America’s Cheapest New Truck: The Ford Maverick

In late 2021, the 2022 model year Ford Maverick started shipping from Hermosillo, Mexico to Ford dealers across the United States, America’s cheapest brand new truck. It debuted at the $19,995 msrp price point, and the first year of inventory was quickly depleted. In subsequent years, due to high demand and explosive inflation, Ford has raised the price, but sales of the Maverick have maintained a brisk clip. The 2024 Ford Maverick now costs $23,400 msrp for the base XL trim, but it also includes some compelling equipment the truck did not come with when it debuted. Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 Maverick truck by trim and what you get for your money.

Maverick XL: $23,400 msrp

The Maverick XL is the entry-level Maverick, but it still includes a ton of standard equipment to make it a compelling and affordable purchase with seating for five. Ford’s 250 horsepower 2.0L Ecoboost engine is now standard, which was formerly an option, mated to an eight speed automatic with front-wheel drive. According to Car and Driver, the powertrain is no slouch, with sub 6 second 0-60 time, and the Maverick can haul a 1,500 pound payload. The XL comes with standard 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and 17-inch wheels. Inside, an 8-inch LCD touch screen that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, or Android Auto is standard, as are power door locks, power windows, and air conditioning. Two standard USB ports will charge your phone, and cruise control is also standard. The Maverick is available in nine colors (some costing extra), including azure gray metallic tri-coat, hot pepper red metallic, and atlas blue metallic.

Maverick XLT: $26,315 msrp

Maverick XLT is the mid-range trim, adding popular features without going overboard. 17-inch carbonized gray aluminum wheels are standard, as is Ford’s Flexbed storage system with a multi-position tailgate, configruable slots, and six tie downs to stow your gear in the bed. XLT comes with a unique so-called Navy Pier and Medium Slate interior, which has a handsome set of greys adorning the dash and seats. Manually adjustable six-way driver and four-way passenger seat are included. Other additions include remote keyless entry, optional moonroof, optional heated seats, and power glass (manual folding) mirrors.

The Tremor off-road package is available on both XLT and Lariat trims, with black chrome headlamps and taillamps, all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, skid plate in front, and increased ride height. The FX4 off-road package, also available on XLT and Lariat, adds front tow hooks, hill descent control, skid plates, all terrain tires, and five drive modes. Lastly, Ford offers a Black Appearance package, with black mirrors, grille, headlamps, taillamps, and machine-face aluminum black wheels.

All Mavericks have an optional 191 horsepower hybrid motor, which only comes with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is an option on all trims of the standard 2.0L turbo motor. The hybrid is not as quick, but gets an EPA estimated 42mpg city, making it an ideal delivery vehicle for around town. Optional towing package for the 2.0L turbo motor enables the tiny Maverick to tow a mighty 4,000 pounds.

Maverick Lariat: $34,855 msrp

The top-of-the-line Maverick Lariat begs the question, why not just buy a Ford Ranger? The answer that comes is all the amenities it packs. Power 8-way adjustable driver seat with power lumbar and manual six way adjustable passenger seat are standard, as is ActiveX synthetic leather in desert brown. Other standard features include heated seats, Ford SYNC 3 infotainment, Bang and Olufsen audio, a larger 6.5 inch instrument cluster screen, Sirius radio, rear USB ports, wireless charging pad, wrapped steering wheel, one touch up/down for windows, remote start, push-button start, body color door handles, LED exterior accent lighting, spray-in bedliner, heated mirror glass, power-sliding rear window, and 18-inch machined-Face bright aluminum wheels.


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