2023 Ford Maverick XLT Tremor AWD Redefines Versatility

Unveiled on June 8, 2021, the Ford Maverick which redefines versatility and caters to urban drivers without compromising on capability will be replacing the Ranger as the smallest truck in Ford's lineup. The entry-level four-door, five-passenger crew cab setup blends practicality with style, for a new generation of truck for drivers who crave both urban comfort and adventurous exploration. New for 2023 is the addition of four packages: Tremor Off-Road, Tremor Off-Road Plus Appearance, Black Appearance, and Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist.

Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty customers have embraced the unique off-road capability, technology and appearance updates found across our Tremor family of trucks. Maverick Tremor delivers on this same promise with new functions and features designed for off-roading—all while keeping the truck's signature size, affordability, and Built Ford Tough durability and capability.

Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Product Marketing and Brand Manager

Press Loan

My press loan for the week was the Maverick XLT with the Tremor package. This package combines Maverick functionality with the allure that is associated with the Tremor lineage of Ford trucks. The Tremor series has distinctive design elements like an exclusive grille finish, darkened Ford logos, as well as headlamp and taillamp treatments. There are front tow hooks that proudly sport the signature Tremor Orange accents, underscoring the model's identity.

For an even more commanding presence, enthusiasts can opt for the optional Tremor Appearance Package, featuring a Carbonized Gray-painted roof and mirror caps, complemented by assertive black side graphics spanning the hood and lower body. Embodying both aesthetics and utility, the 17-inch aluminum wheels stand out with a fresh Tremor Orange and dark gray anodized finish, complemented by standard all-terrain tires that ensure enhanced traction on surfaces like sand, gravel, and dirt. The off-road capabilities are achieved through a revamped lower front fascia boasting an aggressive approach angle, alongside steel skid plates that substantially augment the vehicle's overall capability. The bold Tremor design carries into the cabin, with black onyx seats that have stitched Tremor logos with orange signature Tremor accents. The center console, register vents, and door pulls are updated to include the new color scheme as well.

Drive Review

I remember the days when the Ford Ranger was the compact truck, but now that trucks, SUVs, and sedans share platforms, it was only natural for the Ranger to be viewed as a mid-size truck. I believe the entry-level Maverick, with a starting MSRP of $22,595 fits very nicely in the newly created compact truck category. My press loan for the week was the Maverick XLT Tremor AWD. The week I had the Tremor I did a 24-hour 1,465 mile trip to the upper East Coast and then a 24 hour 1,465 mile trip back. I found the Maverick to be easy to drive, comfortable, flexible, and most definitely capable. The trip was about 90-95% interstate, but because of the time of the year, I ended up driving the Tremor through all four seasons.

Leaving Dallas

When I left Dallas for the East Coast, it was a dry and hot January day with a prediction of rain to roll in during the night. Fortunately, my wife and I left Dallas late in the afternoon out ahead of the rain and stayed that way the whole trip. We made great time through the night and with the cool air, the non-hybrid 2.0L ecoboost with the 8-speed transmission got a tic under 24 MPGs. I thought that was great considering it was a full-time AWD and as you later read, I'm going to be thankful for the AWD version.

For our morning breakfast and gas stop, we rolled into Staunton Virginia. While we were waiting for our breakfast, we found a scenic trail in the Betsy Bell Wilderness Park that would take us to the top of a mountain where we could take some travel pictures of the Maverick, a nice shot looking over the Staunton Valley, and stretch our legs. As you can see from the pictures, the Maverick Tremor looks right at home in the great outdoors.

We eventually arrived in Allentown roughly 24 hours after we left Dallas, still ahead of the rain that was sweeping across the country The Maverick did a great job the whole way. I was not one bit sore considering I was stuck in a truck seat for 24 hours. We checked in to our hotel, drove over to visit with family, and back to the hotel for some sleep. Through the night the rain caught up with us, but when it arrived in Pennsylvania it wasn't to rain, but big flake snow that was coming down hard. It would eventually dump roughly 6-8” of snow in just a few hours. So we were now able to see how the Maverick handles snowy conditions.

The Maverick sits on Ford's C-2 platform sharing it with the Fiesta, Bronco Sport, and a few Lincolns. The chassis has a great track record for being well-balanced while providing superb handling no matter what the conditions are. Another stroke of luck, the Tremor was the AWD version with All-Terrain tires. So with the chassis, the AWD drivetrain, and the tires there was never a moment of concern with slippery hills or snowy corners. The Maverick would go wherever I pointed it.

It was nice to get snow pictures, but I was hoping it would clear out quickly so I could get pictures of the Tremor in front of the old Bethlehem Steel plant buildings and boilers. I knew the Avalanche Grey with the Tremor Orange trim would pop against the patina steel buildings and boilers. Ask and you shall receive, and just like snow in Dallas the temperature rose, the rain came through again this time washing the snow out, so I got my photos of the Tremor.

Heading to Dallas

And before we knew it, the time had come to head back to Dallas. Again we left in the afternoon, but unfortunately this time the trip was not going to be as easy as the trip up. We started to encounter patches of fog in Virginia and then again when we went through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee, except the fog in Tennessee would become so thick at times we would have to slow down to 30 mph and run with our 4-way flashers on.

I feel the biggest challenge among the mist and the vision-limiting fog in Tennessee was the roads. They felt greasy for a number of hours as the temperature teetered around 33-39 degrees. At one point, we crossed over the Tennessee River and the temperature went from 38 degrees to 29 degrees and back up to 35 degrees in the span of 4-5 minutes. But through all the ups and downs of the mountains, greasy roads, and heavy fog, I never felt uncomfortable driving the AWD Maverick with all-terrain tires in those conditions. Again it would go where I pointed it.

Once we drove out of the mountains of Tennessee the fog lifted, but the rain started to be the consistent thing for our morning drive between Nashville and Little Rock and then again when we crossed in Texas. As we headed through Arkansas it became apparent the final test was still ahead of us as we entered Texas. We were watching the temperatures on the weather app hanging around 35 degrees in Dallas with a forecast of 29 degrees by nightfall. That's fine, but the mist and drizzle that was starting to create slick bridges, so we knew we had to get back to Dallas before the magic 31-degree number was reached and driving would stop being easy and fun.

We picked up the pace and did get back to Dallas before sunset, but not before the magic 31-degree number was reached. Fortunately, it was rush hour and there were enough vehicles on the roads to keep the main roads drivable to get home safe. I was never worried about the Maverick; it was a little trooper and would do what it was asked. I was more worried about the other driver who was not in an AWD Maverick with all-terrain tires.

Four seasons in one week—seems about par for my life. Fortunately, I had a vehicle that was able to handle all the crazy conditions like a champ. The interior styling is what you would expect in an entry-level $22,000 vehicle. It was comfortable, but it's never going to be confused with a King Ranch.

People who have pets, kids or an active outdoor lifestyle will appreciate all the room in the second row and also how easy it cleans up too. We sure did appreciate the room with one large and two medium size suitcases a few shoulder bags plus our 40lb white golden retriever bear and his bed. Cleaning out the Maverick was a snap after all the snow, slush, and rain adventures we had, and of course Bear's dog hair.

So if you are an active person who has an active outdoor lifestyle or have a family of young active kids, and are looking for something affordable and sporty, the Maverick is a strong consideration with a starting MSRP of XLT is $26,315.

Specifications

Engine: 250 horsepower 2.0L Ecoboost
Torque: 272 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-Speed
Wheels: 235/65 R17 A/T Tires
Touchscreen: 8”
Color: Avalanche Grey
Fuel: 20/24 (mpg city/highway)
Maverick XLT: $26,315
Tremor Off-Road Package MSRP: $2,995
Tremor Appearance Package MSRP: $1,495

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Ford Maverick

About Ford

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford trucks, utility vehicles, and cars—increasingly including electrified versions—and Lincoln luxury vehicles; provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company; and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected vehicle services. Ford employs approximately 186,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products, and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit corporate.ford.com.