Ford understands trucks, and its impressive lineup shows as much. From the F-150 and its electric variant Lightning to the Ranger and Maverick, the automaker knows how to build long-lasting trucks. The Maverick is one of the most affordable new Ford cars today, so how much is the cheapest 2023 Ford Maverick XL?

Ford Maverick XL base price

The 2023 Ford Maverick comes in three trims: the base XL, mid-trim XLT, and top trim Lariat. The base trim is a fuel-efficient hybrid system with a starting MSRP of $22,595 without additional features, giving you a function-first build without any fluff. The standard powertrain is available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine assisted by an electric motor that helps it generate 191 hp.

The car takes 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which may not be as perky as the F-150, but it still gets the job done. The base trim has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg on the highway. The Maverick XL sports a handsome but purposeful appearance with a 54-inch bed, four-door cab, and steel wheels. Overall, its exterior is straightforward and clean.

The affordable price tag doesn’t offer a plush interior. Still, the truck has standard niceties such as remote keyless entry, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio control, and adjustable lumbar support for front seats.

The truck has an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You also get various driver assistance features, including automated emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Upper trims of the Ford Maverick

One of the reasons the Maverick is popular is its affordable starting price. The F-150 is a solid truck with great off-roading capabilities, but it has a starting price of about $35,000, which may put off truck shoppers looking for something with a low price tag.

With many cars, the higher you go, the costlier it becomes, but that’s not the case for the Maverick. The truck’s mid-trim XLT costs $2,260 more, starting at $24,855, while its top-trim Lariat has an MSRP of $28,355. This means that even with a $30,000 budget, you’d still be able to score the top trim without breaking the bank.

The XLT and Lariat trims offer the same features as the base trim but with a few additions. Upgrading to the XLT gives you cloth upholstery, a power-locking tailgate, keyless entry, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also add the Tremor Off-Road Package, the FX4 Off-Road Package, and the FLEXBED system.

You can opt for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and produces 250 hp. This optional engine is peppy, taking 5.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, significantly faster than the base trim.

The top trim, Lariat, takes things to another level with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also has an optional 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster and 18.0-inch aluminum wheels.

Which trim do experts recommend?

Car and Driver recommends the mid-level XLT trim because of its 17.0-inch aluminum wheels, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, and power lock for the tailgate. While the 2023 Ford Maverick XL trim is a good choice for anyone looking to keep the costs low, the XLT allows more customization. For instance, the Towing Package extends the towing capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds.

Edmunds also agrees, citing the XLT trim as a better choice because it “opens up possibilities with add-on features.” With the XLT, you get more features than the XL trim and similar features to the Lariat trim, but you don’t have to pay the $28,000.