What Is the Cheapest Ford?
The Ford Maverick is the cheapest Ford, and it’s only $23,000. Here’s what you need to know about buying a Ford.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ford is an all-American company, with innovative and rugged vehicles to fit anyone’s automotive American dream. You may be surprised to discover that the cheapest Ford, as of 2023, is the Maverick truck, which has a hybrid powertrain and a price tag of $23,000.
Eco-friendliness is not synonymous with weakness, and Ford has proven this to be true with its cutting-edge Maverick. Whether you need to haul heavy loads or handle gnarly off-road adventure, the Maverick is up to the task. Plus, it’s way cheaper than most of its competitors.
Here’s what you need to know about the cheapest Ford, including a quick review of its trim levels, price points, competitors, and specs.
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The Maverick is the cheapest Ford you can buy
The base level trim of the Ford Maverick is the XL, and pricing starts at about $23,000 for the 2023 model. Without the frills of a more expensive trim level, the base
Ford Maverick XL
makes for a good work truck that can get you where you need to go.Available with either a hybrid or a gas powertrain, the Ford Maverick can be customized to your needs. The towing capacity is decent, even with the hybrid engine. It has a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs and a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. If you add the optional towing package or the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, those capacities increase.
The Maverick sports a 4.5-foot-long truck bed and sits at a low 30-inch height that can assist with loading in and out. The base XL gas powertrain offers 250 horsepower and about 30 highway mpg. The hybrid version gives you 191 total horsepower and 33 mpg on the highway.
Here are the starting price tags for the lowest three trim levels of the Ford Maverick:
- Maverick XL (base) MSRP: $23,690
- Maverick XLT: $26,595
- Maverick Lariat: $30,095
How much cheaper is the Ford Maverick?
Known for its extensive line-up of trucks, Ford produces a whole range of models for everyone’s needs. Below, we’ve listed some of the other Ford truck models and their starting price tags. As you can see, the Maverick is significantly cheaper than Ford’s other options.
- 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor: $44,500
- 2023 Ford Super Duty: $45,765
- 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning: $53,769
The Ford Maverick at its lowest trim level costs just $28,000. There is a huge price increase between the Maverick and Ford’s next cheapest model, the F-150.
How to find an affordable Ford
There are many upgrades, options, and features available for the Ford Maverick. If you want to keep your price point low, here are some tips to consider before you buy a Maverick:
- Stick to the base model. The 2023 Ford Maverick XL comes standard with a hybrid engine. If you keep this engine and say no to the optional non-hybrid powertrain, you’ll save money and enjoy the fuel efficiency of a hybrid engine.
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades. The upgrades on a Maverick can add up quickly. The Tremor Off-Road and Tremor Appearance package will set you back an added $3,000 to $4,000. Most drivers will be very happy with the base model Maverick—plus, the Tremor version can reduce your payload capacity.
- Go used. A used truck can still get you and your stuff where you need to go. It’s especially wise to get a used vehicle if you plan to use this truck for work, as older trucks can cost thousands less. Due to supply chain issues, there could even be delays in delivering new Mavericks to consumers. If you’re determined to buy a Maverick (which has only been in production since mid-2021), a used Maverick will set you back between $15,000 and $30,000.
- Look for dealer incentives. Always inquire with your local Ford dealership about any deals or incentives they can provide to sweeten the deal for you. You save a big chunk of change—which you could haul with your new truck!
The best Ford Maverick competitors you can buy for under $40,000
If you are loyal to Ford, then the Ford Maverick is the cheapest compact truck out there. But don’t let that loyalty keep you from checking out the competitors whose features may sway you. Here are some models that might offer features that better fit your needs:
- Toyota Tacoma: With a base MSRP of $27,250, the Toyota Tacoma is neck-and-neck with the Maverick when it comes to price. The Maverick has better fuel economy, but the Tacoma has a higher towing capacity. The Tacoma has much better off-road capabilities, but the Maverick comes with a substantially lower price tag.
- Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has many advantages over the Ford Maverick, but you’ll pay more for them. With a starting price of $25,450, the Santa Cruz has an additional 1,000 lbs of towing capacity, a slightly bigger passenger space, and a more generous warranty. However, even the gas-powered Maverick is more efficient than the Santa Cruz, and the Maverick hybrid model option has an even higher MPG.
- Nissan Frontier: The biggest difference between the Nissan Frontier and the Ford Maverick is engine power. With a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, 310 horsepower, and 281 lb-ft of torque, the Frontier offers more heft than either of the Maverick’s engine options. The Frontier’s starting cost is $29,190, putting it at a higher price point than the Maverick. That price difference could be a deciding factor for your needs!
- Jeep Gladiator: The Jeep Gladiator is an appealing option, although its much higher price point of $37,375 may be a deal-breaker for some. The Gladiator excels in the off-road performance that Jeep is known for. The vehicle has hand-crank windows, manual locks, and front seats that adjust manually, which allow you to wash out the interior. But in addition to its lower starting price, the Maverick is more fuel-efficient than the Gladiator in either of the powertrains offered.
- Chevrolet Colorado: With almost twice the towing capacity, the Chevy Colorado earns its slightly higher MSRP of $29,200. While the Maverick has the advantages of maneuverability and better gas mileage, the Colorado’s engine is more powerful and will give you a better off-road experience. If you are heading off to the wilderness with a large load in tow, the Colorado may be more your speed!
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