If you need a glimpse into how truck prices have shifted, look no further than the 2026 Ford Maverick.
It’s been a few years now since the Big Three largely eliminated more affordable cars from their lineup, as customer demand (and better profit margins) shifted toward larger, more expensive SUVs. When the Ford Maverick first launched in 2021, it was a welcome relief from the eye-watering price tags of half-tons and even midsize trucks like the Ranger, sporting a suspiciously low price of $19,995. I say “suspiciously” in hindsight, because it sure didn’t stay that cheap for long. Not only did the XLT and Lariat hike the bottom-line MSRP by a fair bit, but the model on sale this year is nearly $10,000 more than it was a few years ago. Now, there’s some reprieve from the price creep for 2026…but you still may not want to take the road to what is “the most affordable Maverick”.
That’s because Ford’s solution to a more affordable Maverick is bringing back the front-wheel drive EcoBoost option for the XL and XLT. For 2025, you had to go with all-wheel drive if you wanted the 250-horsepower option with 275 lb-ft of torque. With the EcoBoost FWD once again available, the 2026 Ford Maverick’s starting price is now $27,145 — or $1,000 cheaper than the Hybrid FWD (or the all-wheel drive EcoBoost, so it’s your choice if you want to spend the extra cash).
A few other changes also come with the 2026 Maverick updates. There’s no more black Ford Oval option, so you only get blue no matter what you buy, including the Tremor or the Lobo. New Marsh Gray and Orange Fury Metallic Tri-Coat colors are available, replacing Eruption Green (RIP) and Desert Sand. Ford’s Connectivity Package comes with 1 year of service as standard, or is available as a 7-year, one-time purchase. The FX4 package includes the standard XLT wheels, and the XLT Luxury package no longer gets a 6-way power adjustable passenger seat (you only get 4-way instead).
Inside, the old XLT armrest with integrated cupholders is gone, replaced by a kit to attach them to the console. A power-sliding rear window is optional on the XLT and the Lobo, while it’s also now optional on the Lariat and Tremor, instead of being standard equipment. According to Ford’s order guide, wireless charging has now been deleted on trims where it was previously available.
On one hand, pricing across most of the 2026 Ford Maverick lineup has dropped slightly, but most trims now offer less standard equipment as well. Ford is either spinning off formerly standard features into standalone options, or getting rid of them altogether, depending on the trim.
Here’s how the price list breaks down (pricing includes Ford’s $1,695 destination fee, which didn’t change from 2025):
2026 Ford Maverick MSRP list vs. 2025
| Trim | 2026 MSRP | 2025 MSRP | Change ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL EcoBoost FWD | $28,840 | — | Reintroduced |
| XL Hybrid FWD | $29,840 | $29,840 | No change |
| XL EcoBoost AWD | $29,840 | $29,965 | -$125 |
| XL Hybrid AWD | $32,060 | $32,060 | No change |
| XLT Hybrid FWD | $32,360 | $32,360 | No change |
| XLT EcoBoost FWD | $31,340 | — | Reintroduced |
| XLT Hybrid AWD | $34,560 | $34,560 | No change |
| XLT EcoBoost AWD | $32,340 | $32,465 | -$125 |
| Lobo | $37,625 | $37,625 | No change |
| Lariat Hybrid AWD | $39,785 | $40,135 | -$350 |
| Lariat EcoBoost AWD | $37,565 | $38,485 | -$920 |
| Tremor | $42,340 | $42,690 | -$350 |
Front-wheel drive EcoBoost option notwithstanding, th e powertrains haven’t changed from 2025 and previous model years. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine still cranks out that same 250 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter hybrid manages 191 horsepower (as well as up to 42 mpg).
If you want all-wheel drive, of course, you’re still looking at a $30K-plus price tag once you figure in taxes, registration fees and the like. It is still the most affordable truck in Ford’s lineup, for what that’s worth in today’s climate — and at least the 2026s didn’t get even more expensive.
