Ford Maverick Is Our Compact Truck Best Buy of 2023

Hybrid powertrain offers exceptional fuel economy
4,000-pound max tow rating
Flexible 4.5-foot bed
Easy to park and maneuver
Priced from $22,195 (plus $1,495 destination) | Price yours
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The 2023 Ford Maverick heralds the return of the compact pickup, providing light-duty versatility in a truck as easy on gas as it is on the eyes.

The Maverick’s compact size means you’ll have no problems fitting into parking spaces off-limits to a full-size pickup. It also creates a lower lift-in height for the bed, making it easier to load.

Like the idea of a compact truck but need something that can tackle tough off-road situations? Check out the Tremor and FX4 packages, both designed to let the Maverick go wild in the wild.

So good is the Maverick that upon its debut last year, it was our Compact Pickup Truck Best Buy of 2022, a feat it also achieves this year.

Truck-Like Capability, Compact Car Fuel Economy

Go with the front-drive Maverick, and you’ll get a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain delivering a jaw-dropping 42 mpg in city driving. With more than 500 miles of range, the Maverick bests even the most frugal subcompact, yet it’s capable of hauling a 1,500-pound payload and towing up to 2,000 pounds. Try that in a Mini Cooper!

If you’re more impressed by power and performance, Ford offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine pumping out 250 horsepower. Optional on front-drive XL and XLT models and standard when ordering all-wheel drive, this engine increases the Maverick’s towing to a respectable 4,000 pounds.

In our Expert Review, our own Colin Ryan wrote, “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.”

Versatility Is the Name of the Game

One look at the Maverick, and it’s clear Ford thought long and hard about the things compact pickup buyers need most. The 4.5-foot Flexbed, for example, is wide enough to fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood and features numerous groves and slots, allowing for further customization using 2x4s to form barriers or stops.

Buyers can opt for up to 10 tie-downs, add a 110-volt outlet, and even get personalized advice on how to build a bike rack or install bed lighting simply by scanning a QR code on the Maverick’s bed.

The Maverick’s cab is equally clever, with door pockets that can fit a laptop or tablet and armrests designed to accommodate a one-liter water bottle. The rear seatback folds flat with additional storage underneath. There’s even an integrated tether system at the back of the center console for different storage solutions, including the ability to accommodate home-grown designs using a 3D printer.

A Cool Factor of One

The Ford Maverick has the style and capability of a full-size truck — albeit on a much smaller scale. The Maverick is the compact truck choice for those who want an upright cab, tall ride height, and multi-talented bed, plus phenomenal fuel economy. Best of all, the Maverick’s roughly $22,000 starting price means buyers who never thought they could afford a new pickup truck might now have a chance.

Now for the bad news. In 2022, the Maverick sold out in record time, and the 2023 Maverick looks to be on track to do the same, meaning getting into a new Maverick may prove more elusive than finding $2 a gallon gasoline. On the bright side, strong demand in the used market means the Maverick will likely retain high resale values.