2023 Ford Maverick SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Truck

2023 Ford Maverick SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $32,173–$42,282
Fuel Economy 36 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $1,458/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Ford Maverick SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$32,173–$42,282

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Ford Maverick SL

With an overall Carivo score of 7.8/10, the 2023 Ford Maverick SL earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.7/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $32,173–$42,282, 36 MPG, seating 5, the Ford Maverick SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 8.7/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this truck delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Ford Maverick SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2023 Ford Maverick SL ranks #53 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 90% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $32,173 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 8%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →

Which Maverick SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Maverick SL model years we've scored, the 2023 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.9/10$34,164 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$33,169 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.8/10$32,173
2022 7.7/10$31,179 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Ford Maverick SL

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Strong fuel economy at 36 MPG, keeping running costs low
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

More Ford Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.