One of the most challenging vehicles to buy is the Ford Maverick. This compact, hybrid pickup is all the rage lately. Not only does it offer excellent pickup fuel economy for a truck, but it’s surprisingly affordable. If you’re interested in one, you’re also probably waiting for the 2023 model year version, like everyone else. The 2022 Ford Maverick sold out, and Ford is so behind on production it just pushed preorders to 2023. What will be different with the 2023 Ford Maverick? Is the new Tremor off-road package worth buying?

What’s new with the 2023 Ford Maverick?

According to Car and Driver, there aren’t many changes for the new model year. For the most part, buyers will get nearly the same truck as those who purchased one in 2022. However, the all-new Tremor off-road model enters the Maverick lineup for 2023. It’s based on either the XLT or Lariat trim but adds much more rugged exterior styling. Unfortunately, it’s only available on models with all-wheel drive, which means there’s no off-road Maverick with a hybrid powertrain.

In addition to exterior styling, the Tremor package adds a revised suspension with a one-inch lift. Next, the automaker gave it an upgraded transmission cooler and half shafts to allow it to handle harsher conditions. With the Tremor, the standard AWD system is also a little different. It uses a twin-clutch rear differential, allowing the differential to open or lock based on the required traction.

Finally, the Maverick Tremor has Ford’s Trail Control system. This acts as low-speed cruise control for trails. On top of the standard styling upgrades with the Tremor package, there’s also a Tremor Appearance package. Moreover, Tremor owners can add a gray-painted roof, mirror caps, and side-body graphics.

Can the Maverick Tremor really go off-roading?

All that’s new for the 2023 Ford Maverick is the off-road-oriented Tremor package. However, it doesn’t provide too many off-roading features. Are all-wheel drive and a revised suspension really enough to take this compact truck off-road? Well, if it’s not enough for you, there’s another package available to the Maverick. It’s called the FX4 package, and it adds even more off-road items.

For example, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, and extra drive modes for mud and sand. Additionally, the Maverick FX4 automatically comes with the optional turbo four-cylinder non-hybrid engine and all-wheel drive. Is the FX4 package better for off-roading than the brand new Maverick Tremor?

We wish the 2023 Ford Maverick got these changes

Most importantly, all-wheel drive with the hybrid powertrain. For many people, AWD is essential when buying a pickup. Regardless of whether it’s a full-size, midsize, or compact truck, owners want AWD. Driving in the occasional snow, up hills, through the dirt, or even just when hauling some weight in the bed feels better with AWD. However, the main draw of the Maverick is its excellent fuel economy, which is only available with the hybrid powertrain.

As a result, the two things we want the most out of the Maverick are a hybrid and AWD setup. Although it isn’t available for the 2023 Ford Maverick, we have good news. Supposedly, there is an AWD version of the Maverick hybrid in the works, according to MotorTrend.

In addition, the towing package is also exclusively available to the non-hybrid powertrain. We wish that would also come to the hybrid Maverick. Unfortunately, it makes a massive difference. Non-equipped 2023 Ford Maverick models can tow a mere 2,000 pounds, while non-hybrids with the towing package boost that number to 4,000.

What will be different?

What’s different with the 2023 Ford Maverick? Not much has changed for the new model year. Only the off-road Tremor package being introduced to the lineup is new. Unfortunately, the compact truck didn’t get the few differences we wanted. They are all-wheel drive and the towing package for models with the hybrid powertrain. However, one of those is rumored to be in the works. For now, the only thing different with the 2023 Ford Maverick is the Tremor package.