2023 Ford Maverick vs 2022 Ford Maverick

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence, measuring 5,073 millimetres in length and 1,879 mm in height. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks. The interior of the 2022 Maverick was notable for its creative use of plastic, with multicoloured elements and exposed fasteners that added character. Even the base model offered a unique interior design, proving that entry-level vehicles could still have style.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its familiar look, with side and rear styling that echoed the Ford truck family. The standout feature for this model year was the introduction of the Tremor package, which added off-road capabilities and distinctive styling elements like blacked-out logos and unique colour options. The Tremor package also included tow hooks in "Tremor Orange," updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents. The interior of the 2023 Maverick continued to feature a lot of plastic, but it was in line with the truck's utilitarian nature. The Black Onyx seats had a heathered, salt-and-pepper look, and the blue-tinted plastic contributed to a surprisingly highbrow appearance. The Tremor package added a sporty touch with its special 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup delivered a total system output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine was available, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, while the EcoBoost variant offered all-wheel drive (AWD). The FX4 off-road package added features like different suspension tuning, underbody protection, and specialized drive modes, enhancing the Maverick's off-road capabilities. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a car-like driving experience, with smooth ride quality and improved maneuverability compared to larger pickups.

In 2023, the Ford Maverick continued to offer the hybrid powertrain as standard, maintaining its reputation as the first standard full-hybrid pickup truck. The hybrid setup combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering the same 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The big news for 2023 was the introduction of the Tremor off-road package, available on XLT and Lariat trims. This package included Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, capable of sending torque to either rear wheel, making it more adaptable to off-road environments. The Tremor package also featured Trail Control, special springs and shocks, steel skid plates, and a lift for increased ground clearance. While the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 907 kg (2,000 lbs), the EcoBoost engine with the 4K Tow Package could tow up to 1,814 kilograms (4,000 lbs).

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the larger Toyota Tacoma and slightly more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Interior storage was a highlight, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 1,382 mm (4.5-foot) bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered a 680-kilogram (1,500-pound) payload capacity and featured tiedowns, a power outlet, and a multi-position tailgate for versatile cargo management. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kilograms (4,000 pounds) with the 4K Tow Package, surpassing some crossover SUVs.

In 2023, the Maverick's interior dimensions remained consistent, with the gas engine models offering 1,088 millimetres of front legroom and 937 mm in the second row. The hybrid powertrain reduced rear legroom to 912 mm. The Maverick continued to offer more legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, though the Santa Cruz had slightly more rear legroom in hybrid form. The interior featured a lot of plastic, but upgrades were available, including heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Tremor package added 2.5 centimetres to the truck's length, but this didn't affect interior space. The Luxury Package on the XLT and Lariat trims offered additional comfort and tech features.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, providing standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though not in wireless form. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, along with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system's graphics were basic, but the screen size was adequate for the Maverick's price range. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

In 2023, the Maverick continued to offer an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with standard Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The graphics were reminiscent of older technology, but the system was functional. FordPass Connect provided a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch LED driver-information display, additional USB ports, and features like a power-sliding rear window and ambient lighting. The Lariat's Luxury Package included an upgraded sound system, wireless charging, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

In 2023, the Maverick's Ford Co-Pilot360 suite remained standard, offering features like automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2023 Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some points lost for rollover resistance and frontal crash performance. The IIHS rated it Superior for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.