2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Ford F-150

The 2023 Ford F-150 was a versatile full-size, light-duty pickup truck with a seemingly endless array of configurations. It offered regular, extended (Super Cab), and crew cab (SuperCrew) styles, paired with short, standard, and long cargo bed lengths. The model lineup included eight core trims, ranging from the workhorse XL to the high-performance Raptor, with multiple engine options. Prices started at $44,055 for the regular cab with two-wheel drive and went up to $105,275 for the Raptor, excluding additional fees. The F-150's styling was familiar and appealing, with a modular interior design focused on function. The test truck featured cloth seats, a Ford Work Surface upgrade, and a range of optional equipment, resulting in a Canadian MSRP of $77,675.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive looks, with a blocky front end and headlights that set it apart from other Ford trucks. The Maverick Tremor added off-road capability and street cred with blacked-out logos, unique colour options, and sporty design elements. The base Maverick XL came with 17-inch wheels, while higher trims offered different wheel designs. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab featured a lot of hard plastic, but the Black Onyx seats and blue-tinted plastic contributed to a surprisingly highbrow look. The Maverick's interior could be upgraded with packages that added heated elements and improved materials.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it provided smooth acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 6,350 kilograms. The F-150's ride was better than some competitors but could feel harsh when unloaded. The truck's handling was secure, and the brakes performed well during high-heat mountain descents. The steering was unremarkable but functional, and the cabin remained quiet at highway speeds. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than expected, averaging 13.8 L/100 km.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was hybrid-powered by default, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 191 horsepower. The test truck featured the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Maverick Tremor package added off-road capabilities, including an advanced all-wheel-drive system, Trail Control, and increased ground clearance. The EcoBoost engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,814 kilograms with the 4K Tow Package, while the Tremor package reduced towing and payload capacities.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered comfortable seating for five, with power-adjustable front seats and pedals. The cabin featured ample storage, including a large bin under the front centre armrest and various trays and cubbies. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for additional cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed had a spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, but climbing into the bed was challenging without the available tailgate step.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer but maintained the same legroom as other models. It offered more front legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz but less rear legroom in the hybrid version. The interior featured hard plastic materials, but upgrades were available to improve comfort and aesthetics. The XLT and Lariat trims offered Luxury Packages with heated elements and improved materials, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Ford F-150's XLT trim came with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was easy to use, with excellent voice recognition, but could benefit from bolder graphics. The test truck also included remote engine starting, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and On Board Scales with Smart Hitch technology.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered basic tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The graphics were reminiscent of older technology but provided a comforting familiarity. The Maverick included a 4.2-inch driver-information display, with the Lariat trim offering a larger screen and additional features like ambient lighting and a push-button start. The Lariat's Luxury Package added an eight-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 Ford F-150 featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems worked well, though they occasionally displayed minor issues. The F-150 earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering features like automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick's reverse camera was particularly sensitive, alerting to cross traffic further away than most systems. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS.