The 2023 Ford Maverick, despite its unassuming exterior, is a workhorse pickup that justifies its position next to the Ranger and the F-150 with a unique design and unexpected functionality. Front-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain are the usual configurations, although all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder are both available.
A weekend’s worth of home improvement supplies may easily fit in the Maverick’s payload capacity, which is more than adequate. The Maverick is also capable of towing up to 4000 pounds. It has four doors, a reasonably roomy interior, and various nifty storage options. Its base is shared with the Bronco Sport SUV.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the only rival for the Maverick in the recently revived compact pickup truck segment, and while it has a smaller bed and more luxurious features, it also costs more money.
What Has Changed For 2023?
For 2023, a brand-new Tremor Off-Road variant is added to the Maverick portfolio. It is built on either the XLT or Lariat trim and has a more robust exterior appearance. Only vehicles with a non-hybrid all-wheel drive system can have it.
Ford has upgraded its transmission cooler and half shafts so it can handle more demanding conditions, and a revised suspension lifts the Maverick Tremor by one inch over the standard truck. A twin-clutch rear differential that can be opened or locked depending on the need for traction has been added to the all-wheel-drive system, which has also undergone some modifications.
Ford’s Trail Control technology, which functions as a low-speed cruise control for trails, is also included with the Maverick Tremor. Although the Tremor Off-Road model already has stylistic improvements, the optional Tremor Appearance package adds even more in the form of black body-side graphics and roof- and mirror caps painted in grey.
Engine And Performance
Ford has gone hybrid with the Maverick’s base powertrain rather than starting with the turbocharged three-cylinder engine from the Bronco Sport. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for support produces a combined 191 horsepower as standard across all models. Only front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are offered with this configuration.
An all-wheel drive is an option with the non-hybrid powertrain, which substitutes a spirited 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. With the optional turbo-four, the Maverick feels incredibly nimble while driving. It took 5.9 seconds to get to 60 mph on our test track.
In our testing, the hybrid powertrain was less lively and required 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it nevertheless completes the task at hand. The Maverick’s suspension is fairly firm, which contributes to its excellent payload capacity but makes for a bumpy ride over potholed roads. We’ll revise this article with the findings once we have the chance to test the Maverick at our test track.
Interior And Comfort
Every Maverick has a crew cab, which has four full-sized doors and a back seat with adequate space. There are numerous storage nooks and bins around the cabin, including some sizable spaces under the back seat, thanks to Ford. Although the standard features on base models are far from luxurious, they do include things like an adjustable steering wheel with radio controls, remote keyless entry, and lumbar support for the front seats.
The XLT and Lariat trims include more equipment as standard or as part of option packages, such as power front seats, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control. According to Ford, the Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed can accommodate up to 18 sheets of 4×8-foot, 3/4-inch plywood without requiring them to be loaded at an angle. Along with a 110-volt outlet, the bed has a 12-volt power port as well.
Capacity For Towing And Payload
The Maverick provides a payload capacity of 1500 pounds and a towing capacity of 2000 pounds even with the standard hybrid powerplant. The Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds when equipped with the optional Towing Package and turbocharged four-cylinder. Looking to use a tiny pickup to tow even more? The Santa Cruz has a 5000-pound towing capacity.
Connectivity
Every Maverick level comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard equipment. Additionally included as standard equipments are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot on even the cheapest model. Options include wireless smartphone charging, an upgraded B&O Play stereo system, and a SiriusXM satellite radio.
Pricing
The basic MSRP of the 2023 Ford Maverick is $22,195, making it the class’s most affordable pickup truck out of all the compact models. For the midrange XLT trim, the cost rises to $24,455, and for the top Lariat model, it rises to $27,955. The Ranger and the full-size F-150 are additional pickups offered by Ford.
Which One To Purchase?
The Ford Maverick is available from Gary Crossley Ford in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with XL being the most cost-effective option. It doesn’t have the fundamental creature conveniences that most buyers deem essential, but it absolutely makes a good work truck. The XLT is the most cost-effective model because it comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power tailgate lock, power exterior mirrors, and other features.
Source: WheelsForAuto
