Ford struck 18-carat gold back in 2021 when it introed the cute-as-a-basket-of-puppies Maverick compact pick-up.
Cheap as chips – pricing kicked off at under $20,000 – with four doors, five seats and a proper mulch-carrying pick-up bed, this cutest of utes was as big a hit as Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” sing-along.
So much so that Ford quickly sent a memo to dealers requesting them to kindly refrain from taking any more orders. Even today, three years on, trying to get one at MSRP is tougher than snagging tickets to a Billy Joel farewell concert.
Then, just when Maverick wanna-buyers thought there may be light at the end of the supply tunnel, Ford goes and introduces a super-cool, adventure-focused Tremor version.
It’s actually a Tremor package that can be added to the Maverick XLT and Lariat models for an extra $3,495. That puts the XLT Tremor at $31,500, and the fancier Lariat Tremor which I’ve just spent a week driving, at $40,125.
For this you get a pretty sophisticated all-wheel drive system with a torque-vectoring rear differential, 17-inch alloys with knobbly, 30-inch-tall Falken Wildpeak all-terrain rubber, a rock-friendly front steel skid plate, unique front and rear suspension, and a one-inch lift in ride height.
And to make sure the neighbors know you’re driving something a little extra special, the Tremor package comes with Tremor graphics on the bedsides, an orange graphic on the front grille, and orange tow hooks. It makes for one rugged, cool-looking trucklette.
Climb aboard and there’s nice orangey, Tremor-themed stitching on the seats, with bold “Tremor” logos in the seat backs, plus hose-them-off rubber floormats when you want to go play in the mud.
Despite the Maverick’s compact dimensions, there’s a surprising amount of room in the cabin. And that three-across rear bench folds flat to carry more “stuff”. Talking of carrying, the 4.5-foot cargo bed is big enough to hold a small dirt bike or ATV, or an armada of kayaks or paddle boards.
Power comes from Ford’s robust EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, packing a meaty 250-horsepower, and 277 lb-ft of torque and mated to an 8-speed automatic.
No, it’s not the most refined of four-bangers. And when you stand on the gas, it can be positively vocal. But it delivers spirited sprinting – 0-to-60 is covered in around 6.0 seconds – and there’s plenty of mid-range muscle for zipping past lumbering 18-wheelers, or merging with the freeway traffic.
It can also tow up to 2,000 pounds, which doesn’t sound much, but it’s a trailer with a couple of jet-skis, or one of those funky adventure campers.
Alas the small exterior doesn’t translate into great fuel economy. With the Tremor package, big tires and four-wheel drive, expect to average only 20-or-so to the gallon. EPA numbers show 20-city, 24-highway and just 21-combined. Mediocre at best.
Alas, I wasn’t able to test out this new Tremor’s off-road chops. But the sandy beach by the Gandy Bridge had all four wheels spinning, though did nothing to slow the Ford’s progress. Even a muddy entrance to a local construction site was no match for those deep-grooved Falken Wildpeaks at each corner.
But next time a big storm comes a calling, or a slight drizzle in South Tampa, know the Tremor’s elevated 9.4 inches of ground clearance will help it wade through gully-washers with ease.
No, the Tremor won’t follow a Jeep Gladiator, or even a Ford Ranger pick-up, across the Rubicon trail. But it’ll get you, family and friends to a trailhead, remote campsite, or just to the beach.
On less challenging surfaces, the Tremor is an easy daily-driver around town, with lovely-weighted, precise steering, a smooth-as-velvet automatic, a surprisingly comfy ride, and right-now braking. And the Maverick’s compact dimensions and deep windows make for terrific all-round visibility.
Most important, this is one super-fun, action-packed truck that I loved driving. It looks terrific and matches its rugged styling with some surprisingly-capable off-road ability.
Time to get your name on the waiting list. Again.
