Looks like the Maverick would be a good fit for him, getting back to original post. I ordered one back in 2022 but took too long to arrive, ended up with a Honda Ridgeline off the lot. I admit it cost about $10,000.00 more than the Maverick I had ordered but I have to say I it is roomier, comes with a non turbo v6, I really like the huge trunk in the bed and the 2 way tailgate very handy reaching into the bed. The rear seat folds up easily leaving room to put a full sized bicycle back there, I can lay 4x8 sheeting flat with the tailgate open, nice tie down points in the bed, it tows 5000 pounds my trailer with utv and mulch are about all I tow these days trailer has 3000 max limit I think you need trailer brakes to pull more weight.
It is a unibody truck like the Maverick so has a low height for getting in and is easy to park one of the main reasons I downsized as my full sized GMC was a bit of a pain for that. I have almost 20,000 trouble free miles so far, it is a 2023 am averaging 24.4 MPG.
Things I don't like are the auto dimming headlights are about useless, to me the blind spot monitors are in the wrong place and I agree it could look more truck like. Also I prefer a lever over the push button automatic, just me.