Full-size pickup trucks may fill the top three slots in most popular vehicles sold in the US, but bigger isn’t always better. Many drivers appreciate the utility of a truck, but find full-size models too difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, too expensive, or not fuel efficient enough. That’s where midsize and compact trucks come into play.
Not so long ago, Ford’s full-size F-150 was the smallest pickup it offered, dwarfed only by the heavy duty F-250, F-350, and so on. The brand resurrected its midsize Ranger for the 2019 model year, and rounded the lineup out with the compact Maverick in 2022. The current model, the 2024 Ford Maverick, feels at home alongside its larger counterparts, with styling and capabilities that fit neatly into the Ford truck lineup.
Ford is working hard to make sure that the Maverick doesn’t seem like a downgrade, but rather represents everything drivers appreciate about pickups in a smaller package. That means they have to provide one of the things truck drivers can’t get enough of: customization options. For instance, the 2024 model comes standard with a powerful 250-horsepower 2.0L EcoBoost engine, but can also be had with a 2.5L hybrid powertrain that has fuel economy ratings of 40 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. While the 2024 Maverick only has three trim levels (XL, XLT, and Lariat), there are plenty of packages you can add to make it your own. Let’s take a look at what these packages are, which trims they can be paired with, and what they have to offer drivers.
Ford Co-Pilot 360
All models of the 2024 Maverick come standard with safety features like full airbag coverage, a LATCH system for securing car seats, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear view camera. It also includes standard driver assistance tech, such as a pre-collision prevention system, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Even more high-tech safety features come with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Package, which is available on the XL and XLT trims and comes standard on the top-tier Lariat.
This package adds on a lane-keeping system that uses three features to make sure you’re not drifting into danger. Lane-keeping alerts warns you when you’re crossing the line unintentionally, without using your turn signal. The lane-keeping aid uses gentle corrective steering to keep you centered in your lane. Finally, the driver alert system uses sensors to detect when you’re getting drowsy or distracted, and warns you that it’s time to pull over and take a quick break. The package also includes a blind spot information system to let you know when another car is in your blind zone, plus cross-traffic alert, which lets you know when vehicles are approaching from the side while you’re backing up.
On the Lariat, you can upgrade even further with the available Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist Package. This adds rear parking sensors to help you better gauge the distance between you and obstacles while backing up at low speeds. For highway driving, this package adds evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control, which can slow, stop, and accelerate in order to maintain a set distance away from the vehicle in front of you.
4K Tow Package
To unlock the Maverick’s maximum towing capacity, you’ll need to add the 4K Tow Package. This is available for all three trim levels, but it requires the 2.0L engine equipped with regular all-wheel drive. The 2.5L hybrid can not be equipped with this package, nor can front-wheel drive and Advanced 4WD Mavericks. As the name implies, this package allows you to tow up to 4,000 lbs. It also includes features like a trailer brake controller and trailer hitch receiver with seven-pin connector to give you more control over your trailer. There are also features that counter the increased stress that towing puts on the engine, like a transmission oil cooler, higher capacity radiator, and upgraded cooling fan.
FX4 Off-Road Package
If you’re looking to venture off-road, there are two available packages that can give you the equipment you need to tackle rough terrain. Neither is available on the base-level XL, but both can be added to either the XLT or Lariat. The first is the FX4 Off-Road Package, which requires AWD and the 4K Tow Package. It includes a set of all-terrain tires wrapped around unique 17-inch wheels, exposed front tow hooks, an off-road screen that displays relevant diagnostics and real-time information. The FX4 also adds a performance suspension for a smoother ride, hill descent control, protective underbody skid plates, and a trailer hitch with a four-pin connector. You’ll also unlock additional drive modes: Mud/Rut, Slippery, Sand, and Tow/Haul. Exclusive graphics mark this Maverick as ready for action.
Tremor Package
While the FX4 Package is plenty tough for light off-roading, the Tremor Package takes things to the next level. It’s available only on the XLT and Lariat trims, and requires the advanced 4WD system paired with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Like the FX4, this package includes features like skid plates, selectable drive modes, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and an off-road display screen, but goes far beyond the FX4 with even more features designed specifically for off-roading.
An off-road tuned suspension increases the truck’s ground clearance and adds unique shocks to both the front and rear axles for better control and ride quality on rough surfaces. A twin-clutch rear drive unit with an electronic locking rear differential improves traction on loose surfaces. There’s also a full-size spare tire for emergencies, and a unique front bumper that improves the Maverick’s approach angle. Ford’s Trail Control system is like a cruise control system designed for OHV trails, maintaining a steady slow speed so that the driver can focus exclusively on steering. This is particularly handy on tricky hill descents.
The Tremor Package adds several styling touches that make it stand out from the lineup. The upper grille has a unique style with orange accents that match the orange-painted tow hooks and the orange fender vent. The box is marked with Tremor decals and badges and the Ford logos in the front and back are unique. Black chrome headlamps and taillamps round out the look. Inside, the color scheme continues with black onyx seats that feature orange contrast stitching.
Black Appearance Package
The Black Appearance Package adds exactly what it says. Several exterior features are replaced with black versions. This includes 18-inch black aluminum wheels, black Ford logos in the front and back, a black grille, black mirrors, black headlamps and taillamps, black seats, and other black accents throughout the interior. This package can be added on the XLT (with the XLT Luxury Package) or Lariat trims, but it can’t be paired with either off-road package.
Luxury Packages
If you don’t want your truck to be all work and no play, you can add a luxury package for improved comfort and convenience features. The XL, being the base model, offers no luxury package. Stepping up to the XLT unlocks the optional XLT Luxury Package. This replaces the standard six-way manual adjustable driver’s seat and four-way manual adjustable passenger seat with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and six-way manual adjustable passenger seat. A 400w/110V inverter adds an outlet to the bed, plus a cab outlet with USB ports in the rear console. The bed is also improved by LED box lighting and a hard drop-in liner for extra protection. The package also includes a remote start system and a trailer hitch with four-pin connector. Of course, no luxury interior would be complete without heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
The Lariat comes standard with its top-tier Lariat Luxury Package, which include features like a premium B&O audio system, LED box lighting, a large 8-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad. It also adds plenty of heating features, including mirrors, seats, and the steering wheel.
