Ford has topped itself with the release of the 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid, a tiny truck that offers an appealing mix of efficiency, practicality, and refinement. We will cover all bases, from the vehicle’s engine and external design to its cabin’s conveniences and fuel economy. It also includes its final judgment and suggested retail price.
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Specs
The 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid runs on an inline four-cylinder engine that displaces 2.5 liters and is paired with a CVT. The engine produces a reasonable 191 horsepower, more than enough for cruising around town and hauling a few small trailers. The vehicle’s bed can hold up to 1,500 pounds, and its towing capability is 2,000.
The 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery part of the hybrid system is the real star for torque. The powertrain functions flawlessly, providing a smooth ride at any speed, whether cruising through the city or zipping down the highway.
Exterior Design And 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Configurations
This car has an attractive and practical look. The test vehicle I drove had the optional $850 Black Appearance package, which included the attractive 18-inch wheels shown below. All Mavericks, including the SuperCrew, have four full-size doors and a bed that’s 4.5 feet long. The truck’s Atlas Blue paint job was another attractive feature.
Lariat Interior and Luxury Package
The 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat interior doesn’t disappoint either. The Lariat’s interior is draped with Black Onyx ActiveX and has comfy and stylish bucket seats. Real-time parameters like fuel efficiency and range are shown on a 7-inch gauge cluster that can be customized using buttons on the steering wheel.
The 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Luxury Package is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and convenience while maintaining high elegance. Everything from audio to Bluetooth to apps to Wi-Fi to Apple CarPlay to Android Auto can be accessed through the 8-inch touchscreen display. The center stack is smartly laid out, with a circular gearshift knob and separate start/stop disable and traction control controls.
Utility and Versatility
The pickup bed of the 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat is ergonomically crafted to fit the driver’s needs. It has a built-in bottle opener and plastic edging to prevent scratching on casual occasions. The car has a secret storage space beneath a little box, perfect for stowing away small items.
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat MPG
The Maverick hybrid is expected to achieve 37 mpg combined, 42 mpg in the city, and 33 mpg on the highway by the Environmental Protection Agency. It is not just the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the truck market. But also the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the small crossover class that is not a hybrid.
The Honda CR-V, a hybrid crossover with a combined 38 mpg rating (40 in the city and 35 on the highway), can’t keep up with it. In various driving conditions, we saw an indicated 37.5 mpg in our Maverick hybrid.
The EPA estimates that the combined fuel economy of a Maverick with the turbocharged 2.0 EcoBoost engine will be 26 mpg, with city mileage of 23 and highway mileage of 30. It is still economical, although city dwellers may notice the hybrid’s 19-mpg advantage. The Santa Cruz achieves a combined 23 mpg (22 in the city, 26 on the highway; AWD subtracts 1 mpg in both situations). The Santa Cruz turbo 22 achieves 19 city mpg and 27 highway mpg.
Safety and Driver Assistance Tech
Like the rest of the ship, the Maverick’s basic safety technology was selected with a focus on cost efficiency. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 includes standard front collision warning with automatic braking, automatic high beams, and LED headlights. For an additional $650, you may upgrade to optional lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot detection, and cross-traffic alert. The Lariat’s $3,750 Luxury Package is the only way to get lane centering, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and evasive steering aid.
The 2023 Maverick received a perfect score of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) for frontal and side impact protection. The Maverick has not been crash tested, but the IIHS has given its front collision warning and braking system a “good” grade for front-on accidents between two vehicles. The NHTSA gave the Ford Escape and the Ford Bronco Sport a perfect five stars for their crashworthiness. While the IIHS named both vehicles a Top Safety Pick and a Top Safety Pick Plus.
Wildcard
The Maverick doesn’t stand out much. It looks like a truck, which is the intended effect, so people don’t pay much attention to it. There is a more enjoyable car in this class, but the optional engine makes it reasonably fun to drive.
It’s worth considering because of its affordable base price, efficient hybrid powertrain, and basic yet functional interior. Combined with a simple and comfortable bed, you have a niche product that stands out from the crowd but lacks character.
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat MSRP
The Maverick’s low starting price makes it hard to ignore its allure. Impressive features include a combined EPA estimate of 37 mpg with the hybrid powertrain and a new base pricing in the low $20,000s. Although the hybrid powertrain in our test Maverick missed key features common in vehicles of this price range. It still represents a good bargain. The test truck with the more powerful engine didn’t fare as well.
The Maverick comes standard with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both of which are about average for pickups. However, the Santa Cruz is head and shoulders above the competition with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee and 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.
Pros
- Cost-effective entry-level options
- Many accessories to improve towing, off-roading, and security are readily available.
- The standard hybrid drive system achieves remarkable efficiency.
- Prompt take off thanks to a turbocharged engine.
Cons
- Poor road conditions
- Some functions are only available in expensive add-on packages.
- The inside is cheap and unimpressive.
- The steering wheel and driver’s seat have a restricted range of motion.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Ford Maverick Lariat is in great demand, and some customers have had to wait up to a year to get their hands on one. This is understandable, given the vehicle’s long list of desirable amenities, excellent fuel efficiency, and reasonable pricing. Everything about this vehicle, from the engine to the all-wheel-drive SuperCrew and FX4 trim levels, redefines what a tiny truck can be.
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