A compelling combination of utility and character.
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2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid
Class: Small Pickup
Color: Cactus Gray
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B- |
| Power and Performance | B- |
| Fit and Finish | B- |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 191-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Transmission | CVT automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Front-wheel drive |
Miles driven: 146
Observed fuel economy: 39.8 mpg
Driving mix: 60% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 40/33/37 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $27,995 (not including $1495 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Floor liners ($135), Lariat Luxury Package ($2610), Black Appearance Package ($1645), Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance group ($650), spray-in bedliner ($495), WiFi delete (-$20)
Price as tested: $35,005
Quick Hits
The great: Space-efficient interior, lots of cleverly designed cargo-carrying solutions, competitive base prices, outstanding fuel economy
The good: Good power, clean, no-nonsense styling inside and out; easy maneuverability in tight quarters; nimble handling for a pickup
The not so good: Plasticky interior, clever features or not–a 4.5-foot cargo bed can only carry so much
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Tom Appel:
It’s uncommon that a new vehicle comes along that excites both the automotive media and the car-buying public. But Ford recently introduced just such a vehicle. New for the 2021 model year, the Ford Maverick small pickup truck earned high praise from the auto-review crowd, and strong demand from consumers ready with cash in hand.
2023 Ford Maverick LariatUnfortunately, thanks to COVID-19-realted supply issues, Maverick production never fully ramped up. Now, Ford will tell you that it tired to make as many Mavericks as it could, but it’s much more likely that, given the choice, the company chose to produce more-expensive vehicles (especially F-150s and Explorers) than $25,000 small pickups. Totally understandable.
The good news is that Mavericks seem to be in readier supply now than they have ever been, and they are no less compelling now, even after the supply issues. Consumer Guide recently spent some time with an especially well-equipped Maverick in Lariat trim with the hybrid drivetrain and front-wheel drive.
Here we’d like to share five things that impressed us especially about our test vehicle. Note that we have drive several versions of the Maverick, which you can read about here.
Test Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat (Hybrid)
2023 Ford Maverick LariatGreat Size
Maverick is significantly smaller than other “compact” pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma—and Ford Ranger. Indeed, at 200 inches long, the Maverick is roughly 10 inches shorter stem to stern than the Ranger and 32 inches shorter than the F-150. Maverick is offered only as a 5-passenger, 4-door crew-cab on a unibody platform with the cab integrated seamlessly with the 4.5-foot-long bed. In short, owners enjoy pickup-truck utility in an easy-to-park, easy-to-garage package. If you’re planning to do any serious hauling, you probably don’t need more truck than Maverick.
2023 Ford Maverick LariatFuture Collectibles: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX
Cargo Utility
The tailgate can be set at a half-closed position to help secure long items. The “FLEXBED” system allows users to configure storage, and carry items of varying size by sliding 2×4 or 2×6 boards into slots stamped into the side of the bed. XLT and Lariat models place 10 tie-downs and a right-side storage cubby in the bed. Maverick’s standard payload capacity is 1500 pounds. The base tow rating is 2000 pounds. There’s also a number of nice storage bins and cubbies in the cabin.
Fuel Economy
Sadly, Maverick’s hybrid powertrain is not yet offered with AWD. A shame, as the frugal setup returns the kind of mileage people like to brag about. In Consumer Guide testing, during a relatively mild break in the spring weather, we saw an impressive 39.8 mpg; that’s above the EPA combined estimate of 37 mpg. And, the Maverick runs just fine on affordable regular-grade gas.
Fun to drive
Though technically a pickup truck, the Maverick shares its basic architecture with the carlike Escape compact crossover. And, like the Escape, the Maverick rides and handles like car, and is plenty nimble when the road gets curvy. Pop for available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine if you feel the need for more power; it brings 59 extra horsepower to the party, though your mileage will suffer.
Still a good deal
Make no mistake, the base of a Maverick has risen in the past year. In the case of our test truck, the base price has risen a cool $2500. But even our well-equipped Lariat came in just over $35,005, which feels like a strong value compared to the average new vehicle which lists for just under $50,000 these days.
Also, there’s an excellent change that the Maverick will hold its value well, meaning that come trade-in time, you’ll have a lot of equity to put towards your nest new vehicle.
If you’re looking for a better deal, consider a modestly equipped mid-trim-level XLT. With most of the features you’re likely looking for, a Maverick XLT Hybrid can still be had for less than $28,000.
The Small Pickups of 1989
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2023 Ford Maverick Lariat
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Test Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick XLT (Turbo)
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