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If you’re interested in buying a new compact truck, the 2023 Ford Maverick is a popular option. Plus, it’s also the cheapest new pickup truck money can buy. Usually, when something is affordable, it comes with a catch. Why is the Maverick’s starting price so low? Here are three reasons why the 2023 Ford Maverick is the cheapest compact truck.
The 2023 Ford Maverick base model is basic
First, the 2023 Ford Maverick XL base model starts at $23,690. According to Edmunds, most features are about as basic as you’d expect from a budget model. For example, the interior is equipped with cloth upholstery, it has 17-inch steel wheels, and some of the listed highlights are air conditioning and power windows. In addition, the Maverick includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and forward collision mitigation. Drivers will operate the infotainment system on a small eight-inch touchscreen, and the stereo system uses only six main speakers.
To get some of the most desirable features, buyers will need to upgrade to higher trims. For example, simulated leather upholstery is standard only on the fully-loaded Lariat model, which starts at $29,450. Additionally, Lariat buyers get proximity keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable driver’s seat, power-sliding rear window, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Many of these features are common in modern vehicles, but on the Maverick, the Lariat trim is required.
There is no standard all-wheel drive
Another reason why the 2023 Ford Maverick is the cheapest compact truck is that it doesn’t have standard all-wheel drive. While AWD is available, it’s only an option on all trims. Whichever trim buyers choose, they’ll have to pay extra for AWD and the turbocharged engine. That’s the other caveat of buying a Maverick. A hybrid powertrain is standard for the entire lineup but only comes with front-wheel drive.
That means anyone who wants their truck to have all-wheel drive capability will have to get the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Although it makes 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, it pales in comparison to the hybrid powertrain’s fuel economy at just 25 mpg combined. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system produces 191 hp, 155 lb-ft, and 37 mpg combined. In other words, without standard AWD, buyers are forced into worse fuel economy to get it.
Ride and interior quality
Finally, the last reason why the 2023 Ford Maverick is the cheapest compact truck is its low ride and quality interior. Many experts report that driving the Maverick is not the smoothest experience. Additionally, the interior is less luxurious. Instead of soft-touch materials, leather, and other premium cabin features, the Maverick feels as cheap as its price. It has hard plastics throughout, standard cloth seats, and looks cheaper than many midsize trucks.
The draw of Ford’s compact truck is the low starting price. As most buyers would expect, there are some sacrifices the automaker has to make in order to sell the Maverick at a bargain price. The most obvious is the interior. Car and Driver says the entry-level model is “more than basic.”
The cheapest compact truck
In conclusion, the 2023 Ford Maverick is the cheapest compact truck. Not only is it more affordable than the compact Hyundai Santa Cruz, but it’s also cheaper than midsize and full-size pickup models. As you might expect, the low price has some significant differences. For example, many buyers may not like how cheap the interior looks and feels. Others may struggle to buy a truck without all-wheel drive, which is only available without the coveted hybrid powertrain that offers the best fuel economy.
Do you think the 2023 Ford Maverick is worth buying for its low price? Or are these problems too much?
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