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 beds. The model lineup included eight core trims, ranging from the workhorse XL to the high-performance Raptor, with multiple engine options. The F-150's price ranged from $35,690 to $109,345, depending on the configuration and trim. The test truck, an F-150 XLT Super Crew, featured numerous optional packages and upgrades, bringing its MSRP to $69,115. The truck's styling was familiar and appealing, with a modular interior design focused on function. Despite some cheap-feeling elements, the F-150's cloth seats were comfortable and durable, making it an appealing choice overall.

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 unique styling elements, such as blacked-out logos and special color options. 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 the Luxury Package, which added heated elements and leather-wrapped features. Overall, the Maverick's design was utilitarian but commendable for its affordability and off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the F-150 provided effortless acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. The truck's standard suspension tuning felt harsh when unloaded but improved with added weight. The F-150's brakes were strong, and the steering was unremarkable but functional. The truck was quiet at freeway speeds, though it fell short of its EPA-estimated 19 mpg, averaging 17 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was hybrid-powered by default, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid came with a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the 2.0-liter, 250-hp EcoBoost engine offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. The Maverick Tremor package added off-road capabilities, including a 1-inch lift, special springs and shocks, and Trail Control. The EcoBoost engine's 277 lb-ft of torque allowed for a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package, though the Tremor package reduced towing capacity to 2,000 pounds.

The 2023 Ford F-150's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for five people. The optional High equipment package provided power-adjustable seats and pedals, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The truck offered ample storage, with a large bin under the front center armrest, trays and cubbies on the center console and door panels, and dual glove compartments. The cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, though climbing into the bed was challenging without the available tailgate step.

The 2023 Ford Maverick's interior offered 42.8 inches of front legroom and 36.9 inches in the second row with the gas engine, while the hybrid powertrain reduced rear seat legroom to 35.9 inches. The Maverick was roomier than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, with nearly identical headroom specs. The interior featured a lot of plastic, but upgrades were available, including heated elements and leather-wrapped features. The Luxury Package added power-adjustable seats and additional tech and safety content on the Lariat trim.

The 2023 Ford F-150 XLT came with Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen display, enhanced voice recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to use, though it could benefit from bolder graphics. The test truck also had remote engine starting, remote tailgate locking, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance when reversing with a trailer.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The graphics were reminiscent of older technology but functional. FordPass Connect provided a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Lariat trim added a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and push-button start. The Lariat's Luxury Package included an eight-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2023 Ford F-150 featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, a comprehensive collection of advanced driving assistance systems. The package included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The F-150 earned high marks from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about rollover resistance and post-crash emissions. The IIHS gave the Maverick a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.