Latest News
2024 Volkswagen Taos Review2023 Ford Maverick: New Tremor Flavor
The 2023 Ford Maverick offers something for everyone looking for a light pickup truck. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more.
What’s New for the 2023 Ford Maverick?
Just one year old, the 2023 Ford Maverick adds a host of new packages that bring legitimate off-road capability. All-new last year, the 2022 Maverick with the hybrid powertrain was a hot property that sold out almost before it was available. Turns out a small pickup truck that sips fuel is a winning combination.
For 2023, Ford builds on the non-hybrid variant with the automaker’s Tremor sub-brand. This new package adds beefier tires, off-road suspension bits, a more robust AWD system, and all manner of appearance upgrades. Between the base hybrid, zippy EcoBoost, and brawny Tremor, the 2023 Maverick should offer something for everyone.
2023 Ford Maverick – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Maverick on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent fuel economy
Low price point
Neato Tremor package
Few standard driver aids
Best options require Lariat
Low towing capacity
All-around excellent compact pickup
2023 Ford Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 155 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 33 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Standard forward collision mitigation
- Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker stereo
- Integrated bed wall storage cubbies
- Eight years of hybrid component coverage
2023 Ford Maverick Powertrain
All three Maverick trim lines come standard with a hybrid powertrain made up of a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-4, a 1.1-kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. Pairing with a CVT to spin the front wheels, it produces 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The optional 2.0L turbocharged four-pot brings output up to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque that is routed to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic. Opting for AWD, which requires the bigger motor, adds $2,200 to the sticker.
With either powertrain, owners can expect a comfortable ride thanks to unibody construction, and a fully independent suspension. However, AWD models will feel more planted due to a multi-link rear suspension setup versus the torsion beams on FWD Mavericks. If it’s adventure you’re after, a new Tremor package starts with the more potent powertrain, then adds on all-terrain rubber, a tuned suspension offering 9.4 inches of ground clearance, Trail Control driving tech, skid plates, and a twin-clutch rear drive unit that enables a 4WD lock-mode. Tremors also boast additional drive modes including Sand and Mud/Rut.
Towing & Payload
The base 2023 Ford Maverick can tow 1,500 pounds, which handily busts the pickup truck myth that says all pickups can haul a ton of weight. Fortunately, the 4K Tow package pushes that rating up to 4,000 pounds with a trailer brake controller, transmission oil cooler, and other mechanical upgrades. However, it is only available on Mavericks with the EcoBoost engine and AWD. Payload tops out at 1,500 pounds and the Maverick offers useful features like LED cargo bed lighting and integrated cargo bed storage bins.
2023 Ford Maverick Fuel Economy & MPG
The hybrid Maverick’s claim to fame is the 40 mpg it can achieve in city driving and 33 on the highway. Opting for the boosted 2.0L powertrain brings those figures down to 23/30 mpg in city/highway driving and AWD reduces it further to 22/28, respectively. But the new Tremor variant has the worst fuel economy of any 2023 Maverick with ratings of 20 mpg around town and 24 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Given the sub-$25,000 price tag, no one should be surprised that the Maverick XL model is a just-the-basics sort of truck inside. It sports cloth seats, manual air-conditioning, and power accessories, but that’s about it. There is a long list of available niceties further up the trim ladder like heated seats, ActiveX upholstery, a moonroof, and ambient lighting.
Strictly a four-door five-seater, the Maverick is on par with competition like the Hyundai Santa Cruz – that we compare to the Maverick here – as they both offer 36 inches of rear legroom. In the Maverick, the rear seat cushions can be flipped up to reveal storage bins integrated into the floor and on Lariat models, the rear window has a power-sliding section to let fresh air in. Further out back is a 4.5-foot-long cargo bed designed for versatility.
All Mavericks come with six tie-down points, a “FLEXBED” system that encourages customized layouts, and a three-position tailgate. Along with open and closed positions, the mid-position setting lines the top of the tailgate up with the wheel wells, making long item hauling a breeze.
Entertainment & Technology
Though Ford offers huge infotainment touchscreens on other models, the 2023 Maverick only comes with an 8-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fare as are dual front USB ports, a 6-speaker stereo, and FordPass. The latter feature is an app-based suite of connectivity systems including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote control of the door locks and engine start.
Only the top-spec Lariat offers features like a Bang and Olufsen audio system and wireless charging pad, both of which require an expensive optional package. But the Maverick prioritizes function over the latest bells and whistles, hence the low-low prices.
Safety Features
Though the 2023 Ford Maverick does come with seven airbags, automatic high beams, and forward collision mitigation, it does not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS nor a 5-Star overall rating from the NHTSA (it matches the 2022 model with four stars).
Accessing blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a lane-keeping system requires the $650 Co-Pilot360 package. And if you want adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, you’ll need at least a Lariat plus the $750 Co-Pilot360 Assist package.
2023 Ford Maverick Trims & Pricing
XL – $24,190
Entry-level 2023 Maverick XL models come with simple but awesome 17-inch steel wheels and LED headlights. The cabin is upholstered in black and gray cloth, includes power accessories, and has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. A 4-inch multi-information display is set within the gauge cluster, there are a pair of USB ports up front, and smartphone mirroring is included. The only optional package is for adding blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane-keep assist.
XLT – $26,450
XLT models are upgraded with alloy wheels, a power-operated tailgate lock, and access to the full complement of paint colors including Cyber Orange. This model also unlocks the new Black Appearance package, which adds 18-inch black wheels and a host of black accents, inside and out, for about $1,600.
The XLT Luxury package brings a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a trailer hitch for $1,700. Then there is the $800 FX4 package that adds off-road capability in the form of all-terrain tires, a higher-capacity radiator, and revised suspension tuning.
Lariat – $29,950
Along with 18-inch wheels and signature LED exterior lighting, the Maverick Lariat sports a handsome cabin trimmed in Desert Brown ActiveX material. Other highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control, an acoustic laminated windshield, and power-sliding rear glass.
For $2,600, the Luxury package adds a 400-watt power inverter, Bang & Olufsen stereo system, navigation with live traffic data, heated seats, and a wireless charging pad. The aforementioned Tremor package is offered here – and on the XLT model – for those in need of fairly serious off-road ability plus sweet orange accents and an exclusive Avalanche Gray paint job.
Warranties
Ford’s warranty is nothing special with three years of 36,000 miles of basic coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile term on the powertrain and roadside assistance. Those who buy the hybrid Maverick will appreciate the eight years or 100,000 miles of hybrid component coverage. Unlike Toyota and Hyundai, Ford does not offer complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Ford Maverick – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Maverick on Carsforsale.com
Considering how fuel efficient, cheap, and capable the 2023 Ford Maverick is, it’s a wonder Chevy, Dodge, and the entire rest of the automotive industry haven’t yet released their own version. Particularly considering the tremendous consumer demand. And what’s not to like? You can get a bare-bones model for less than $25,000, a fairly luxurious setup for about $30,000, or a harder-charging Tremor setup if you want to shell out an extra $3,000.
Ford keeps the fanciest items behind the Lariat and/or expensive packages, but it does help keep the trim-level pricing down. I’m such a sucker for those steel rims, low price tag, and 40 mpg of fuel-sipping efficiency that I have to recommend the basic Maverick XL. Check out the latest new car incentives for opportunities to drive that price tag even lower.
Most Popular
