FLEXBED® Utility Makes the 2026 Ford Maverick® a Smart Truck for Clayton, WI Drivers

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors - Why the 2026 Ford Maverick Lariat Works Well around Clear Lake, WI The 2026 Ford Maverick® Lariat® is the kind of compact pickup that makes sense when you want one vehicle to handle commuting, errands, projects, and weekend plans without feeling oversized. Around Clear Lake, WI, that matters. A truck should be easy to park, comfortable on familiar local routes, and capable enough for hauling supplies, outdoor gear, or a small trailer when the day calls for more utility. The Lariat® trim hits that balance especially well because it adds technology and comfort features that directly support real ownership, not just showroom appeal. At Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors, we see the Maverick® Lariat® as a smart choice for shoppers who like the practical size of the Maverick but want a more refined experience behind the wheel. It keeps the lineup’s core strengths, including the FLEXBED® Storage System, seating for five, and the standard 13.2" center display with SYNC® 4, then adds features such as the 360-Degree Camera, heated seats, heated sideview mirrors, heated steering wheel, Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, and 19" machined-painted aluminum wheels. For online shoppers in Rice Lake, Almena, and Clear Lake, WI, the Lariat® trim deserves attention because it feels prepared for everyday life in a way that is both useful and easy to appreciate. A Compact Truck That Fits Daily Driving One of the biggest reasons to consider the Maverick® Lariat® is how naturally it fits into a busy daily routine. Full-size trucks are excellent tools, but not every driver needs that much size every day. The Maverick gives you a pickup bed, a comfortable cabin, and confident capability in a more manageable package. That makes it easier to navigate parking lots, pull into a driveway, or make multiple stops around town without feeling like the truck is asking for extra space everywhere it goes. The Lariat® trim improves that daily experience with features you notice immediately. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel make the cabin more comfortable during cooler northern Wisconsin mornings, while heated sideview mirrors help maintain visibility when conditions are less than ideal. The 360-Degree Camera is also a major advantage. Whether you are backing toward a trailer, easing into a tighter parking space, or maneuvering near a garage, the added view around the truck can reduce stress and improve confidence. Why the Lariat® Trim Stands Out The Maverick® lineup offers several strong trims, but the Lariat® has a specific role. It is the trim for drivers who want the Maverick’s practical nature with more convenience, more technology, and a more polished feel. The standard 13.2" center display with SYNC® 4 helps keep your favorite apps and vehicle functions within easy reach. That matters when your day includes a commute, a grocery stop, a hardware run, and a quick drive to meet friends or family. The Lariat® also adds Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, a feature that can make towing feel more approachable. Small trailers are common tools for many drivers around Clear Lake, whether used for yard work, recreational equipment, or project materials. Backing a trailer can be one of the more intimidating parts of towing, especially in tighter spaces. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ helps support smoother trailer maneuvering, making the truck feel more helpful when you need precision. Visibility: The 360-Degree Camera supports parking, backing, and tight-space maneuvering. Comfort: Heated seats, mirrors, and steering wheel add everyday cabin confidence. Towing help: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ supports more controlled trailer backing. Cabin tech: The 13.2" center display with SYNC® 4 keeps key functions close. Refined appearance: 19" machined-painted aluminum wheels give the Lariat® a distinctive look. Useful Bed Design for Real Tasks The Maverick® Lariat® remains a truck at heart, and the FLEXBED® Storage System is a major reason why it works so well. It is designed for flexibility, so owners can organize cargo, secure gear, and adapt the bed to different tasks. For a Clear Lake driver, that might mean hauling garden supplies one day and loading fishing gear, tools, or home project materials the next. The bed is not just an open box; it is a thoughtful storage area that encourages practical use. That versatility is important because many shoppers are not looking for a truck only for one job. A compact pickup often becomes the vehicle that gets asked to do a little bit of everything. The Lariat® trim fits that role because it adds comfort and technology without reducing the usefulness that makes the Maverick appealing in the first place. You still get the bed, the cabin space, and the manageable dimensions, but the experience feels more complete. Powertrain Flexibility and Capability The 2026 Maverick lineup offers a 2.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid powertrain and an available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, giving shoppers different ways to prioritize efficiency, response, and capability. The Maverick also offers available all-wheel drive, and maximum available towing capacity reaches 4,000 lbs. when properly equipped. For many local drivers, that combination is appealing because it allows the truck to be tailored to real needs rather than forcing every buyer into the same setup. The Lariat® trim works well for shoppers who want that capability wrapped in a more confident ownership experience. A driver who regularly carries passengers will appreciate the cabin comfort. Someone who occasionally tows will appreciate Pro Trailer Backup Assist™. A driver who parks downtown, backs around equipment, or uses a garage with limited space will appreciate the 360-Degree Camera. This is where the Lariat® becomes more than a collection of features. It makes the Maverick easier to use. Who Should Choose the Maverick® Lariat®? The Lariat® is a smart fit for drivers who plan to keep a vehicle for a variety of uses. If you only need the basics, the XL may be enough. If you want a strong balance of features and utility, the XLT makes sense. If you want a street-performance personality, Maverick Lobo™ brings that energy. If your plans include more off-road hardware, the Tremor® is built for that mission. The Lariat® is different because it focuses on making the everyday truck experience more comfortable, more confident, and more refined. That makes it especially appealing for households that need one vehicle to do many things. The Maverick® Lariat® can commute comfortably, carry passengers, haul weekend supplies, help with small towing needs, and still feel easy to live with during the workweek. It is not trying to be the biggest truck in the driveway. It is trying to be one of the most useful. Choose Lariat® for daily comfort: Heated seating and steering wheel features add consistent cabin value. Choose Lariat® for easier parking: The 360-Degree Camera helps in crowded or narrow spaces. Choose Lariat® for trailer confidence: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ supports more controlled maneuvering. Choose Lariat® for balanced ownership: It blends workday utility with weekend flexibility. Frequently Asked Questions: Is the 2026 Ford Maverick® Lariat® good for everyday driving around Clear Lake? Yes. Its compact pickup size, comfortable cabin, helpful camera technology, and flexible bed design make it well-suited for commuting, errands, light hauling, and weekend use around Clear Lake. What makes the Lariat® different from the XLT? The Lariat® adds higher-level features such as the 360-Degree Camera, heated seats, heated sideview mirrors, heated steering wheel, Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, and 19" machined-painted aluminum wheels. Can the Maverick® Lariat® help with towing? Yes. The Maverick offers strong compact-truck utility, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ on the Lariat® can help make trailer maneuvering more approachable and controlled. Is the FLEXBED® Storage System useful for homeowners? Absolutely. It gives the Maverick a flexible cargo area for project supplies, tools, outdoor gear, and everyday items that would be difficult to carry inside a sedan or small SUV. The 2026 Ford Maverick® Lariat® is a strong choice because it understands what many Wisconsin drivers actually need: a practical truck that does not feel excessive, useful capability that does not complicate daily driving, and comfort features that matter beyond the first test drive. For Clear Lake shoppers who want a compact pickup with genuine versatility and a more refined ownership experience, the Lariat® trim is an excellent place to focus. *Image may not be actual model Request more 2026 Ford Maverick information

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors - Why the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo thrills daily drives around Rice Lake, WI The 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo™ is the compact pickup that thinks like a sport sedan—without forgetting it is still a hardworking truck. Around Rice Lake, WI, where daily routes switch from city streets to winding county roads in a heartbeat, the Lobo’s performance focus feels tailor-made. It delivers the responsiveness you want on quick merges and confident handling on those familiar sweepers by the water. What sets the Maverick Lobo apart is not just what is under the hood, but how each component is tuned to work together. The 2.0L EcoBoost® engine pairs with a 7-speed quick shift transmission and paddle shifters, so your right hand is always a flick away from the gear you want. The torque-vectoring capable twin-clutch rear drive unit makes the rear end come alive, improving rotation in corners and helping the truck feel planted when you arc through a turn on Highway 48. It is engaging, confidence-inspiring, and—most importantly—repeatable, even when the weather or the road surface is not perfect. Performance hardware that earns its keep Plenty of trucks promise sporty vibes, but the Lobo backs it up with real engineering. The performance-tuned steering and suspension sharpen responses without beating you up over expansion joints or patchy pavement. The result is a compact pickup that respects your time and your commute, making everyday drives feel more direct and more intuitive. And when plans include a quick detour to pick up supplies or a run to the trailhead, it is still a Maverick—so the bed, tie-downs, and clever storage stay ready for real life. Engine: 2.0L EcoBoost® tuned for brisk, usable torque Transmission: 7-speed quick shift with steering wheel paddle controls Rear Drive: Twin-clutch unit with torque-vectoring capability Chassis: Performance-tuned steering and suspension calibration Traction: Available AWD for four-season confidence Rice Lake drivers know how the day can change—drop the kids off near Main Street, hop over to your favorite lunch spot, then cruise toward the lake or out along County Road C. The Lobo’s torque-vectoring system helps rotate the truck through tight turns and lends a poised feel on longer sweepers, all while keeping traction easy to read through the steering wheel. That nuanced control means you use less effort to place the truck exactly where you want it. Technology that keeps pace Capability is part of the Lobo’s DNA, but so is tech that helps you enjoy every mile. A standard 13.2-inch center screen delivers quick, clear access to media, navigation, and vehicle settings. If you back a trailer or jockey into tight spots, available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and a 360-Degree Camera lend added confidence. Pair that with Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist features, and you have a performance-oriented truck that is also relaxing to live with day to day. Inside, supportive seats, easy-to-clean materials, and thoughtful storage strike a balance between sport and utility. You can set the cabin the way you like it and count on durable finishes that will hold up to real use—whether that is a quick run to a hardware store on South Main or loading up for a weekend project at home. Where the Lobo fits in your life If you value an engaging drive but still need a bed that works, the Maverick Lobo brings both to the table. It is nimble and eager without being fussy, and the drivetrain does an admirable job of translating your inputs into motion you can feel. On familiar routes around Rice Lake, that connection encourages a smoother rhythm—brake, turn, accelerate—without drama. The broader Maverick lineup is equally compelling. Want sharper off-road traction for trail approaches outside town? The Tremor® model’s advanced 4WD and twin-clutch rear drive unit answer the call. Prefer maximum efficiency for long commutes? The standard hybrid powertrain in other Maverick trims provides smooth, quiet progress with practical punch. The Lobo simply adds a performance chapter that shows how far a compact pickup can evolve. Helpful tips for a smarter Lobo setup Drive Modes: Explore each available mode—especially on wet or loose surfaces—to feel how steering and throttle mapping change Tire Pressure: Keep pressures at spec for the best mix of response and ride comfort Trailer Tech: If you tow, set up available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and practice in an empty lot Bed Storage: Use the FLEXBED® anchor points and DIY dividers to keep gear secure on spirited drives Fine-tuning your setup pays off. Dial in your preferred steering feel, keep the bed organized so weight is centered and secured, and learn how the twin-clutch rear drive unit responds as speeds climb. The more you build familiarity, the more the Lobo rewards precise inputs with responsive, confident motion. Frequently Asked Questions: What makes the Maverick Lobo feel different from other Maverick models? The Lobo’s 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, 7-speed quick-shift transmission with paddle shifters, and torque-vectoring capable twin-clutch rear drive unit create a sportier, more connected drive. Performance-tuned steering and suspension calibrations refine the feel even further. Does the Lobo still work as a truck for daily tasks? Absolutely. It is still a Maverick at heart, with the FLEXBED® system, useful tie-downs, and a practical interior. The Lobo simply layers on handling and powertrain enhancements that make daily driving more engaging. Is AWD available on the Lobo? Yes, the Maverick Lobo offers available AWD, adding all-weather traction to the performance-focused chassis tuning. How does torque vectoring help on local roads? Torque vectoring can direct power side to side across the rear axle, helping the truck rotate more naturally in corners. Around Rice Lake’s mix of city and county roads, that translates into smoother, more confident cornering. When you want a small truck that excites your right foot yet respects your to-do list, the 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo™ makes a compelling case. At Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors, we are serving Turtle Lake, Rice Lake, and Almena with guidance on trims, drivetrains, and setup tips that help you get the most from this performance-minded Maverick. If you are ready to try it for yourself, add the Lobo to your short list—the drive speaks for itself. Request more 2026 Ford Maverick information

Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors - Smart FLEXBED ideas for 2026 Ford Maverick owners around Shell Lake, WI If you have ever looked at a truck bed and thought, there has to be a better way to organize this, you are the kind of person who will love the 2026 Ford Maverick FLEXBED®. Around Shell Lake, WI—where your week can swing from a recycling drop-off to a paddleboard run to a quick hardware pickup—the Maverick’s built-in bed slots, tie-down points, and available power outlet help you get more done with less hassle. It is an intentionally clever approach that turns a compact footprint into a versatile, right-sized workspace. FLEXBED is not just a marketing term. It is a practical, modular system you can tailor without expensive accessories. Pre-formed slots accept lumber dividers so you can create multi-level storage or section off fragile items from heavier cargo. Bed rails and tie-downs let you secure awkward shapes, while the available 400-watt Pro Power outlet can run a compact shop vac after a sandy day at the beach or top off an e-bike battery before you head back along County Road B. It is the rare bed that is as good at organizing as it is at hauling. What makes FLEXBED different Traditional compact truck beds ask you to adapt to them. FLEXBED flips that script. The Maverick’s bed is designed with people who do, make, and carry things in mind. Instead of paying for accessories to solve everyday problems, you can often use simple materials, like 2x4s, to build custom dividers, bike mounts, and shelves. The integrated cubbies help hide straps or gloves, and the tailgate’s multi-position design can support longer items. In a place like Shell Lake, where many of us juggle small-town projects and outdoor fun, that built-in flexibility is not just convenient—it is empowering. Consider a typical Saturday. You stop at the co-op for garden supplies, swing by a friend’s place with a borrowed ladder, and end up at the lake with paddleboards. With FLEXBED dividers, the soil bags stay upright and away from your boards. Tie-downs keep the ladder centered and stable, while the tailgate’s mid-position supports extra length without shifting. At the water, that 400-watt outlet can power a portable air pump so you are not starting your day winded. It is the kind of small advantage that adds up week after week. FLEXBED setup ideas you can build in an afternoon Start with simple, adaptable layouts. The beauty of FLEXBED is how quickly you can change it as your needs evolve. Two-tier shelf: Use the bed slots to support a raised platform for light, clean items while heavier tools ride below Bike channel: Add a 2x4 crossbar with fork mounts to haul two bikes upright without scratching frames Board rack: Create narrow side channels with lumber so paddleboards or skis stay snug and protected Tool tote zone: Partition a small front section for toolboxes, straps, and a first-aid kit Cooler corral: Section the rear corner to hold a cooler tight—no more sliding between stops These are low-cost solutions that turn your Maverick into a flexible utility partner. And because everything is modular, you can pull it all out when you need full-bed space for furniture, lumber, or a big load of mulch. How towing and FLEXBED work together Plenty of Shell Lake drivers tow small campers, fishing boats, or utility trailers. The Maverick’s available 4K Tow Package and up to 4,000 pounds of max available towing capacity pair nicely with a bed that stays tidy while you are hitched up. Keep tie-down straps, gloves, and a trailer lock in the forward cubbies so they are easy to grab at the launch. If your build includes a raised deck, dedicate the lower section to chocks and wheel wedges. The available 360-Degree Camera makes it simpler to back into tight launch sites, and if you choose a trim with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, dialing in trailer direction can reduce stress at the end of a long day on the water. Hybrid owners will appreciate how efficiently the Maverick handles in-town chores with a trailer hooked up for occasional runs. And with available AWD on the hybrid, traction is there when you need it on gravel pull-offs or wet grass at the campground. It is a compelling blend of real-world utility that does not demand a full-size footprint. Quick tips for day-to-day bed organization Once you start using FLEXBED, you will find yourself tweaking it to your routines. A few simple habits help keep it working for you. Label dividers: Mark sections with tape so family members know where things go Dedicated strap bin: Stash ratchet straps and bungees in a small covered tote up front Power on hand: Keep a compact tool or tire inflator ready to plug into the 400-watt outlet Wipe-down kit: A microfiber towel and small brush make cleanups faster after sandy or muddy days These small touches make a big difference when you are juggling errands or trying to get on the water before the breeze picks up. And because the Maverick’s bed is low and approachable, loading is quick for everyone in the household. Frequently Asked Questions: Can I build FLEXBED dividers without special tools? Yes. The pre-formed bed slots accept common lumber sizes. A hand saw, drill, and measuring tape are usually all you need to build sturdy, custom-fit dividers and shelves. Will the FLEXBED setup get in the way when I need full cargo space? No. The beauty of FLEXBED is modularity. Dividers and shelves lift out quickly so you can reclaim the full bed for hauling large or bulky items. Does the 2026 Ford Maverick have power in the bed? The Maverick offers an available 400-watt Pro Power outlet in the bed, helpful for running small tools, pumps, or chargers during projects and outings. What if I need off-road hardware for trail access? Consider the Tremor® model with advanced 4WD and a twin-clutch rear drive unit for added traction, or the available FX4® Off-Road Package on select trims. Both options pair well with the FLEXBED’s organization for gear-heavy adventures. For Shell Lake drivers, the FLEXBED system brings a practical, cost-effective way to transform daily hauling. Whether you are corralling garden supplies, arranging fishing gear, or creating a safe spot for family bikes, you can customize the Maverick to your life rather than the other way around. If you would like to see FLEXBED ideas up close or test how your equipment fits, stop by and talk with our product specialists at Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors. We are proud of our deep roots in Northwest Wisconsin—serving Clear Lake, Shell Lake, and Frederic—and we are here to share real-world ideas that make your Maverick work smarter for you. Request more 2026 Ford Maverick information