor by accident. It earned it by being the best truck for real people who want real value, and you can experience it for yourself at Rodeo Ford in Goodyear.
Whether you're upgrading from a sedan, downsizing from a full-size truck or buying your first pickup, the Maverick fits. Our team at Rodeo Ford is here to give you a straightforward, No Bull shopping experience: no pressure, no games, just honest answers and a great selection.
Check out our Maverick Lobo review for an in-depth look at the most unusual and exciting trim in the Maverick family.
Experience the Edmunds Top Rated Truck for yourself. Explore our Ford Maverick selection or schedule a test drive at Rodeo Ford in Goodyear.
At this dealership, most new vehicles include the “No Bull Protection Package” which is inclusive of highly demanded premium window tint. The cost of the No Bull Protection Package is $599 at this dealership.
On all vehicles, actual vehicle sale price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer installed accessories, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee.
Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on our website, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that may be listed incorrectly. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, rates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we receive data from multiple data sources. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Not responsible for typographical errors. Equipment added by the dealer or the purchaser will increase the overall transaction amount.
Refer to our Privacy and User Consent for details about information we collect and various communication methods we will use to assist customers. By providing your contact information to ANY form contained in – or connected to – this website, you are hereby agreeing to receive text messages from this dealership and our affiliates or partners at the number(s) and/or information which you have provided. You are also expressly consenting to recurring contact from the aforementioned company or its business partners at the number you provided regarding products or services via live, automated or prerecorded telephone call, text message or email. You understand that your telephone provider may impose charges on you for these contacts, and you are not required to enter into this agreement/consent as a condition of purchasing property, goods, or services. You also understand that you may revoke this consent at any time by notifying the dealership in writing..
Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown.
Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.