The 2022 Ford Maverick XL is the lowest of the three available trims for the compact pickup truck. It costs less but still offers plenty of standard equipment. There’s always room to add any of the extra packages, options, and equipment. Opting for the base model means there are plenty more options to add. Are you interested in buying the cheapest version of one of the best new pickup trucks? Here’s what comes with a 2023 Ford Maverick base model.

2023 Ford Maverick base model: Standard engine

The first thing most people want to know about any vehicle is what engine comes under the hood. For the 2023 Ford Maverick XL base model, it’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system. Combined, the output is 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the compact truck uses front-wheel drive as standard, but an optional engine and all-wheel drive are available.

The optional engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. This setup is available on any trim for an added cost. Additionally, using the optional engine is the only way to get AWD. As you might’ve guessed, the standard hybrid powertrain offers much better fuel economy than the optional turbocharged variant. Optional engine buyers get 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway, while hybrid owners drive with 42 in the city and 33 on the highway.

What standard features come with a Maverick XL?

According to Edmunds, the 2023 Ford Maverick is surprisingly well-equipped. Even with the lowest XL base model, it has some surprisingly nice amenities, especially for the price. Every Maverick has LED headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, power windows, air conditioning, rear under-seat storage compartments, an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six speakers, and forward collision mitigation.

Available packages to the XL base model include a 4K Towing, FX4 Off-Road, and Ford Co-Pilot360 package. The first adds a trailer hitch receiver with a seven-pin trailer wiring harness connector and upgraded powertrain cooling. For off-roading, the FX4 package adds all-terrain tires, exposed front tow hooks, hill descent control, and skid plates. The only nuance is the FX4 package requires AWD and, therefore, the non-hybrid engine. Lastly, the Ford Co-Pilot360 package includes blind-spot monitor and lane-keeping assist.

How much is a 2023 Ford Maverick base model?

Along with fuel economy, pricing is one of the primary reasons for the Maverick’s immense popularity. According to Ford, the 2023 Ford Maverick XL base model starts at $22,195 without fees. Although more than the previous model year, it remains affordable compared to other pickup trucks. Since the price is so cheap, it’s often difficult to recommend a higher trim. Saving money with the XL base model or even the mid-tier XLT trim is the best part of the Maverick.

For an extra few thousand dollars, the XLT trim only adds a few more features. Alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, a rear center armrest with cupholders, a power-locking tailgate, and cruise control, to be specific. We don’t think most of these upgrades are worth it when plenty of standard features are included with the most affordable XL base model.

What comes with a Maverick?

In conclusion, the standard equipment and price of the 2023 Ford Maverick are some of the primary reasons it’s so popular. With plenty of technology, functional features, and an efficient standard hybrid powertrain, buying the cheapest Maverick is a no-brainer. Most car buyers aim to get the most bang for their buck in a truck. That goal is accomplished easily when it starts at under $25,000.