There was once a time when compact pickup trucks were a dime a dozen. Over time, however, every one of them morphed into larger and larger trucks. Today, pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado as nearly as big as a 20-year-old full-size pickup.
In the Maverick, Ford has created a small pickup with modern features, modest towing and payload abilities, and impressive fuel economy. But best of all, they’ve made it affordable. And although Hyundai has done something similar with the Santa Cruz, the bed isn’t as large. Nor does it have traditional pickup-truck styling.
Although Ford is shuffling some new features and equipment this year, the basic Maverick formula remains unchanged. The Maverick comes only in crew cab form, with a 4.5-foot bed and a choice between a front-drive layout with a miserly 2.5-liter gas/hybrid powertrain or a potent 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost gas engine.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, but only with the 2.0-liter engine.
So popular is the Maverick that Ford has already taken in over 80,000 orders for September alone, meaning you’ll likely wait on your hands once you decide to pull the trigger.
Ford Maverick XL
Starts at $22,595 | See listings
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain
- FWD with continuously variable automatic
- Optional 2.0-liter with 8-speed automatic
- Cloth upholstery
- Power windows/door locks
- 8-inch touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio/WiFi
- LED headlights
- Remote keyless entry
- Automatic emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitor
- See more
Ford Maverick XLT
Starts at $24,855 | See listings
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain
- FWD with continuously variable automatic
- Optional 2.0-liter with 8-speed automatic
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Locking tailgate
- Power side mirrors
- Available XLT luxury package
- Available Tremor/FX4 Off-Road package
- Available Black appearance package
- See more
Ford Maverick Lariat
Starts at $28,355 | See listings
- 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain
- FWD with continuously variable automatic
- Optional 2.0-liter with 8-speed automatic
- ActiveX upholstery
- Power driver’s seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Dual rear USB ports
- Power sliding rear window
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available 400-watt inverter
- Available 8-speaker B&O audio
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- See more
2023 Ford Maverick XL: $22,595
The entry-level XL trim comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Buyers can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission at no additional cost.
The hybrid comes with a 13.8-gallon fuel tank, while the 2.0-liter gas engine upgrades to 16.5 gallons.
Adding AWD requires the 2.0-liter gas engine and adds another $2,220 to the bottom line.
The XL’s low price reflects its standard feature set, which includes manual side mirrors, 17-inch silver alloy wheels, LED auto on/off headlights, and rear bed cargo lights. Remote keyless entry comes standard, as does rear privacy glass and a mini spare tire stored under the bed frame.
The Maverick’s Flexbed includes a multi-position locking tailgate, six cargo tie-downs, configurable cargo bed slots, and two 12-volt prewired connections.
On the safety front, the XL includes a forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a rearview monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, trailer sway control, and a tire-pressure monitor.
Ford’s Select Drive Modes vary the throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control with five settings: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul.
The XL’s cabin includes manual front seats with lumbar support, cloth upholstery, manual single-zone air conditioning, power door locks, and power windows with a driver’s side 1-touch down feature.
The rear bench seat features a flip-up seat cushion revealing two plastic storage bins perfect for stowing gear or hiding valuables (only one bin on the hybrid).
Additional amenities include a 4.2-inch productivity screen, one USB-A and one USB-C port, two 12-volt outlets (one front and one rear), front and rear grab handles, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for the cruise, audio, and Bluetooth.
Infotainment comes from an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A 6-speaker AM/FM radio comes standard, as does FordPass Connect, which opens the door to a Wi-Fi hot spot, remote start, vehicle locator, and numerous other subscription-based services.
The XL offers a Tow Package that adds Trailer Brake Control, a transmission oil cooler, high capacity radiator, and an upgraded cooling fan (AWD models only).
Buyers can also add Ford’s Co-Pilot360, which brings a lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Some notable standalone options include a 400-watt 110-volt inverter with a cab outlet, a bed extender, a spray-in or hard-insert bedliner, a manual sliding rear window, and three tonneau cover choices.
With the $1,595 delivery charge, the 2023 Ford Maverick XL costs $24,190. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $456. See the 2023 Ford Maverick XL for sale near you
2023 Ford Maverick XL includes:
- Hybrid engine – The 2.5-liter gas/electric hybrid engine puts out 191 hp, which is more than sufficient for a small truck. More importantly, it returns an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
- 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – Offered as a no-cost option over the hybrid, this potent 4-cylinder adds muscle to the Maverick. When paired with AWD and the Tow Package, it increases the max towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 4,400 pounds.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – These intelligent headlights automatically intensify in low-light situations and dim when sensing headlights or taillights ahead.
2023 Ford Maverick XLT: $24,855
The XLT is the trim we’d pick because you get a few more features while keeping the price below $25,000. The XLT adds upgraded 17-inch wheels, bed storage cubbies, wiper-activated headlights, a power tailgate lock, and power side mirrors with a built-in spotter mirror.
The SecuriCode keyless access pad is standard, as is upgraded cloth upholstery and a rear seat center armrest with cupholders.
The XLT opens the door to more customization through several packages and standalone options.
The XLT Luxury Package, for example, adds an 8-way power driver seat, heated side mirrors, a full-size spare tire (hybrid), heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and windshield wiper de-icers. Also included is a trailer hitch receiver with a 4-pin connector, LED bed lighting, and a 400W/110V inverter with one cab outlet, one bed outlet, and rear-seat USB ports.
Off-road enthusiasts enjoy several options. The Tremor Off-Road Package adds an off-road suspension, Trail Control (acts like slow-motion cruise control), an upgraded 4WD unit with a locking rear end, front skid plates, an off-road screen in the instrument cluster, and 17-inch wheels with all-terrain (A/T) tires. Mud/Rut and Sand modes join the Drive Select Modes.
The Tremor treatment continues outside, where a revised front bumper improves approach angles. There are also orange front tow hooks, black chrome headlight and taillight surrounds, and orange accents in the grille, side vents, and interior.
The FX4 Off-Road Package adds unique 17-inch wheels, A/T tires, front tow hooks, hill descent control, an off-road screen in the instrument cluster, skid plates, a performance suspension, high-capacity radiator, an upgraded cooling fan, and two additional Drive Select Modes: Mud/Rut and Sand.
The Black Appearance Package adds 18-inch black wheels and black exterior accents, while the Tremor Off-Road Plus Appearance Package adds Carbonized Gray roof, mirrors, and decals.
With the $1,595 delivery charge, the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT costs $26,450. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $499. See the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT for sale near you
2023 Ford Maverick XLT includes:
- Wiper-activated headlights – Given that there’s usually less light when it’s cloudy and raining, the XLT’s headlights automatically come on when the wipers are activated.
- Available FX4 Package – Adds additional off-road capability and protection for those who like to venture off the beaten path.
- Available Tremor Off-Road Package – This package goes a step beyond the FX4 with more off-road systems and cool paint and graphics.
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat: $28,355
The Lariat is the best-equipped Maverick trim, adding standard equipment like 18-inch bright aluminum wheels, LED signature lighting, body-color door handles and mirror caps, and additional in-bed cubby storage.
The Lariat includes Intelligent Access with push-button start. This system uses a proximity key fob, which allows unlocking the doors merely by touching the handle.
Creature comforts include dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear-seat dual USB ports, an acoustic windshield, a power sliding rear window, ActiveX upholstery, and an 8-way power driver’s seat. A 6.5-inch productivity screen is also standard.
In addition to the packages already mentioned, the Lariat Luxury Package adds an 8-speaker B&O audio system, a 400W/110V inverter with outlets in the cab and bed, heated seats, heated side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and LED box lighting.
The Luxury Package also brings voice-activated navigation, the Sync 3 infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with swipe capability, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless charging pad, windshield wiper de-icers, a trailer hitch, and a full-size spare tire.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Package builds off the Co-Pilot360 suite, adding adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, are rear parking sensors.
With the $1,595 delivery charge, the 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat costs $29,950. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $565. See 2023 the Ford Maverick Lariat for sale near you
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat includes:
- 8-way power driver’s seat – Makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The seat includes power lumbar adjustment for extra lower back support.
- Available 400-watt inverter – Allows using standard household appliances, laptops, and light power tools via a 110-volt outlet in the cab and bed.
- Available adaptive cruise control – This advanced cruise control system can maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead, slowing or speeding as needed with traffic flow. It can even bring the truck to a complete stop.
