Cheapest new truck for sale in America

In an age of inflation, there is a growing appetite for affordability, greater efficiency, and practicality. Nowhere is this more evident than in the automotive industry. Specifically, the pickup truck segment that flies under most people’s radar. Most of them are looking for a cheap and affordable car to live with. Thanks to the resurgence of unibody trucks, era-appropriate options are beginning to appear.

Ford, an elite company in the pickup truck segment, not long ago came up with the Ford Maverick, which is now one of the most affordable trucks to buy. The 2024 Ford Maverick is the cheapest truck in the US in 2023, with the company’s suggested retail price starting at $23,400, while one of its direct competitors, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, for example, is available from $26,650. Although it’s not as capable as more popular trucks like the midsize Ford Ranger and F-150, this unibody truck has what you desperately need from a work truck. Here’s a breakdown of why the Maverick is an affordable pickup truck option.

RELATED: 10 Things That Make the Ford Maverick the Perfect Compact Minivan

The affordable and versatile Ford Maverick

This utility truck is Ford’s least expensive pickup truck, sitting below the Ranger and F-Series trucks. After Honda’s initial introduction of the Ridgeline at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, other pickup makers gradually began to give in to the funky compact pickup truck concept.

Ford positioned the Maverick in the affordable price segment

The Honda Ridgline starts at $38,800, which is close to the prices of mid-range cars like the Chevy Colorado, Jeep Gladiator, and Toyota Tacoma. Despite excellent handling, comfort and stability, it struggles to cope. Ford appears to have learned from Honda’s experience with the Ridgeline and developed a truck with an emphasis on exceptional practicality and a low starting price that makes up for its restrictive design.

Advantages and disadvantages of Unibody frame

Positives:

• lighter.
• Handle better.
• Reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

cons:

• Limited towing capacity.
• Reduced off-road ability.
• Consumer perception that body-on-frame trucks are simply more durable

The entry of hybrid powertrains and standardized design into trucks will certainly influence the emergence of more compact trucks. Right now, the Ford Maverick is the least expensive option, and the only competitor is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is more expensive. It’s available in three models: XL, XLT, and Lariat, and has additional optional features that can make it compete with midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

Although it’s not a pretty looker with its simple design, whether it looks good or bad ultimately comes down to personal preference, it looks like a capable truck, is competitively priced, is practical, and delivers great fuel economy. If you’re in the market for the most affordable truck available in the US, the base XL model is what you’re looking for.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why the Ford Maverick Hybrid Is Worth Every Penny

Performance and efficiency of the 2024 Ford Maverick

In the spirit of defying tradition, Ford has changed the powertrain offerings for the 2024 Maverick, making the 2.0-liter four-cylinder standard and the 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid optional. If you choose the hybrid setup, you’ll get an extra $1,500. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is supported by an electric motor, produces a combined power of 191 horsepower, and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The standard Ford Maverick engine is powerful and efficient

The standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 250 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard with the EcoBoost engine, and if you opt for all-wheel drive it will cost you an additional $2,200. A hybrid powertrain with front-wheel drive comes standard. On the Lariat model, all-wheel drive is included with the EcoBoost engine. An XL with the EcoBoost engine will set you back $23,400, while a car with a hybrid powertrain will cost $24,900, and the destination fee is $1,595.

Ford Maverick performance specifications

(Performance specifications sourced from Ford, Motortrend and EPA)

Regardless of powertrain, maximum payload is 1,500 pounds and standard maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. The turbocharged inline-4 with the optional 4K Tow Package is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds. Its direct competitor and only real competitor in the minivan class, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, the most affordable Santa Cruz base model, the SE, is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. While fuel economy numbers for the 2024 Ford Maverick have not yet been published by the EPA, the 2023 hybrid model with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has a combined rating of 37 mpg, and the 2.0-liter engine is rated at 25 mpg. gallons combined on all-wheel drive. setup and 26 mpg for front-wheel drive. All are better numbers than the Santa Cruz 2.5-liter, front-wheel drive, at 23 mpg.

Related: Upcoming compact pickups that could challenge the Ford Maverick

Interior and exterior design of the Ford Maverick

Ford refers to the Maverick’s design as the Super Crew, which is what a crew cab is commonly called. It features four full-size doors and can accommodate five passengers. The interior is reasonably spacious, with 40.3 inches of front headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom. In the back, headroom is 39.6 inches and legroom is 35.9 inches. It is offered in uniquely plush cloth or ActiveX upholstery with color options including Black Onyx or Medium Dark Slate.

The Maverick is packed with smart internal storage solutions

The Ford Maverick shines when it comes to storage, with plenty of creative storage options. The door pockets can fit large water bottles, there’s plenty of space under the rear seats, and the center console has useful dividers. The 54.4-inch bed length provides reasonable space for different sizes of cargo, and the total bed volume is 33.3 cubic feet. The bed is equipped with six beds and two standard 12 volt outlets. Extras include locking bars with locking brackets and sprayed bedliner.

As standard, the Maverick features an 8.0-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, an AM/FM stereo with six speakers, and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the entry-level XL model even features a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. For convenience and safety, these features are standard.

Ford Maverick standard features

• Ford Pass Connect
• Remote keyless entry
• 17-inch steel wheels
• Cruise
• Ignition with key
• Rear storage compartments under the seat
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Side curtain airbags for safety
• Frontal collision mitigation

The base model is the ultimate work truck with really basic amenities, while the top model, the Lariat, has standard features like wireless phone charging and Ford Co-Pilot360. The Santa Cruz Competition features plenty of standard amenities as well, which include heated and cooled front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About the Ford Maverick’s Tremor Package

Trims and cost details for the Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is a compact, efficient workhorse that can handle small loads with ease. Its interior design is functional, provides smart storage, and is easy on the wallet. It offers impressive versatility, making it attractive for everyday tasks. Despite its lower cost, the base XL model demonstrates that downsizing doesn’t translate into sacrificing true truck utility. Moving on to the other options available, Maverick’s equipment options are designed to suit a variety of preferences and requirements.

In addition to the standard features available on the XL, the XLT gets alloy wheels, upgraded upholstery, a rear center armrest with cup holders, and a power-locking liftgate.

A higher tier Lariat Trim receives more creature comforts

• Faux leather upholstery
• Trailer hitch
• Heated seats
• The steering wheel is heated
• Blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert
• Evasive steering assistance
• Rear parking sensors

Additional features are available with the XLT Luxury Package, 4K Towing Package and Tremor Off-Road Package. The 4K Towing Package is available on the XL model and increases towing capacity to 4,000 pounds. Additionally, choosing the 4K Towing Package includes integrated trailer brake control, ensuring your truck is ready to tow from the start. This is what sets the Maverick apart from the Santa Cruz, which doesn’t come with this feature as a standard inclusion. This package also includes the option of all-wheel drive, bringing the total price to $28,605.