2023 Ford Maverick

The 2023 Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck entering its second year after a successful debut. The compact pickup market — dead just a few years ago — has seen a recent resurgence. The Maverick offers reasonable utility, impressive fuel economy and a wide range of available features at a much lower price than Ford's other trucks, the F-150 and Ranger. It's not the most capable truck when it comes to towing, payload or off-road capability, but Ford's larger trucks have you covered if you need more.

Fresh off the Maverick's introduction last year, the core lineup isn't changing much for 2023. That said, there is a new Tremor package available for XLT and Lariat models that beefs up the Maverick's off-road capability. A heavy-duty transmission cooler, upgraded shocks and running gear, an extra inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires and much more are added when you spec the Tremor model.

Currently, there's only one other real option in this class: the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Like the Maverick, the Santa Cruz is a small four-door pickup, though the Hyundai feels much more like a crossover SUV than a truck from behind the wheel. It's a little more refined and comfortable, though it doesn't offer a hybrid powertrain. If you need more space or capability than what the Maverick offers, there's the Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado are also newly redesigned for 2023.