The truck I recommend for DIY projects and everyday errands
Today’s pickup trucks are beasts: capable, powerful, and packed with features that can rival a luxury car. But all that power and technology often means clunky fuel economy, a huge turning radius, and more gadgets than anyone actually needs.
Not everyone wants – or needs – that much. Some buyers want a truck that’s as practical as a daily crossover, but still carries gear, tools and materials for weekend projects.
Enter the Ford Maverick. Compact, versatile and easy to use, this is the truck I would recommend to DIY enthusiasts in 2025.
To provide you with the most current and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article comes from Ford and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz, the EPA and TopSpeed.
The Ford Maverick is perfect for every DIY project
The Ford Maverick checks all the boxes for DIYers, whether you’re building a project car or building a deck in your backyard.
It’s a practical pickup that you can drive every day while still carrying just about everything you need for your weekend plans.
The hybrid engine keeps fuel costs low and its compact size makes it easy to handle around town. It’s basically a crossover with a bed, designed for DIYers, not commercial work.
Modular bed with integrated sockets for all your projects
The Maverick makes DIY easy without the need for expensive add-ons. The FLEXBED system allows you to transport a dirt bike, attach supplies, carry wood, or even power camping accessories. It’s also pre-wired for DIY electronics, so you don’t have to worry about original wiring.
The e-DIY system takes this convenience one step further. It offers two 12-volt power sources in the bed, each rated at 20 amps, with hidden two-pin connectors that connect to a supplied pigtail. You can solder them to any 12 volt accessory without running bulky wires from the dashboard.
There is also a 110 volt/400 watt outlet for charging devices or powering tools like drills and air pumps. The setup keeps your Maverick ready for projects without the headaches of DIY wiring.
Designed for DIY: Ford makes DIY mods easy
Ford makes DIYing your Maverick simple with its Hack Your Maverick video series. The videos show you how to add bed rail lighting, install an air compressor, or build a bike rack for just $45, much cheaper than aftermarket options.
Inside, the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) lets you easily attach accessories, and Ford even provides CAD files and guides for 3D printed add-ons.
With these tools, you can carry tools, build temporary shelves, or transport a dirt bike, all without spending a fortune on additional equipment. The Maverick adapts to your projects, not the other way around.
Practical enough for daily driving, rugged enough for weekend projects
Doing it yourself is a lifestyle, and the Maverick supports it without the headaches of a full-size truck.
Built on a unibody platform like the Escape or Bronco Sport, it drives more like a crossover than a big half-ton.
Light steering, good visibility and a smooth ride make it easy to handle, while its smaller size fits most garages and city streets.
Plenty of power for everyday driving and the features you actually want
The Maverick keeps things practical under the hood with two solid engine choices: a 2.5-liter hybrid that gets 37 mpg or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 horsepower when you need a little more power.
Inside, it’s loaded with modern technologies like SYNC 4, Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, as well as Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features to help with everything from adaptive cruising to evasive steering.
Upgrade and you get perks like heated seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, smart access, and even skid plates—basically everything you need for everyday life and weekend plans.
Project-friendly bed with 1,500-pound payload for DIY tasks
The Maverick combines daily driving with true DIY utility. Its 4.5-foot bed can support up to 1,500 pounds, enough for almost any weekend project.
Towing is also convenient, with 2,000 pounds standard and up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Trailering Package and all-wheel drive available. This makes it a lifestyle truck designed for real-world tasks.
All of this comes at a base price of less than $30,000, which makes you wonder why most people would need a larger truck for non-commercial use.
Plenty of space for 18 sheets of plywood or 16 bags of mulch
The bed is also very practical. With 33 cubic feet of space, it can hold 16 bags of mulch or a full sheet of plywood with ease.
At 30.4 inches tall, loading items is easy: lower than a kitchen counter.
Even if you’re about five feet tall, the side walls are low enough that you can access them without climbing.
Simple guides for connecting electrical accessories
Ford offers a few DIY guides that walk you through common installation setups. You will see how to connect LED bed lighting or install a small air compressor using the e-DIY sockets located in the bed.
The videos are simple and easy to follow, covering everything from soldering your accessories to disconnecting the battery first. They even allow new DIYers to customize their Maverick without stress.
The cabin layout is just as user-friendly as the bed
The Maverick’s DIY attitude doesn’t just apply to the bed: it extends to the cabin, too. The Integrated Attachment System (FITS) gives you eight ready slots for all kinds of Ford accessories.
Scan a QR code in the bed and you can pull up CAD files and videos to 3D print your own accessories, from bins and dividers to cup holders.
The owners have gone a step further by offering everything from iPad holders to CB radio holders and even a small sauce tray. The system is as flexible as your imagination.
The truck for DIY enthusiasts
The Maverick doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Jeep has been making easy-to-DIY trucks for years, and pickup truck owners have always loved tinkering and customizing their vehicles.
What the Maverick does is make that DIY lifestyle a little easier. This is a practical, user-friendly pickup that is also designed to be modified without hassle.
With the slightly cheaper 2026 model year on the horizon, this compact truck will only look more tempting for anyone who likes to get hands-on.
