Choosing from today’s long list of compact trucks is a challenging task. Many are available from different car manufacturers, each with advantages over the others. That’s why we turned to experts like Kelley Blue Book to discover the best models to buy each year. For 2023, KBB’s best buy in the compact truck category is the 2023 Ford Maverick. What makes this small Ford pickup better than its competition?
KBB’s compact truck, the best buy of 2023
According to Kelley’s Blue Bookthe best buy compact truck of 2023 is the 2023 Ford Maverick. The publication says it does in almost every category you’d expect for a small truck renaissance.
“With nearly 500 miles of range, the Maverick Hybrid outperforms even the most frugal subcompact. However, it is capable of hauling a payload of 1,500 pounds and towing up to 2,000 pounds, or 4,000 with the gasoline powertrain.”
It’s hard to argue with some of the best things about the Maverick. When you’re beating smaller vehicles on price and fuel economy, but still a usable compact truck, there’s no limit to what the Maverick can do. In the compact (non-midsize) truck category, it’s easy to choose the Ford option over the Hyundai. Not only are buyers and reviewers quick to select a proven veteran pickup like Ford over Hyundai, but the Santa Cruz is more expensive and less fuel efficient.
The 2023 Ford Maverick is affordable
The best thing about the 2023 Ford Maverick is that it is affordable. The asking price is one of the main reasons why it’s basically sold out for the better part of the last two years. It’s no secret, and it definitely played a big part in earning the compact truck KBB’s Best Buy of 2023. With destination charges, the Maverick XL base model starts at $22,195. However, choosing the more powerful non-hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive costs another $2,220.
Alternatively, the mid-level XLT trim is around $24,500, while the top-end Lariat is $28,000. Buyers can also choose the Tremor off-road package for $3,000 or $4,500 for the Tremor appearance package. Along with all the packages, the Maverick is still surprisingly affordable. Its closest rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which starts under $30,000 but quickly tops it. For a top-of-the-range mid-level compact truck from Hyundai, buyers will need more than $40,000.
The Best Compact Truck Buy Is Fuel Efficient
The last reason the 2023 Ford Maverick is Kelley Blue Book’s Best Compact Truck Buy of 2023 is its fuel economy. In addition to its low starting price, the standard hybrid powertrain is the biggest reason it’s sold out. Buyers love the idea of a truck with some capability that won’t hurt their wallet at the fuel pump. The standard hybrid powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, creating 191 horsepower. Amazingly, it gets 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Opting for the upgraded engine trades the hybrid for a gasoline-only turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It makes 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, but falls short of efficiency. The EPA estimate for this unit is 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. While it’s decent for a truck, it’s a lot worse than the standard hybrid option.
KBB’s best compact truck buy is the Ford Maverick
In conclusion, the best buy of 2023 for KBB’s compact truck segment is the 2023 Ford Maverick. To no one’s surprise, the Maverick has continued to rack up awards in recent years. With great value, fuel economy, and even some trucking prowess, there’s not much the Maverick can’t do. In the compact category, it’s the clear winner overall.