EVs & Cars
Ford Maverick vs Slate Truck
Ford Maverick and Slate Truck are compact pickups, but Ford is a five-seat hybrid truck while Slate is a lower-price two-seat EV. Compare towing, payload, bed space, range, charging, fuel economy, tech, safety, and customization before choosing your small truck.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Ford
Ford Maverick
A compact Ford pickup built for five seats, hybrid efficiency, light towing, city-friendly size, bed utility, and available AWD.
VS
Slate
Slate Truck
A minimalist electric pickup built for low entry price, local driving, DIY customization, simple charging, and two-seat utility.
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Specifications
Pros & Cons
Ford Maverick — Pros
✓Seats five, while Slate Truck starts as a two-seat pickup
✓Tows up to 4,000 lb with the available 4K Tow Package, double Slate's projected 2,000 lb towing capacity
✓Payload reaches up to 1,500 lb depending on configuration, close to Slate's projected 1,550 lb payload
✓Standard 2.5L hybrid is EPA-estimated at up to 42 mpg city on FWD models
✓Offers FWD, AWD, and Advanced 4WD layouts depending on engine and trim
✓Has built-in infotainment with a standard 13.2-inch center display and SYNC 4
Ford Maverick — Cons
✕Five trims span a wide price range, from $29,990 for XL up to $41,490 for Tremor, so buyers must compare configurations instead of choosing one fixed price like Slate.
✕Not an EV, so it still uses gasoline even with the standard hybrid system
✕Longer at about 199.8 inches on most trims, while Slate Truck is 174.6 inches long
✕More complex trims, packages, engines, and dealer pricing can make buying less simple than Slate's one-model pitch
✕Fuel and maintenance needs are greater than a simple battery-electric local truck
✕Maximum towing and payload depend on configuration, packages, cargo, accessories, and passengers
Slate Truck — Pros
✓$24,950 Blank Slate price is published directly by Slate
✓Projected 205-mile range is designed for local daily driving
✓Shorter 174.6-inch length should make it easier to park than Ford Maverick
✓Charging cable is included and Level 2 charging can add 25 to 35 miles per hour
✓DC public charging is listed at 20 to 80% in 30 minutes
✓DIY-friendly design supports wraps, accessories, and later body-style conversion kits
Slate Truck — Cons
✕First deliveries are slated for late 2026, while Maverick is a current Ford product
✕Starts as a two-seat pickup, while Maverick seats five
✕Projected 2,000 lb towing is below Maverick's available 4,000 lb towing capacity
✕No built-in infotainment system; Slate expects you to use your phone or accessory audio
✕Rear-wheel drive only, while Maverick offers FWD, AWD, or Advanced 4WD depending on configuration
✕Final vehicle details may vary because Slate says images and final specifications may change
Best used for
✦Carry up to five people in a SuperCrew compact pickup
✦Use the standard 2.5L hybrid for daily driving and EPA-estimated 42 mpg city fuel economy
✦Tow up to 4,000 lb with the available 4K Tow Package
✦Haul up to 1,500 lb of payload depending on configuration
✦Use the 54.4-inch cargo bed and FLEXBED storage system for bikes, mulch, tools, and weekend gear
✦Choose available AWD or Advanced 4WD if you need more traction than a rear-drive EV truck
✦Use SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the standard 13.2-inch center display
✦Pick it if you need a proven, currently sold truck with Ford dealer support
Best used for
✦Use the projected 205-mile range for local errands, commuting, and daily work routes
✦Start with the $24,950 Blank Slate price and add only the accessories you want
✦Charge from a household outlet, appliance outlet, or public fast charger
✦Use the two-seat pickup layout for simple cargo runs instead of family hauling
✦Customize the truck with wraps, accessories, SUV kits, audio, lighting, and interior upgrades over time
✦Use the 7 cu ft frunk and 35.1 cu ft cargo bed for practical local storage
✦Pick Slate if transparent online buying and direct ordering matter more than dealer inventory
✦Choose the EV if low-speed local utility and home charging are more important than towing strength
⚖️
Our Verdict
Ford Maverick is the better fit if you need a real five-seat compact pickup today, stronger available towing, hybrid efficiency, AWD options, built-in infotainment, and Ford dealer support. Slate Truck is the more interesting pick if you want a lower published entry price, a small EV for local driving, home charging, DIY customization, and you can live with two seats and late-2026 delivery timing.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Ford Maverick if...
→You need five seats
→You want a truck you can buy through Ford dealers now
→You want hybrid fuel economy
→You need up to 4,000 lb towing
→You want AWD or Advanced 4WD options
→You want built-in infotainment and SYNC 4
→You want a larger 54.4-inch bed floor length
→You prefer established Ford service and warranty support
Choose Slate Truck if...
→You want a lower $24,950 published starting price
→You want a small electric pickup
→You mostly drive local routes
→You only need two seats
→You want simple home and public charging
→You like DIY customization
→You want a shorter truck for parking
→You can wait for late 2026 deliveries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Ford Maverick vs Slate Truck: which is better?
A: Ford Maverick is better for most truck buyers who need five seats, current availability, available AWD, and up to 4,000 lb towing. Slate Truck is better for buyers who want a lower published price, EV driving, simple charging, and DIY customization.
Q: What is the main difference between Ford Maverick and Slate Truck?
A: Ford Maverick is a five-seat compact pickup with hybrid or gas power. Slate Truck is a two-seat electric pickup with a lower published price, simple features, phone-based tech, and a customization-first design.
Q: Is Slate Truck cheaper than Ford Maverick?
A: Yes. Slate publishes a $24,950 Blank Slate price, while Ford lists the 2026 Maverick XL from $29,990 cash purchase, rising to $41,490 for the Tremor trim.
Q: Can Slate Truck tow as much as Ford Maverick?
A: No. Slate says the truck is projected to tow 2,000 lb. Ford lists 2,000 lb standard towing for Maverick and up to 4,000 lb with the available 4K Tow Package.
Q: Which truck has more seats?
A: Ford Maverick has more seats. Ford lists maximum seating for five, while Slate starts as a two-seat pickup and can be changed into five-seat SUV body styles with kits.
Q: Which truck has better fuel economy or range?
A: Ford Maverick Hybrid FWD is EPA-estimated at 42 city, 35 highway, and 38 combined mpg. Slate Truck is electric and Slate projects 205 miles of range per charge.
Q: Is Slate Truck available now?
A: Preorders are open, but Slate says first deliveries are slated for late 2026. Ford Maverick is already listed on Ford.com with Build & Price and inventory paths.
Q: Which truck has more cargo space?
A: The comparison depends on cargo type. Ford Maverick lists a 54.4-inch bed floor and 33.3 cu ft bed volume. Slate lists a 5-foot bed, 35.1 cu ft cargo bed, and 7 cu ft frunk.
Q: Does Slate Truck have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
A: No. Slate says that because your phone is the primary controller, you do not need CarPlay or Android Auto. Phone, tablet, portable speaker, and accessory audio options are part of the Slate approach.
Q: Does Ford Maverick have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
A: Yes. Ford says SYNC 4 provides wireless connectivity to compatible phones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Q: Which truck is smaller?
A: Slate Truck is shorter. Slate lists 174.6 inches long, 70.6 inches wide, and 68 inches tall, while Ford Maverick is about 199.8 inches long on most trims and 72.6 inches wide to the door handles.
Q: Which truck has the better warranty?
A: Slate lists a longer battery and powertrain warranty at 10 years or 110,000 miles. Ford lists 3 years or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper and 5 years or 60,000 miles powertrain and roadside assistance.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
- ↗Ford 2026 Maverick Official Product Page
- ↗Ford 2026 Maverick Build & Price
- ↗Ford 2026 Maverick Pricing and Incentives
- ↗Ford 2026 Maverick Technical Specifications
- ↗Slate Auto Official Home Page
- ↗Slate Auto Official Specs Page
- ↗Slate Auto Official FAQ
- ↗Slate Auto Official Charging Page
Last verified: July 2026
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