The 2022 Ford Maverick changed the automotive landscape for the better. When the previous Ford Ranger model was put out to pasture in 2012, there were no options available for drivers who wanted a new small pickup truck. Midsize trucks had taken over with the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma leading the way, but for many drivers, these trucks were too big. Private customers and companies who needed fleet trucks wanted something small to haul around light loads, and for 10 years, there were no new models available for the job.

However, with the Maverick’s introduction, everything changed for the better for compact trucks. In the past, compact pickup trucks were slow, inefficient trucks that did not do anything spectacularly well. Today, the Maverick is setting the standard for the next generation of compact trucks by offering an efficient hybrid engine, while sharing a platform with the Ford Escape, keeping costs low for consumers. The 2023 model year ushers in the second year of the production of the Ford Maverick, but how did it stand up to the test of time? Have scores increased with a refined vehicle, or have they stagnated? Here is everything you need to know about how the 2023 Ford Maverick stacks up to the 2022 model.

The 2023 Ford Maverick falls short of the 2022 model in reviews

According to multiple automotive review outlets, the 2023 Ford Maverick falls just short of the 2022 model in reviews. According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 model is nearly identical to the 2022 model, and it failed to improve on any noted issues such as ride comfort and seat quality. This led to the 2022 and 2023 models receiving the same scores.

Motor1 also reports that the 2023 Ford Maverick is a slight step in the wrong direction with the 2022 model receiving a 9.1 out of 10 and the 2023 model receiving a score of 8.7 out of 10. While it is always disappointing to see automotive review scores regress, these are still excellent review scores for this small pickup truck.

What made the 2023 Ford Maverick score lower than the 2022 model?

Motor1 reports that the 2023 Ford Maverick’s only shortcomings come in the price; most notably, the Tremor package. This offroading package is available on the XLT and Lariat trim levels and adds orange and grey Tremor accents throughout the truck. The FX4 package also adds a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that adds a rear differential lock, making the city-dwelling Ford Maverick into a capable, compact offroader.

Sadly, this Tremor model is nearly $37,455, and for that price, there are simply better options on the market. The Maverick is still an excellent vehicle, but if you are going to spend nearly $40,000 on a truck, there are simply better options out there on the market, according to Motor1.

Is this truck still worth it?

Despite the high price for the Maverick Tremor package, the Maverick itself is still a wonderful pickup truck that should be on your list of trucks to consider buying for 2023.

The Maverick gives automotive consumers what they have been wanting for decades now; a small, efficient truck that is fun to drive and readily available. With more and more Ford Mavericks ending up on dealer lots daily, there has never been a better time to make the jump back into compact truck ownership.