Choosing from the long list of compact trucks today is a challenging task. So many are available from different automakers, each with advantages over the others. That’s why we turn to experts like Kelley Blue Book to uncover 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 Ford small pickup better than its competition?

KBB’s compact truck best buy of 2023

According to Kelley Blue Book, the compact truck best buy of 2023 is the 2023 Ford Maverick. The publication says it gets it done in just about every category you’d expect for a small pickup revival.

“With nearly 500 miles of range, the hybrid Maverick bests even the most frugal subcompact. Yet it’s capable of hauling a 1,500-pound payload and towing up to 2,000 pounds – or 4,000 with the all-gas powertrain.”

It’s difficult to argue with some of the best things about the Maverick. When it’s beating smaller vehicles in price and fuel economy but remains a usable compact truck, there’s no limit to what the Maverick can do. In the compact truck category (not midsize), it’s easy to choose the Ford option over the Hyundai. Not only are buyers and reviewers quick to select a proven pickup veteran like Ford over Hyundai, but the Santa Cruz is more costly and less fuel-efficient.

The 2023 Ford Maverick is affordable

The best thing about the 2023 Ford Maverick is that it’s affordable. The starting price is one of the primary reasons it’s basically been sold out for the better part of two years. It’s no secret, and it definitely played a part in earning it the compact truck best buy of 2023 from KBB. With destination charges, the Maverick XL base model starts at $22,195. However, choosing the more powerful, non-hybrid drivetrain with all-wheel drive costs another $2,220.

Alternatively, the mid-tier XLT trim is about $24,500, while the range-topping Lariat is $28,000. Buyers can also choose the Tremor off-road package for $3,000 or $4,500 for the Tremor appearance package too. Altogether with every package, the Maverick is still surprisingly affordable. Its closest rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which starts under $30,000, but quickly exceeds it. For a mid-tier and range-topping compact truck from Hyundai, buyers will owe over $40,000.

The compact truck best buy is fuel-efficient

The final reason the 2023 Ford Maverick is Kelley Blue Book’s compact truck best buy of 2023 is its fuel economy. In addition to its low starting price, the standard hybrid powertrain is the main cause for being sold out. Buyers love the idea of a pickup truck with some capability that doesn’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. Impressively, it gets 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Opting for the upgraded engine swaps the hybrid out for a gas-only turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It makes 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque but falls short on efficiency. The EPA estimate for this unit is 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Although decent for a pickup, it’s much worse than the standard hybrid option.

KBB’s best buy of compact trucks is the Ford Maverick

In conclusion, the best buy of 2023 for the compact truck segment from KBB is the 2023 Ford Maverick. To no one’s surprise, the Maverick has continued to rack up awards in the last few years. With excellent value, fuel economy, and even some pickup truck prowess, there’s not much the Maverick can’t do. In the compact category, it’s the clear winner overall.