Cool compacts: Ford Maverick Lariat, Subaru Crosstrek Wildernes
While the Fourth of July may be over, other fireworks continue with two bangin’ rides: the Ford Maverick pickup and Subaru Crosstrek SUV.
Both are affordable compacts, though neither can be considered barebones and each vehicle offers some fresh surprises. FORD MAVERICK LARIAT $35,000 MPG: 22 city/29 highway 0-to-60 mph: 5.9 seconds Cargo capacity: 33.3 cu.
ft. PROS: Very low price. Peppy. Lotsa storage. CONS: Spartan base model. Bumpy ride. Pricey options. IN A NUTSHELL: When I wrote a few years ago about the Ford Maverick, which was replacing the long-time Ranger, it was a pleasant surprise to learn this new pickup came standard as a hybrid.
Such fuel efficiency—42 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway—is still impressive. But this year Ford switched the Maverick’s powertrain availability, which means the hybrid is now a $1,500 option and the more powerful turbo engine comes standard.
