The Champ Returns: Why the 2026 MotorTrend Truck of the Year Belongs in Lebanon

The votes are in, and the automotive world has crowned its king. For the second time in its short history, the Ford Maverick has been named the 2026 MotorTrend Truck of the Year.¹

It’s rare for a truck to win this award once, let alone twice. But if you’ve seen a Maverick navigating the tight parking spots at the West Lebanon Plaza or hauling mulch down Route 120, you already know why. This isn’t just a win for Ford engineering; it’s a win for everyone in the Upper Valley who needs a truck that actually fits their life (and their budget).

Shop New Ford Maverick

Here is why this award matters to us here in Lebanon—and why the 2026 model is the one you’ve been waiting for.

The “Unicorn” Truck Finally Arrives

For years, New England drivers had a tough choice to make with the Maverick: get the incredible fuel economy of the Hybrid, or get the winter-busting traction of All-Wheel Drive (AWD). You couldn’t have both.

For 2026, that compromise is gone. MotorTrend specifically highlighted the new Hybrid AWD powertrain as a game-changer.¹ You can now get the traction you need for those steep, snowy driveways in Enfield or Hartford, VT, while still getting the efficiency that makes the commute to Dartmouth-Hitchcock affordable. It’s the “unicorn” configuration our customers have been asking for since day one.

Upper Valley “Quick Specs”

Why did it win? Here are the stats that matter for New Hampshire drivers:

• Fuel Economy: The Hybrid FWD models are EPA-estimated at up to 42 MPG city, while the new Hybrid AWD targets 40 MPG city.²
• Towing: Need to haul a small boat to Mascoma Lake? When properly equipped with the 4K Tow Package, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs.²
• Tech: A massive 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC® 4 is now standard on all trims, from the work-ready XL to the off-road Tremor.¹

Big Tech, Small Price

One of the key reasons MotorTrend selected the Maverick was its incredible value retention and “Performance of Intended Function.”¹ But that doesn’t mean it feels “cheap.”

Whether you are navigating to the Lebanon Landfill for a weekend clean-out run or just trying to find the quickest route home during rush hour, you have top-tier tech right at your fingertips. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ mean no more fumbling with cords when you jump in for a quick trip to the hardware store.

The Best Truck Deserves the Best Backing

Buying the Truck of the Year is a smart move. Buying it at Nucar Ford of Lebanon is a genius move.

We believe that a truck built to last should have a warranty that lasts just as long. That’s why every qualifying new Maverick purchased with us comes with the Nucar 20/200 Protection Plan at no additional cost.

This is a robust powertrain warranty that covers you for 20 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.³ It protects the heart of your truck—the engine, transmission, and drive axles—giving you peace of mind whether you’re at 5,000 miles or 195,000 miles.

See the Champ for Yourself

MotorTrend tests trucks on tracks and drag strips, but the real test happens right here in New Hampshire.

If you’re ready to see why the 2026 Ford Maverick is the perfect fit for your driveway, stop by Nucar Ford of Lebanon at 425 Miracle Mile. Our team can walk you through the new Hybrid AWD options and show you exactly why “Everyone loves a Nucar!”