2026 Ford Maverick Specs & Configurations (AWD-Forward Guide)
If you’re shopping the 2026 Ford Maverick and you care about AWD for South Dakota winters, the smartest move is to start with the non-negotiables: drivetrain, towing needs, payload reality, and the equipment that actually shows up on the window sticker. This guide lays out the specs buyers ask for most—without assuming every Maverick is built the same way.
Want the full “which one should I buy?” overview first? Use the 2026 Ford Maverick overview. If you’re browsing the full lineup and model guidance (including what’s typically available locally), start at the Ford Maverick hub.
What powertrains are offered for 2026?
The 2026 Maverick lineup is built around two buyer profiles: people who want a compact truck that’s easy to live with every day, and people who want compact size but still prioritize winter traction and capability. Powertrain availability can vary by build and timing, so the best approach is to treat published specs as a starting point—then confirm what’s on the specific unit or order.
If you’re comparing trims at the same time, the 2026 Maverick overview shows how different trims are positioned and which types of buyers they typically fit.
Which Maverick builds can you get with AWD?
For South Dakota buyers, AWD isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s often the deciding filter. The key is that AWD availability is tied to configuration, and that configuration can also influence towing equipment, wheel/tire setup, and how the truck feels under load.
- AWD is a configuration decision: choose it early, because it can narrow what’s available.
- Don’t ignore tires: the right tire choice matters as much as drivetrain for winter confidence.
- Confirm the exact build: window sticker and equipment list matter more than assumptions.
If winter traction is your main concern, we break down what actually matters (tires, clearance, visibility, and driving patterns) in the upcoming 2026 Maverick winter driving guide.
Towing specs: what changes the rating?
Maverick towing capability is heavily dependent on towing equipment and configuration. The most common mistake is shopping by a single towing number without checking whether the truck has the right package hardware to match your trailer.
- Trailer type matters: utility trailers and small campers are common Maverick use cases.
- Equipment matters: hitches, cooling/support hardware, and package content can change what’s realistic.
- Real loaded weight beats brochure weight: always plan around what you actually tow.
For a detailed towing breakdown (including how to think about trailer weight, stability, and what to check on the equipment list), see the upcoming 2026 Maverick towing guide.
Payload: what buyers misunderstand most
Payload is the limit that sneaks up on people—especially if you carry passengers, tools, or bed loads at the same time. The practical way to think about payload is “everything you add to the truck” (people + gear + accessories) and whether the truck is still comfortably within spec.
- Passengers count toward payload.
- Bed loads + accessories add up faster than most people expect.
- When towing, tongue weight (or hitch load) also affects payload.
What to confirm on the window sticker before you commit
If you want a specific answer, don’t guess—verify the truck’s equipment list. Here’s what serious buyers confirm every time:
- Drivetrain: AWD vs FWD (and how it’s listed on the build)
- Towing equipment: hitch / package content that supports your trailer
- Wheel/tire setup: impacts winter confidence and ride feel
- Cab/bed configuration: affects daily usability and what you can carry
Quick Overview
| Best for | Buyers who want AWD confidence and practical truck capability |
| Smartest move | Choose drivetrain + towing needs first, then pick trim |
| Confirm before purchase | Window sticker equipment list (don’t assume) |
How to spec the right Maverick (step-by-step)
- Decide AWD vs FWD first based on your winter routes and where you drive.
- Write down your trailer type (if any) and realistic loaded weight.
- Estimate payload needs (people + gear + bed load) for your normal week.
- Pick trim based on comfort/tech needs after capability is locked.
- Verify equipment on the exact unit using the window sticker or build sheet.
FAQ
Is AWD worth it for South Dakota winters?
What’s the fastest way to avoid buying the “wrong” Maverick?
Should I pick trim first or capability first?
Conclusion
In my experience, buyers feel best about a Maverick when they spec it like a tool first and a trim badge second. When AWD, towing equipment, and payload expectations line up with real life, the Maverick becomes the kind of truck that’s easy to live with year-round.
About the Author: Lexy Tabbert helps South Dakota and North Dakota drivers choose the right Ford vehicle configuration for real-world use. Her Maverick guidance focuses on AWD confidence for winter driving, practical towing/payload decision-making, and verifying equipment on the exact build—so buyers get a truck that fits long-term.
