Ford Maverick

Importing a used Ford Maverick from the USA

The Ford Maverick reinvented the small pickup for the American market when it launched for the 2022 model year, and it quickly became one of the hardest trucks to find on US dealer lots. For a European buyer, that popularity is good news on the used side: a steady stream of one- and two-owner examples now flows into the second-hand market, and the Maverick's compact footprint makes it far more usable on German roads than a full-size F-150. If you want to import a used Ford Maverick from the USA, you are looking at a unibody, car-based pickup that drives like a crossover but carries a real four-and-a-half-foot bed.

Production years and key changes

There is effectively one generation so far. The Maverick arrived as a 2022 model on Ford's C2 unibody platform, the same architecture underpinning the Escape and Bronco Sport. Early cars (2022–2023) are defined by their standard hybrid drivetrain and front-wheel drive. For 2024 Ford gave the truck a light refresh: revised front styling, a larger standard touchscreen, and — significantly — the option of the hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, which the launch car never offered. The 2024 update also introduced the off-road-flavoured Tremor package more broadly and the street-focused Lobo trim. Because the model is young, most used examples are low-mileage and still close to factory condition.

What is under the hood

Two powertrains dominate. The standard setup is a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and an eCVT, producing roughly 191 horsepower combined and returning excellent economy — early front-drive hybrids were rated around 42 mpg city on the US cycle. The optional engine is Ford's 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four, making about 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft, mated to an eight-speed automatic and available with all-wheel drive. The EcoBoost is the one to seek if you want to tow: with the 4K Tow Package it is rated to 4,000 lb, versus 2,000 lb for the base truck.

Trims and body styles

Every Maverick is a four-door SuperCrew with a 4.5-foot composite FlexBed featuring the clever multi-position tailgate and molded slots for DIY dividers. Trims run XL, XLT and Lariat, with the Tremor off-road package (AWD, retuned suspension, skid plates) and the Lobo sport model sitting above. Equipment is honest rather than lavish; even a well-optioned Lariat feels closer to a comfortable compact car than a luxury truck.

What the US market offers

Supply is genuinely broad across the Sun Belt — Texas, Florida, Arizona and California — where the Maverick sold in huge numbers to commuters and small-business owners. Typical used cars are 2022–2024 with 15,000 to 60,000 miles. Because many buyers treated the Maverick as an economical daily, mileage and wear are usually moderate, though it pays to inspect the bed and tailgate on trucks that saw real work. Rust is rarely an issue on Southern examples.

Who this import is for

The Maverick suits someone who wants an American pickup character and a load bed but cannot live with the length and thirst of a half-ton truck. It parks in normal spaces, sips fuel in hybrid form, and still hauls bikes, garden waste or trade tools. It is the sensible entry point into US truck ownership in Europe.

Technical data and figures

Reliability: trouble spots to check

Ford Maverick reliability has been broadly solid for such a new model, but a few patterns are worth knowing. Early 2022 hybrids saw software and 12-volt battery niggles that Ford addressed through updates. The 8-speed automatic behind the EcoBoost can occasionally show a low-speed shudder or hesitation; confirm smooth shifts on a test drive. There have been recalls for headlight glare and for wiring/rear-camera issues on early builds — verify open recalls by VIN before shipping. Infotainment freezes and a handful of wheel-bearing complaints round out the list. None of these are structural, but service history matters.

US vs. Europe differences

US Mavericks run amber rear turn signals in some trims but often combine them with the brake lamp, so a rear fog lamp and European-compliant lighting checks are part of approval. Speedometers read mph, headlights are set for right-hand traffic, and the daytime running light logic differs from ECE norms. Otherwise the truck is mechanically identical to what Europe would receive, and parts for the C2 platform overlap with the Escape sold here.

How the import works

The process runs: source and inspect the vehicle in the US, verify the VIN and build origin, place funds in escrow, arrange inland transport to a port such as Houston or Baltimore, book ocean freight (RoRo or container), clear customs on arrival in an EU port such as Bremerhaven, pass a TÜV individual approval (Einzelabnahme per §21 StVZO), and finally register the truck locally. USCar Trader acts as your independent broker through each stage; we do not sell the vehicle to you or add a hidden margin.

Import duty, VAT and fees

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

Two charges are separate and must not be confused. First, EU import duty: under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 in force since 1 July 2026, vehicles of provable US origin transported directly to the EU can qualify for a 0% rate until 31 December 2029. The Maverick is a special case — it is assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico, so its VIN typically begins with a 3, indicating Mexican build. That means 0% is not automatic; the actual plant of origin decides the rate, so the VIN must be checked case by case. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies regardless of origin and is calculated on the customs value plus duty and freight.

From modifications to registration

Expect to convert or add European lighting (rear fog lamp, side markers handled correctly, headlight aim), confirm the odometer reads in kilometres or is documented in miles, and have the vehicle inspected for construction and emissions compliance. Once the TÜV examiner issues the individual approval, you take the paperwork to your local registration office for German plates.

Pre-buy inspection points

Decode the VIN and confirm the build plant. Pull a full Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents and title branding. Inspect the FlexBed and tailgate for work wear. Check the hybrid battery and 8-speed behaviour. Confirm all open recalls are closed. Verify service records, especially oil changes on the EcoBoost. Confirm a clean, transferable title.

What buyers ask most

Is the Ford Maverick built in the USA?

No — it is assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico. This matters for customs because the 0% EU duty depends on provable US origin, so the VIN must be checked.

Can I import a used Maverick hybrid to Germany?

Yes. Both the hybrid and the EcoBoost are importable as used vehicles; the hybrid needs a battery health check as part of inspection.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies on every import irrespective of origin.

How reliable is the Maverick?

Generally reliable for a young model; watch early-build software fixes, the 8-speed shift quality, and closed recall status.

How much can a Maverick tow?

2,000 lb as standard, up to 4,000 lb with the 4K Tow Package on the EcoBoost.

Will it pass TÜV?

Yes, after the usual lighting adjustments and an individual approval inspection.

What mileage should I expect on used examples?

Most are 2022–2024 cars with roughly 15,000–60,000 miles.

Is USCar Trader a dealer?

No. We are an independent broker arranging the import; we take no manufacturer margin.

Explore more in the Ford in the Carhub, compare it with the Ford Ranger, the Honda Ridgeline or the Hyundai Santa Cruz, and browse current Maverick listings.