Review: 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid

Who wants a pickup truck in this expensive life we live in? Probably not a lot of people and especially if towing or transporting heavy items is not common for you. However, if you are like me, who likes pickup trucks but not the high prices of them, then the 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid is the truck to have.

Engine/Transmission

The 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid is available with a 2.5L Hybrid engine producing a combined 192hp and 155lb-ft of torque through a CVT transmission and front wheel drive. It is equipped with a 1.1 kW battery bumping the horsepower from 162 to 192. The Maverick is also available with a 2.0L Eco boost engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Hybrid is rated at 5.8L/100km in a city and 7.1L/100km on a highway with a combined 6.4L/100km rating. But you will be surprised at what I managed to average during my time with the truck. I averaged 4.9L/100km and that is a first! I’m usually always above the rated average during test drives so I was very surprised and was one of the reasons I really liked the Maverick. With the 2.5L, the Lariat has a 2000lb towing capacity and about 1500lb payload capacity. If you opt for the 2.0L and add the towing package, that doubles from 2000lbs to 4000lbs of towing capacity.

Handling/Performance

The Hybrid can reach 0-60mph (96k/h) in just over 7 seconds, so it is not fast. It is also a bit of a stiff drive but not uncomfortable and you will notice the difference driving over potholes or uneven pavement. Other than that, the drive can be quite smooth. It picks up speed decently quick but does not give that ‘suck you in your seat’ feel. Overtaking a vehicle, however, is not an issue. Accelerating quick from a stop, you will be able to hear a bit of engine noise but not too loudly. My only complaint would be the regenerative brakes. It felt a bit too jerky for me. Almost like when someone is trying to brake check you.

Comfort

Sitting in the Maverick Lariat is comfortable, I had no issues sitting for long periods. I had plenty of space for my legs and I do like to lift my seat almost to the highest position and I still had enough space for my head. With my driving position though, it is impossible for a passenger to sit comfortably behind me. When I had a passenger behind me, I had to move my seat forward making it a bit uncomfortable for me. Above average individuals will have issues sitting comfortably in the rear seats unless the driver is short and can comfortably push forward the driver seat. A feature I liked about the Maverick is that all are available as crew cabs which means four full size doors. Although there isn’t a whole lot of space for passengers, there are small storage spaces throughout the cabin and under the rear seats.

Interior

Not a whole lot is going on in the interior that will wow you, but it has quite a few features that you would want and need in a compact truck. It is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that is very easy to use. It is a mixture of touch and physical buttons which I really like. Nothing better than having easy access to the climate control, and volume. It is equipped with bucket front seats which are 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar which is why it is comfortable.

Exterior

The Maverick Lariat Hybrid is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The style of the Maverick is nice in my opinion. It looks great, it is not as monstrous and big as a ‘real’ pickup truck but also not super small. The reason I say this is because I’m sure most of the time, we think the bigger pickup trucks are the only heavy duty, but you’d be surprised, the Maverick has the capacity to tow/carry heavy weight as well. That is with a few added packages for greater capacity. The bed of the Maverick is 4.5ft and features a 12-volt power outlet.

Pros/Cons

The 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid Lariat is a great compact truck. It has a starting price of $31,100CAD ($23,400USD) for the XL trim and $37,150CAD ($34,855USD) for the Lariat. Even if you decide to add packages, it will still be below $55,000CAD. This is a perfect truck for someone that is in between city driving and occasional off road or towing/carrying heavy equipment. It is comfortable for an adventurous couple or small family, great on gas with just enough power. Even if you decide to add the towing package, however, it is still less than that of its competitors but if you don’t plan on loading it to its max, then it shouldn’t be a big deal. It is equipped with a lot of standard features that in my opinion makes it desirable. There is a trim level to meet your needs and wants and that’s what makes it all that much great. If you are more into off-roading, then the Maverick Tremor would be the one to go for. If you are in between adventurous/city driving as I mentioned earlier, then the Hybrid would be the perfect match. Overall, I think you get a lot for what it is worth, its great because its not bulky so it makes it easy to maneuver around city and when you do decide to take it out of the city, you will still have fun with it.