2023 Ford Maverick
Channel: kamran sumqayitli
Date: 2023-03-21

2023 Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick Expert Review
Ford's bread and butter is trucks, and for 2022 the automaker introduced its first new truck in years. The Maverick is smaller and more affordable than the Ranger or F-150, and its standard hybrid powertrain makes it the most efficient pickup on the market. Unlike those larger trucks, the Maverick shares its platform with compact Ford SUVs, the Escape and Bronco Sport. The Maverick competes with the only other compact truck on the market, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, as well as capable small SUVs like the Subaru Crosstrek and entry-level midsize pickups including Ford's own Ranger.

For 2023, the off-road oriented Tremor package is newly offered. Although Ford hasn't confirmed anything, there's also a chance that the Maverick Hybrid will make AWD optional.
What We Think
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The Maverick is a wonderfully executed little truck and a sharp reminder that you don't need some hulking, 6,000-pound monster to get work done. Fuel economy is outstanding with the standard hybrid powertrain, and we've found minimal performance differences between the hybrid setup and the more powerful but significantly less efficient turbo-four. We've been impressed with the Maverick's compliant suspension and surprisingly fun handling, too.

There are a couple reasons to opt for the larger engine, though; for the 2022 model year, it's the only way to get the FX4 off-road package, the 4K Towing package, and independent rear suspension. That truck won a comparison against the Hyundai Santa Cruz for its great value, boxy styling, and clever interior.  We look forward to seeing whether Ford makes any of those options available on the standard hybrid model for the 2023 Maverick.

Speaking of the interior, it deserves special praise. Not only does Ford provide thoughtful storage solutions, the mix of materials, textures, and shapes create a low-cost interior that doesn't feel cheap. That said, the seats lack much support and the back seat will be tight for six-footers.

As a package, the Maverick reintroduces the compact pickup as a legitimate option for buyers who was the added capability of an open bed without the poor fuel economy, lethargic handling, and rich pricing of larger trucks. Nicely done.


Performance and Efficiency
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Ford surprised us with the Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with a 1.1 kWh battery, an electric motor, and a CVT automatic for a combined 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque routed through the front wheels. We have a strong suspicion Ford will be adding AWD in the coming years. Fuel economy is the best of any pickup truck on the market, with the Maverick hybrid returning 42/33 mpg city/highway and when we tested one, it reached 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.

For those who want more power and AWD, Ford also offers the Maverick with a 2.0-liter turbo-four. That engine is offered with FWD or AWD, as well as the FX4 off-road package and the 4K tow package. The turbo-four kicks out 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it's paired with an eight-speed conventional automatic instead of the hybrid's CVT. With the extra dose of power, the 2.0-liter Maverick scoots to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds but efficiency numbers drop to 22-23/29-30 mpg.

We're also hoping for an electric Maverick Lightning.

Towing and Payload Capacity
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Yes, it's small, but the Maverick is still capable of putting in work. With the hybrid setup, it can hold up to 1,500 pounds in the bed, plus there's enough space for a standard ATV. The hybrid is only rated to tow 2,000 pounds, but if you go for the turbo-four with the 4K towing package, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds. We tugged a 3,000-pound trailer with such a truck, and it felt right at home. That said, for a compact truck with higher towing and payload capacities, check out the Hyundai Santa Cruz.


Interior Room
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Despite its small size, the Maverick manages reasonable interior passenger capacity although those up front have much more space than those riding in back.
The Off-Road Maverick Tremor
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New for 2023, Ford is expanding the offerings of its off-road Tremor trim to its smallest truck after previously applying the name to the Ranger, F-150, and Super Duty pickups. The Maverick Tremor builds on the FX4 off-road pack offered on turbo-four AWD Mavericks, adding Tremor orange accents inside and out and 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. There's also a one-inch lift and a tweaked front bumper that improves approach angle, plus steel skid plates.


Technology
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We don't see Ford changing up the infotainment setup in the 2023 Maverick, which means it'll likely carry forward with an 8.0-inch touchscreen which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Maverick's standard Wi-Fi hotspot can support up to 10 devices.