Used 2023 Ford Maverick

After several years of no new compact pickups, they’re once again a thing. And the Ford Maverick is a fine example. So fine, in fact, that it’s our Compact Truck Best Buy of 2023.

A fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain is standard in the Maverick, and for 2023 the XLT and Lariat trims now offer Tremor Off-Road and Tremor Appearance packages. These are more specialized than the still-available FX4 bundle. The Tremor Off-Road package has a dedicated suspension setup with a raised ride height and an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

The standard hybrid drivetrain in the 2023 Maverick has 191 horsepower, enough muscle to get up to freeway speed without stress. It also achieves a remarkable 42 mpg in the city. Whenever the gasoline engine chimes in, it does so smoothly.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is only available with the optional combustion-only 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This is the setup enabling the maximum towing ability of 4,000 pounds. Using the Tow/Haul or Sport modes allows the driver to stay in one gear (it’s an 8-speed automatic transmission) for longer, enabling access to the most power.

Maximum payload is 1,500 pounds, regardless of drivetrain — but a Tremor version is limited to 1,200 pounds.

Although it’s a compact truck, the Maverick feels as easy to drive as a small SUV, which is no surprise considering it shares a platform with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs.

Two rows of seating make this compact pickup accommodating and versatile. The doors can take large water bottles and the rear seat cushions flip up to reveal storage areas beneath — except that the hybrid version commandeers one of these areas for its battery.

Compared with the combustion-only variants, the hybrid results in a one-inch reduction of rear legroom as well: 35.9 inches. Tall people will want to sit up front.

Every new Maverick comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The Tremor Off-Road package includes orange stitching in the upholstery, plus all-weather mats.

Ford calls it a Super Crew, but the 2023 Maverick compact pickup has what most of us would call a crew cab since it has four doors. This is complemented by a 4.5-foot bed. There are no options in this regard.

The bed is part of the overall body, not separate, because the Maverick has a one-piece (or unibody) construction. Extras for this cargo section include tie-down locking rails and a spray-in liner.

A Black Appearance package is one new addition for this year’s XLT and Lariat trims, but the bigger news is the arrival of the Tremor Off-Road and Tremor Appearance packages — also offered with the XLT and Lariat versions.

The standard Maverick with all-wheel drive has a useful ground clearance of 8.6 inches (fractionally less with front-wheel drive). But the Tremor’s higher ride height provides clearance of 9.4 inches. Looks-wise, there are orange accents on the grille and fenders, while the Tremor Appearance package puts the roof, hood, lower doors, and side mirror housings in Carbonized Gray.

The Tremor offers an exclusive new Avalanche Gray exterior color, but the entire 2023 Maverick range is eligible for the new Atlas Blue Metallic.

Hybrid drivetrain
With this Maverick and the all-electric F-150 Lightning, Ford is bringing trucks well and truly into the 21st century. It’s not available in tandem with the AWD system, but that’s the only gripe.

Bed & beyond
As well as being 4.5 feet long, the load-in/load-out height is a low, back-friendly 30 inches. There’s also the option of closable compartments on either side, plus a 110-volt outlet.

Tremor Off-Road package
New this year, the Tremor treatment takes the 2023 Maverick further off-road than the FX4 package. Along with the suspension setup, other additions include a re-shaped front bumper for a better approach angle, under-body protection, locking all-wheel-drive hardware, and Trail Control — a cruise control system for tricky terrain. To use it, the driver just has to steer, and the system takes care of the throttle, brakes, and gears.

Lariat Luxury package
This optional bundle for the top trim now includes pinch-to-zoom functions with its infotainment touchscreen, plus voice-activated navigation.

4K Tow package
Optional in versions of the 2023 Maverick with the bigger engine and the non-Tremor AWD system, this array includes a trailer hitch receiver with a 7-pin connector, transmission oil cooler, and a higher-capacity radiator with an upgraded fan.

B&O audio system
OK, not the poshest sound system made by the famed audio wizards at Bang & Olufsen, but pleasing to the ear all the same. This 8-speaker setup is another feature in the Lariat’s optional Luxury package.

Being a new compact pickup is rare enough. The only real rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. But having a hybrid drivetrain as standard puts the 2023 Maverick in a class of one.

A combination of a gasoline-fed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor creates 191 horsepower. Ford doesn’t give a total torque figure, but the engine makes 155 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and the electric motor develops 173 lb-ft. It’s not as straightforward as adding the two figures together, but this drivetrain doesn’t feel short on thrust.

Output goes solely to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

For more muscle, and the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), the Maverick offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The larger engine can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the right equipment. The standard hybrid configuration is rated at 2,000 pounds. That applies to Tremor models as well. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated to tow 5,000 pounds.

Both engines are fine with regular gasoline.

Hybrid: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine + electric motor
191 total horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2022): 42/33 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
277 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (2022): 23/30 mpg (FWD), 22/29 mpg (AWD)

3-year/36,000-mile Warranty

Ford’s new-vehicle warranty is 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains have a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.