2023 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid

America’s love affair with the truck is about to get more intense.

Not everyone’s needs require a full-size pickup truck. Yet almost everyone’s needs require some sort of ability to transport possessions or payloads that exceed the ability of an SUV.

Enter the 2023 Ford Maverick, the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America. Who wouldn’t want a truck that gets 40 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway? A compact truck that’s easy to park and maneuver, and transports up to five adults? A truck with a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and towing rating up to 2,000 pounds?

Sign me up. Now.

Maverick is a truck for people that never knew they wanted – or needed – a truck.

“The Maverick product proposition is like nothing else out there. It’s a great-looking truck featuring four doors, a standard full-hybrid engine with city fuel economy that beats a Honda Civic, plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects, and it starts under $20,000,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Maverick challenges the status quo and the stereotypes of what a pickup truck can be. We believe it will be compelling to a lot of people who never before considered a truck.”

My tester, the Maverick XLT hybrid front-wheel drive, was powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder powertrain that delivers 191 horsepower when combined with the electric motor, and 155 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission.

Maverick is upright and squared off for space efficiency, but it looks youthful and athletic – clean, not overdesigned. There’s no gap between cab and tailgate, and the bed rail caps extend from the bed and go vertical, ending at the top of the back window. It’s designed this way to offer greater dent and ding protection, knowing people will load and unload the bed from the sides more frequently.

Maverick is offered at three trim levels – XL, XLT and Lariat.

This gentlemen’s truck has the ability to move 37, 40-pound bags of mulch or tow two personal watercraft. The bed includes 12 available anchor points, two 12-volt 20-amp pre-wired sources at the back enabling DIY electrical solutions, plus two available 110-volt outlets for powering a laptop or tailgate party.

The interior design is stylish and spacious, with thoughtful features and the versatility for city driving or escaping the urban life. Surprisingly roomy, there’s excellent leg and headroom, shoulder and hip width, and a comfortable seating position for both rows.

Maverick won’t make its owners run up the bill for a good user experience, offering options for both built-in and brought-in technology. Its standard eight-inch center touch screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility so customers can have the experience they’re used to with their phones. Maverick includes standard FordPass Connect with embedded modem and Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, and makes it easy to find the truck, check fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, and start or turn off the vehicle – all from your phone.

Ford Co-Pilot360 technology includes standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps. Available options include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Centering and Evasive Steering Assist. Five standard drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Tow/Haul to enhance performance and confidence over various driving conditions.

Base Price: $25,990

Price As Driven: $30,625

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.