25 MPG combined is a reasonable fuel economy figure for the 2024 Ford Maverick AWD 2.0L, and frankly, it’s almost beside the point. This pickup’s appeal lies in its unique combination of compact dimensions, truck bed utility, and all-weather capability at an affordable price. The fuel economy is good enough for the type of buyer who prioritizes those other attributes. They’re not cross-shopping Priuses; they’re looking for a small truck that doesn’t drink fuel like a full-size. The Maverick offers that, and the AWD variant allows it to confidently tackle snow, mud, and unpaved roads, conditions where pure MPG numbers become a secondary consideration.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates split the Maverick’s fuel efficiency at 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving and inherent inefficiencies of internal combustion in those environments. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine, while producing a healthy 250 horsepower, has to work harder to accelerate from a standstill. Once up to speed on the highway, the 8-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to settle into a more efficient RPM range, hence the improved highway number. These numbers make sense in context; the Maverick isn’t pretending to be hyper-efficient. It’s delivering useful truck performance with acceptable, rather than outstanding, fuel consumption. Owners driving primarily highway miles will likely see figures closer to that 29 MPG rating and maybe even squeeze out a bit more, especially with a light load in the bed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Ford Maverick AWD 2.0L at $1,750. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Bear in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and of course, local gas prices. Aggressive driving , rapid acceleration and hard braking , will significantly decrease your fuel economy and increase your annual spending. Conversely, consistently practicing smooth, efficient driving techniques will bring your real-world costs closer to, or even potentially below, the EPA’s projection. Learn more about all Ford fuel economy data to better understand the various models.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Online forums and owner reports suggest that most Maverick AWD 2.0L drivers are seeing numbers close to the EPA estimates, with some reporting slightly better or slightly worse, depending on their specific driving conditions. Hauling heavy loads or frequently towing will naturally reduce fuel economy. Off-road driving, which uses a lot of low-range gearing, definitely takes a toll. Windy conditions on the highway can also negatively impact MPG. Given the Maverick’s inherent utility, many owners are accepting of slightly diminished fuel economy when using the truck for work or recreation. The MAVERICK MPG across all years demonstrates a consistent trend for this vehicle.

How it compares

It’s crucial to consider the Maverick’s competition, or rather, its lack of direct rivals. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, another small pickup with available AWD, also lands in the mid-20s. Its EPA estimate for the 2.5L Turbo AWD is 22 MPG combined. A comparable mid-size truck like the Toyota Tacoma with a V6 and 4WD achieves around 19 MPG combined, showcasing the Maverick’s fuel-efficiency advantage for those who don’t need the extra size and power. Even some compact SUVs struggle to match the Maverick’s fuel economy. For example, a Jeep Compass 4×4 often sees around 24 MPG combined in real-world driving. The Maverick’s relatively efficient powertrain in a pickup format is part of what makes it so appealing. It gives truck functionality without sacrificing fuel costs drastically.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is key. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine responds well to gentle throttle inputs. Avoid aggressive acceleration, especially from a standstill. Gradually building up speed allows the engine to operate more efficiently and use less fuel. Think of it like you would drive an engine with a turbocharger.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s side door jamb. This is a quick and easy way to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling time. Excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential wear and tear from frequent restarts.

Lighten the load. The more weight you carry in the bed, the harder the engine has to work. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed of the truck to reduce weight and improve fuel economy. This is especially important for longer trips where even small weight savings can add up.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on flat stretches of road. This minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, keeping the engine running at a more consistent RPM.