2026 Best Overall Truck: Ford Maverick

When it comes to trucks, full-size pickups tend to grab all the headlines, but shopping habits are changing for Canadian buyers. With an emphasis on affordability and capability, smaller trucks are becoming more popular, and the Ford Maverick leads the pack. In addition to being voted by our experts as the Best Compact Truck in the 2026 AutoTrader Awards, it also won as the Best Overall Truck, marking a repeat win in both categories.

That’s an impressive feat considering the AutoTrader panel of over 20 automotive experts from across the country considered every single new truck available for Canadians and determined that the Maverick is the one they would be most confident recommending.

The Ford Maverick lineup has won as Best Compact Truck four years in a row, while it has dominated as the Best Overall Truck for three of the past six years.

If you’re unclear why the Maverick would win all this hardware this many years in a row, let's get the basics out of the way. The Ford Maverick uses the same platform as the Ford Bronco and Escape, but features a 4-foot-5 (1,382-mm) bed, meaning it can not only haul your gear and goodies, but also accommodate your friends and family. The interior is also cleverly designed with durability, user-friendliness, and practicality in mind.

In addition to being practical, the Maverick offers several powertrain options. Entry-level models come with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) hybrid setup with 191 hp, but buyers can opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) for an extra $2,500. The hybrid setup utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can help the small truck consume as little as 6.2 L/100 km combined in the FWD model and 6.4 L/100 km in the AWD model.

The other powertrain is a punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. This motor is paired with all-wheel drive from the get-go, but there are two transmission choices available. Most models make do with an eight-speed automatic, but there’s a seven-speed that’s tuned for quicker shifts in the Lobo trim.

That Lobo trim has the looks to match a sportier, more street-oriented truck, with 19-inch wheels, performance-tuned suspension, more responsive steering, better brakes, and even a unique drive mode that’s optimized for handling around a closed course like a track or autocross. It’s surprisingly fun despite its truck proportions.

If that’s not your speed, the Maverick is also available with an off-road-oriented Tremor trim. It’s pretty much the opposite of the Lobo, featuring off-road goodies like a unique suspension, raised ride height, all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, and a special one-pedal Trail Control feature. The Tremor is plenty capable off-road and is happy to crawl through trails or climb steep inclines.

Beyond the specialized trims, shoppers can also opt for the Lariat model, which packs more creature comforts, like a powered driver seat, 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, driver assistance features, and an optional towing package that can pull about 4,000 lbs.

With plenty of trims, it's easy to see why the Maverick is popular with our experts, but the pricing is what seals the deal. The Maverick XL starts at $36,995 for the hybrid motor, while the AWD gas-engine version is $37,495. The Lariat model is $48,995 for the AWD Hybrid setup or $46,995 for the gas-powered model. If the street truck looks and performance is your speed, the Lobo is $44,296, while the range-topping Tremor is $50,495.

With a truck bed full of trophies from this year and many years past, it's clear the Ford Maverick is a solid truck with a lot of appeal, which explains its repeat wins as the Best Compact Truck and Best Overall Truck in the AutoTrader Awards.