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One of the most popular new compact truck models is the Ford Maverick. A selling point for the Maverick is its excellent fuel economy, available with the standard hybrid powertrain. However, there’s a more expensive EcoBoost engine available too. Should you pay more for the more powerful Maverick EcoBoost engine over the base hybrid? There are a few reasons to buy the EcoBoost and a few to stick with the 2023 Ford Maverick hybrid.

Ford Maverick hybrid vs. EcoBoost engine: Acceleration

A blue-gray 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT compact pickup truck driving past palm trees
2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT | The Ford Motor Company

First, Cars.com compared the two Ford Maverick engines for better acceleration. Instantly, you’d assume that the EcoBoost has the advantage in this category, and you’d be correct. Cars.com even noted that the EcoBoost engine gets better acceleration with and without anything in the cargo bed. From 0 to 60 mph, the EcoBoost was two seconds faster, reaching 60 mph in 8.63 seconds. Strangely, adding more than half a ton of sandbags to the cargo bed didn’t change performance much. It did, however, impact the EcoBoost engine’s efficiency.

Is the EcoBoost engine worth the MPG penalty?

2023 ford maverick hybrid or ecoboost engine?
2023 Ford Maverick | Ford

Next, a highlight of the 2023 Ford Maverick is its fuel economy. With the hybrid powertrain, the compact truck has an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined, and with the EcoBoost, just 26 mpg. However, Cars.com says that both versions of the Maverick beat their EPA estimates during a 200-mile drive for testing purposes. The hybrid resulted in 44.1 mpg overall, while the EcoBoost averaged 32.8 mpg. Additionally, the hybrid needed 4.76 gallons of gas, and the non-hybrid required 6.06 for a 200-mile drive.

Although the EcoBoost engine’s fuel economy is significantly worse than the hybrid’s, it’s still pretty good. Compared to other non-hybrid trucks, the Maverick still leads the way. Cars.com says the long drive comprised interstates, rural roads, and suburban streets. It also said neither version of the truck has a great ride quality, just OK.

When to pay more for a 2023 Ford Maverick EcoBoost

There’s one reason to change whether or not you’re buying the 2023 Ford Maverick hybrid or EcoBoost engine. When using front-wheel drive, hybrid is better every time. Spending close to $30,000 on a front-wheel drive Maverick with a non-hybrid engine isn’t the most cost-effective way to get a fun truck. Other models offer more power and capability for that price or even slightly more. Additionally, prices for the XL and XLT models are very similar, as are towing and hauling capacities. That’s why only the top trim for the EcoBoost engine is worth buying.

Cars.com says the all-wheel drive that comes with a Maverick Lariat with an EcoBoost engine is the one to get. If you don’t want a hybrid Maverick, only choose the Lariat. It comes with AWD, a higher 4,000-pound towing capacity, and available FX4 and Tremor off-road packages.

Buy an affordable, fuel-efficient 2023 Ford Maverick hybrid or a more capable AWD Maverick Lariat EcoBoost. Front-wheel drive EcoBoost models aren’t worth it, but the hybrid variant’s fuel economy always is. Which Ford compact truck powertrain are you more interested in buying?

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Section Editor - SUVs

Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.