If you’re looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient pickup, Ford has the answer. First introduced in 2022, the Ford Maverick combines an efficient hybrid engine and a starting price of $23,000. A new Tremor Off-Road Package is available on the XLT or Lariat trims with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and Advanced 4WD. This package brings a load of features that help the Maverick drive off-road. Mechanical upgrades include a one-inch lift kit, upgraded 4WD, front skid plates, and more drive modes, including Normal, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud and Ruts, and Sand. Styling upgrades include 17-inch wheels, a different grille, black chrome headlights and taillights, and a unique Avalanche Gray paint. All of this can be yours for $3,000.
Unlike the F-150, the smaller 2023 Ford Maverick has a more streamlined model offering. Trim levels include the XL, XLT, and Lariat. There are two standard engines. The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter hybrid inline-four and front-wheel-drive. The 2.5-liter hybrid engine produces 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque and combines with a CVT. The EPA rates the fuel economy at 37 mpg. The upgraded engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates this powertrain at up to 26 mpg. All-wheel drive is available, but only for the turbocharged engine. The addition pushes the Maverick’s price by $2,000 and cuts one mpg for an average of 25 mpg. A base XL model with AWD starts at around $26,000.
Looking at the trim levels, buyers can choose from 7 to 13 different paint colors. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch on the XL and XLT to 18-inch wheels on the Lariat, and Ford offers the larger wheels for the XLT. While XL and XLT trims get cloth seats, the Lariat gets faux-leather seats. All trim levels can have Ford’s Co-Pilot360 for $700. It includes blind spot monitoring, lane-keep aid, and lane-keep assist. If you want heated seats, the Luxury Package includes them, along with an 8-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a few more features. It’s $1,700 on the XLT. Lariat’s Luxury Package has this and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated steering wheel, 8-inch infotainment system, and other features. This is a $2,600 package.
Along with the new Tremor Off-Road Package, there are other off-road and appearance packages: FX4, Black Appearance Package, and Tremor Off-Road Appearance Package. The $800 FX4 has unique 17-inch wheels, FX4 decals, performance suspension, hill descent control, select drive modes, and other features. As the name suggests, the $1,600 Black Appearance Package makes most exterior trim black. This includes the headlights, taillights, door handles, mirrors, interior accents, and grille. Finally, there’s the $4,500 Tremor Off-Road Appearance Package. This trim level combines the Tremor Off-Road Package with black body graphics and carbonized gray roof. If you get this on the Lariat, you get carbonized gray door handles and mirrors.
Ford’s Maverick combines pickup truck looks with plenty of mechanical, appearance, and technology upgrades. Lariat trim levels with select options can be more than $35,000. One of the biggest appeals of the Ford Maverick is getting it with a standard hybrid powertrain with EPA 37 mpg and the bargain basement price tag. That said, it’s hard to go wrong with any Maverick if you are looking for a small pickup truck.
