If you’re searching for a new pickup truck, turn to the experts to find the best models available. For some, full-size pickups are the only answer. They’re bigger, more rugged, and capable of towing/hauling much more weight. However, midsize and compact trucks have become much more popular for a few reasons. They’re easier to drive, handle, and ride in, have a comfortable and often luxurious interior, but keep decent capability for all those “trucky” things. Additionally, some models are significantly cheaper than others. For 2023, the Ford Maverick pickup truck is best-in-class for back-to-back years, according to Cars.com.

Cars.com: Best pickup truck of 2023 is hybrid

According to Cars.com, the best pickup truck of 2023 is the Ford Maverick. It’s the second year in a row the compact model from the Blue Oval has won its award. The publication says there is no better value in the market for a comfortable and efficient utility vehicle. “…the Maverick comes packed with unmatched capability and utility for the money,” the reviewer said. One of the most significant reasons for its value is the outstanding standard hybrid powertrain.

The 2023 Ford Maverick comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. Together, the gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain is rated for 42 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. Additionally, it’s good for 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, which isn’t bad for a pickup of its size. However, a more punchy turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder non-hybrid is available with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft for those who’d prefer it. The upgraded engine allows the Maverick to tow 4,000 pounds when appropriately equipped.

The 2023 Ford Maverick can do it all

In addition to its hybrid powertrain, the 2023 Ford Maverick is capable of doing much more. There are many reasons the pickup won best-in-class for back-to-back years from Cars.com. For example, customers can now equip the Maverick with a Tremor Off-Road package. It adds a better AWD system, a better cooling system, an upgraded off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and more.

However, the publication claims the interior and bed utility make it the best pickup around. Depending on what you’re willing to spend, the Maverick can have a cheap but functional interior or a leather-filled, luxurious one. Regardless, the cabin is stylish, and owners can customize it to their liking by creating accessories with a 3D printer. With 1,500 pounds allowed in the cargo bed, the small pickup isn’t bad for hauling.

Affordability makes the Maverick

Lastly, the 2023 Ford Maverick is the best truck in its class because of the low price. No matter what a pickup is capable of, the most important thing to customers will always be how much it costs. The difference in price between Ford’s compact truck and competitors is significant. If the cheapest $20,000 base model isn’t for you, the model is surprisingly well-equipped in its XLT form, which falls into the mid-$25,000 range. We agree with Cars.com that the model provides excellent value with all its trims, and its capability is surprising.

It’s clear that customers agree this is the best pickup we’ve seen in a long time. Since the Blue Oval started production a few years ago, dealers can’t keep the Maverick in stock. Ford still can’t keep up with production to fill all the preorders just a few years after its release. For all of these reasons and more, the best pickup truck of 2023 is the Ford Maverick, according to Cars.com.