23 MPG combined makes the 2025 Ford Maverick Tremor AWD a solid choice for buyers who want a compact truck with genuine off-road capability without completely sacrificing efficiency. This isn’t the truck for hauling commercial-grade loads or navigating extreme rock crawling trails. It’s for extending adventures just beyond where the pavement ends, for the weekend warrior who values utility and all-weather confidence, and who understands that a lifted suspension, aggressive all-terrain tires, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system inherently impact fuel consumption. This particular Maverick package is designed for a specific purpose, and its fuel economy reflects that mission, not as a detractor, but as a reasonable compromise for the added capability.

City and highway performance

The Maverick Tremor, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers 21 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. This spread illustrates the inherent trade-offs of its design. In city traffic, the larger tires, lifted suspension, and the constant engagement of its all-wheel-drive system (even if primarily front-biased under normal conditions) contribute to the slightly lower figure. However, the 2.0L EcoBoost engine remains a highly capable and relatively efficient powerplant. On the open road, where sustained speeds minimize the impact of the Tremor’s specific modifications, the Maverick manages a respectable 27 MPG. This isn’t groundbreaking, but for a compact pickup with genuine off-road credentials, it keeps highway cruising costs manageable. The direct-injected turbocharged engine provides ample torque for highway merges and passing, ensuring the driver doesn’t have to flog it to maintain pace, which helps maintain that critical highway efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2025 Ford Maverick Tremor AWD with the 2.0L engine. This figure is based on an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which the EPA updates regularly. For the typical Maverick Tremor owner, someone who might commute during the week and head to a campsite or trail on the weekends, this $1,900 represents a predictable and reasonable segment of their annual vehicle budget. This cost places it firmly in the realm of other compact SUVs and crossovers, making it an accessible choice for buyers seeking truck utility without the punishing fuel bills associated with larger, body-on-frame pickups. Understanding this calculation helps prospective buyers budget accurately, acknowledging that individual driving habits and local fuel prices will ultimately dictate their exact expenses.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the Maverick Tremor AWD should approach the EPA figures with pragmatic expectations. The 21 MPG city rating is achievable if one drives conscientiously, avoiding aggressive acceleration and anticipating stops. However, if your commute involves heavy stop-and-go traffic or you frequently engage the Tremor’s more aggressive drive modes, that number will dip. Similarly, the 27 MPG highway figure is attainable on flat, consistent terrain at legal speeds. Introduce headwinds, mountainous grades, or cruising at 80+ MPH, and expect to see figures in the mid-20s. What’s important to understand is that the Tremor package, with its 1-inch lift, unique springs, upgraded shocks, and Falken Wildpeak A/T tires, inherently adds rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. These modifications are specifically chosen for their off-road performance benefits, and the associated minor fuel economy penalty is an accepted part of the Tremor’s character and mission. The buyer for this specific Maverick variant prioritizes capability and rugged aesthetics over squeezing every last tenth of an MPG.

How it compares

Pitting the Maverick Tremor against its closest rivals highlights its relative efficiency and unique positioning. Consider the all Ford fuel economy data for context. A direct competitor like the Hyundai Santa Cruz HTRAC with the 2.5L turbo engine often achieves 22 MPG combined, mirroring the Maverick Tremor’s figures closely while offering a sometimes different driving dynamic. Moving to more traditional body-on-frame mid-size trucks, the disparity becomes clearer. A Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4×4 with its 3.5L V6 typically returns 20 MPG combined, a notable drop compared to the Maverick. Even a Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4×4, with its V6, struggles to break 19 MPG combined. The Tremor package, while impacting the base Maverick’s efficiency, still maintains a significant lead over larger, more traditional off-road-oriented pickups. For a broader perspective on the Maverick lineup, you can review the MAVERICK MPG across all years. The Maverick Tremor effectively carves out a niche: a compact truck with significant off-road prowess that manages to retain respectable fuel economy when contrasted with its more reliable, and often thirstier, conventional truck counterparts. This comparison is vital for buyers who appreciate the Maverick’s compact packaging and enhanced capability but aren’t willing to endure the fuel costs of a full-size or even mid-size truck.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain proper tire pressure regularly. The Falken Wildpeak A/T tires on the Tremor are essential for its off-road capability but can exhibit higher rolling resistance if underinflated. Ensuring they are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure minimizes this effect and improves safety.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. While the 2.0L EcoBoost offers brisk acceleration, avoiding aggressive starts and anticipating traffic flow in city environments significantly impacts city MPG. The 8-speed automatic is designed for efficiency and responds well to a gentle foot.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. On long hauls, setting the adaptive cruise control (if equipped) helps the Tremor achieve its rated 27 MPG highway figure by optimizing throttle input.

Remove unnecessary weight from the bed. Though the Maverick is a compact truck, carrying heavy tools, recovery gear, or other items constantly in the bed adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Only carry what is needed for the trip.