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2023 Ford Maverick XLT: Compact Truck, Real-World Value

Aug 22, 2026

2023 Ford Maverick XLT: Compact Truck, Real-World Value

The 2023 Ford Maverick XLT FWD starts at $24,855 and delivers 40 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined— making it highly fuel-efficient for a pickup truck. With seating for 5, about 33 cu ft of bed cargo space, a 1,500 lb payload, and a SuperCrew cab that fits real families, the Maverick XLT is the right truck for buyers who want genuine utility without full-size bulk or fuel bills. It competes directly with the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline.

How Much Does the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT Cost to Own in Junction City?

The 2023 Ford Maverick XLT FWD carries a base MSRP of $24,855 plus a destination charge of $1,595, bringing the MSRP total to approximately $26,450 before any options or packages. For working families and military households managing a budget, that entry point is one of the most compelling in the compact truck segment.

Feature

XLT FWD

Base MSRP

$24,855

Destination charge

$1,595

The XLT sits in the middle of the Maverick lineup — above the fleet-oriented XL and below the premium Lariat — and it represents Ford’s volume seller for good reason. Standard equipment at this price point includes LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear view camera, cruise control, and a 6-speaker audio system. Buyers who want to add comfort and convenience can option the XLT Luxury Package, which brings a power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way electric adjustment, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, a spray-in bedliner, 2 rear USB charging ports, and a main power supply outlet. The Black Appearance Package steps up to 18-inch alloy wheels and toned mirror caps for a sharper street look. Standalone options include a Power Tilt/Slide Moon Roof, a Remote Start System, a Trailer Hitch Receiver with 4-pin connector, a Full Size Spare Tire, and a 400W cab inverter — each of which adds genuine daily-use value without inflating the base price.
Valor Ford currently has a pre-owned Maverick XLT available in inventory for shoppers who want to explore the model at an even lower price point. If you want to dig deeper into specs and trims before visiting, our Ford Maverick research guide covers the full lineup in detail.

Rugged Exterior Design Tailored for Local Roads

A light blue compact pickup truck parked along a suburban street in front of a house. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)
The Maverick XLT wears a design that punches above its price tag. At 199.7 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, and 68.7 inches tall, the SuperCrew body is compact enough to navigate Junction City’s downtown streets and fit in a standard parking space — a real advantage over full-size trucks that struggle with urban maneuvering. The wheelbase measures 121.1 inches, giving the truck a stable, planted stance without the extended footprint of a midsize competitor.
Up front, the XLT runs full LED headlights — both low and high beam — with a dusk-sensing auto-on function and automatic high-beam control. A painted front bumper and black rear bumper frame the truck cleanly, while standard black electrically adjustable mirrors keep sightlines clear in traffic or when backing into a tight spot. The rear fixed cargo box step makes loading and unloading the 4.5-foot bed practical without a step stool.
Exterior color choices for the XLT include Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat, Terrain, Cactus Grey, Carbonized Grey Metallic, Cyber Orange Tri-coat Metallic, Hot Pepper Red Tinted Clearcoat Metallic, Iconic Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Shadow Black, and Atlas Blue Metallic — a range wide enough to suit a service member looking for understated practicality or a weekend adventurer who wants the truck to stand out at the river.
For shoppers trading in a current vehicle to offset the purchase, you can get an estimate on your trade-in value online before stepping into the dealership.

Fuel Efficiency and Power: Performance That Supports Work and Play

The Maverick XLT FWD’s headline number is 40 mpg city— a figure no traditional pickup truck comes close to matching. That efficiency comes from a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT transmission driving the front wheels. The hybrid system uses an AC permanent magnet synchronous electric motor rated at 126 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, backed by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The gas engine and electric motor work together seamlessly, with the CVT keeping the powertrain in its efficiency sweet spot during stop-and-go driving.

Feature

XLT FWD

Engine

2.5L

Horsepower

191 hp

Torque

155 lb-ft

Transmission

CVT

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive

Feature

XLT FWD

MPG

40 city / 33 hwy / 37 combined

The EPA-estimated range on the standard 13.8-gallon tank stretches to 511 miles on a full fill — meaning fewer stops and lower monthly fuel costs for commuters covering the ground between Junction City and Fort Riley daily. For context, the optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission trades some of that city efficiency (23 mpg city / 30 hwy / 25 combined) for a higher towing capacity of 5,080 lbs, making it the better choice for buyers who regularly haul heavier trailers.
The front suspension uses an independent strut setup with coil springs and a front stabilizer bar, while the rear runs a semi-independent torsion beam with coil springs — a configuration that prioritizes ride comfort on flat Kansas plains over off-road articulation. Ground clearance stands at 8.3 inches, approach angle at 20.6 degrees, and departure angle at 21.9 degrees— modest numbers that suit paved roads and light gravel without pretending to be a trail rig. The standard AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) system keeps the truck composed if conditions turn slippery.
Buyers ready to move forward can get pre-approved for financing online before visiting Valor Ford.

Spacious Interior Comfort for Military Families and Weekend Adventures

Five adults fit comfortably in the Maverick XLT’s SuperCrew cab — a genuine four-door layout with front-hinged rear doors, not the narrow rear-hinged doors of some competitors. Front headroom measures 40.3 inches and rear headroom 39.6 inches, with front legroom at 42.8 inches and rear legroom at 35.9 inches. Shoulder room runs 57.3 inches up front and 55.6 inches in the second row — numbers that accommodate adults without elbowing each other on longer drives.

Feature

XLT FWD

Seating

5

Cargo

33.3 cu ft

Curb weight

3,674 lbs

Towing

2,000 lbs

Payload

1,500 lbs

The rear bench folds up in one piece, unlocking a flat load floor and below-seat storage — a practical trick for stashing gear that doesn’t belong in the open bed. The truck’s about 33 cu ft of bed cargo volume sits in a straight-sided short box measuring 54.4 inches long, 53.3 inches wide, and 42.6 inches between the wheel houses. Loading floor height is 30.1 inches — low enough to lift bags of mulch or a cooler without straining your back.
Standard interior materials on the XLT include upgraded cloth/velour upholstery in either Navy Pier/Medium Slate or Black Onyx Unique Cloth. The XLT Luxury Package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat with 4 electric adjustments, bringing the comfort level closer to what you’d expect from a car rather than a base work truck. A full floor console, overhead partial console, front and rear cup holders, and front and rear center armrests round out the cabin organization. For owners who want to maintain the interior over time, genuine Ford parts and accessories are available through Valor Ford’s parts department.
Interior view of a modern truck featuring blue patterned cloth seats, orange accents, a touchscreen, and steering wheel. (Representative image for illustration purposes only. Actual vehicle may vary based on trim and configuration.)

Connectivity and Infotainment Features That Keep You Linked

The Maverick XLT ships standard with an 8-inch touchscreen mounted at the center of the dashboard in a fixed portrait orientation — large enough to be readable at a glance without dominating the dash. It pairs with a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display that shows trip data, hybrid system status, and average fuel economy. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard equipment with no subscription required, connecting your phone’s navigation, music, and messaging through the touchscreen immediately.
Bluetooth is standard, as is a voice activation system for hands-free control of calls, music, and navigation. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls keep your hands on the wheel during the commute. The audio system runs 6 speakers with AM/FM radio and a touchscreen interface. Two front USB connections handle device charging and media playback, and the standard Wi-Fi hotspot — powered by an embedded SIM card — provides 3 GB of data per month for three months, keeping passengers connected on road trips or during downtime at the job site.
Ford’s 911 Assist telematics system is included at no charge and connects automatically to emergency services if the airbags deploy, a genuinely useful feature for service members and families who spend time on rural roads. Remote services — including remote lock/unlock, vehicle start, find my vehicle, theft alert, and remote HVAC control with heating and cooling — are included in the subscription. A remote start system is also available as a standalone option for buyers who want to pre-condition the cabin on cold Kansas mornings.
The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 package adds a driver attention monitor, radar-based rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, the Lane Keeping System, and BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert — meaningful upgrades for highway driving and backing out of crowded parking areas.

Safety Systems Designed for Commuters and Outdoor Explorers

The 2023 Ford Maverick XLT earned a 5-star NHTSA frontal crash rating and a 5-star NHTSA side impact rating, with a 4-star overall NHTSA rating and a 4-star rollover rating. Those numbers reflect a structurally sound platform that protects occupants in the most common crash scenarios.
The airbag count stands at 7, covering intelligent dual front airbags for driver and passenger, front side airbags, front-and-rear side curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag. Front seatbelts include pre-tensioners and height adjustment for both driver and passenger positions. Rear seatbelts are 3-point at all outboard positions, including the center seat. LATCH anchor points are standard for child seat installation.
The braking system uses 4-wheel disc brakes with 2 ventilated front rotors, ABS, a brake assist system, electronic auto-hold, and hill hold — a combination that stops the truck confidently whether you’re slowing for a school zone in Junction City or descending a gravel access road. AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and standard stability control manage traction and lateral dynamics automatically.
Standard on the XLT is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, which activates at speeds as low as 3 mph — catching the slow-speed situations that cause the most urban fender-benders. The system applies the brakes autonomously when it detects an imminent forward collision with a vehicle or pedestrian, and it operates across both low and highway speed ranges. A trailer stability program is also included for buyers who use the optional hitch receiver.
The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 package layers in BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and the Lane Keeping System for buyers who want a more complete driver assistance suite.

Comprehensive Pricing Breakdown of the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT and Available Trims

The Maverick XLT FWD starts at $24,855 before destination. That base price includes a well-equipped standard kit — LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, rear camera, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires, and the hybrid powertrain. The destination charge of $1,595 brings the as-configured starting total to approximately $26,450.
Two factory packages are available to build on that foundation. The XLT Luxury Package adds trailer towing preparation, 2 rear USB charging ports, a main power supply outlet, a spray-in bedliner, a 4-way power driver’s seat with electric height/reach/recline/tilt, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer — a significant comfort and utility upgrade for buyers who plan to use the truck year-round. The Black Appearance Package swaps the standard 17-inch wheels for 18-inch alloy wheels and adds toned mirror caps for a blacked-out exterior look.
Meaningful standalone options include the Power Tilt/Slide Moon Roof, Remote Start System, Trailer Hitch Receiver with 4-pin connector, Full Size Spare Tire(upgrading from the standard spacesaver), 400W Inverter with 1 Location (Cab Only), Manual Rear Sliding Window, Bed Extender, and a choice of three tonneau cover styles — Soft Folding, Hard Trifold, or Hard Rollup. Bed protection options include a removable Bed Mat, Bed Tray Liner, spray-in Bedliner, or Hard Drop-In Bedliner. The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 package adds BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert, the Lane Keeping System, rear radar cross-traffic avoidance, and a driver attention monitor.
For buyers who need more towing capacity than the hybrid provides, the 2.0L EcoBoost with 8-Speed Automatic Transmission is available as an option, raising the tow rating to 5,080 lbs at the cost of reduced fuel economy.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Service Options for 2023 Ford Maverick Owners

Ford backs the 2023 Maverick XLT with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance program, and a 5-year anti-corrosion warranty. The hybrid battery and electric systems carry an extended 8-year/100,000-mile warranty— a meaningful assurance for buyers concerned about long-term hybrid component costs. Paint coverage runs 3 years/36,000 miles.
Ford Roadside Assistance is included for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles and provides manufacturer-backed emergency support — towing, tire changes, fuel delivery, and lockout service — from Ford-trained technicians using genuine parts. If you need roadside help, Ford Roadside Assistance is reachable directly through the vehicle’s 911 Assist telematics system or by phone.
For scheduled maintenance and any service needs, Valor Ford’s service department is equipped to handle all Ford vehicles with certified technicians and genuine Ford parts. Keeping up with oil changes, brake inspections, and hybrid system checks at an authorized Ford service center protects both the warranty and the long-term reliability of the powertrain. You can schedule a Ford service appointment online through Valor Ford’s service portal, making it straightforward to fit maintenance around a busy military or work schedule.

Awards, Expert Reviews, and Recognition of the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT

The Maverick’s critical reception is unusually strong for a volume-priced truck. The 2023 Ford Maverick earned the following recognition:

  • 10Best Trucks and SUVs — Car and Driver (2023)
  • Best Buy Award, Compact Pickup Truck — Kelley Blue Book (2023)
  • Editors’ Choice — Car and Driver (2023)
  • Drivers’ Choice Award, Best Small Pickup — MotorWeek (2023)
  • North American Truck of the Year — North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (2022)

Car and Driver describes the Maverick as easy to own, easy to use, and easy to live with — a just-enough truck that proves the compact format done right. The publication specifically called out the accessible cab height and practical bed loading floor as advantages over larger pickups that require a climb to enter or lift to load. Edmunds notes that the Maverick offers reasonable utility, impressive efficiency, and a wide range of features that fit into real life better than traditional pickups — an assessment that aligns with what the specs actually show. MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice recognition underscores that the Maverick’s appeal isn’t limited to value-conscious shoppers; it genuinely outperforms expectations for the money across a range of real-world driving scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions from 2023 Ford Maverick Buyers

What is the towing capacity of the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT FWD?

The standard hybrid-powered XLT FWD is rated to tow 2,000 lbs— enough for a small utility trailer, a personal watercraft, or a lightweight camper. Buyers who need more capability can opt for the available 2.0L EcoBoost with 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, which raises the tow rating to 5,080 lbs on the XLT. The Trailer Hitch Receiver with 4-pin connector is available as a standalone option, and the XLT Luxury Package includes trailer towing preparation as part of its bundle. Contact Valor Ford at (785) 238-5114 to confirm which configuration is in stock.

Does the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT really get 40 mpg in the city?

Yes. The EPA rates the 2023 Maverick XLT FWD with the standard hybrid powertrain at 40 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined— figures that are unique in the pickup truck segment. The hybrid system recovers energy under braking and uses the electric motor at low speeds where combustion engines are least efficient, which is exactly why city driving produces the higher number. Highway efficiency drops because the hybrid system’s advantage diminishes at sustained cruise speeds. The 13.8-gallon tank gives the truck an estimated range of 511 miles per fill.

How many people does the Maverick XLT seat, and is the back seat usable for adults?

The Maverick XLT seats 5 in a 2+3 configuration. The SuperCrew body provides four full-size front-hinged doors and a rear bench that folds flat. Rear legroom measures 35.9 inches and rear headroom 39.6 inches— usable for adults on shorter trips, though taller passengers on long drives may find it snug compared to a midsize SUV. Rear shoulder room is 55.6 inches, which comfortably fits three passengers side by side.

Where can I see a 2023 Ford Maverick XLT in person near Junction City?

Valor Ford carries Maverick inventory at 1825 Goldenbelt Blvd, Junction City, KS 66441. The team has earned strong reviews from customers — Justin Grabouski noted the “excellent customer service, great prices, and overall exceptional experience,” while Anthony Carpenter called the Valor team “awesome to work with.” If you’re comparing the Maverick against a more off-road-focused option, Valor Ford also carries new Ford Bronco Badlands models for side-by-side consideration.

What safety features come standard on the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT?

The XLT includes Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment, activating at speeds as low as 3 mph. The truck also comes with 7 airbags, 4-wheel ABS with brake assist, AdvanceTrac with RSC Roll Stability Control, a rear view camera with guidance display, hill hold, and Ford’s 911 Assist emergency telematics. The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 package adds BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and the Lane Keeping System for buyers who want a more complete suite. NHTSA awarded the Maverick a 5-star frontal crash rating and 5-star side impact rating.

© 2026 Valor Ford. All rights reserved.

Vehicle specification data © JATO Dynamics Limited.

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