A new year symbolizes change, rebirth, and reinvention. For Ford and their fans, it means the opportunity to explore the latest in consumer automotive technology. Ford trucks have dominated the US market for some time now. Safe to say there are a lot of people paying attention to the company’s 2023 lineup.
It doesn’t take a gearhead or a Ford superfan to get excited about the new slate of American-made trucks. If you’re in the market for a new pickup, or just seeing what’s out there, Ford F-series trucks are impossible to miss. Today, we’ll take a look at the hotly anticipated 2023 line-up, and share a few things that excite us about this year’s Ford trucks.
Shutterstock: Brandon WoyshnisA Brief History of Ford Trucks
The Ford brand hasn’t always been synonymous with quality trucks. The American company has made meaningful contributions to nearly every automotive segment, from performance racing to EVs.1 It’s a powerful brand with a legacy of quality craftsmanship for over 100 years.
Ford Trucks are an American tradition in and of themselves.2 Collectors and aficionados fawn over models old and new. It might have begun with the release of the Model TT in 1917, but Ford continues to dominate the segment year after year. Today, Ford F-Series trucks aren’t just number one in the truck category, they outsell every other vehicle in the country.3
2023 F-150
It may be the undisputed king of the pickup segment, but Ford isn’t resting on its laurels in 2023. The latest F-150 features 10 trim packages that start at $35,680 and climb as high as $85,950.4 This year’s engine choices are almost as numerous, with multiple V-6, V-8, and diesel options. The 2023 F-150 is even available with a 400 HP hybrid powertrain that pairs a twin-turbo V-6 combustion engine with a 35 kW electric motor.
Interior tech and safety features differ with each trim package, but the standard XL model includes an 8-inch infotainment display and automated emergency braking. Available upgrades include lane-departure warning, navigation, a 13.4-inch touchscreen display, and more.
2023 F-150 Lightning
EVs have officially made their way to the job site with Ford’s brand new take on the all-electric pickup. Get 7,700 pounds of available towing capacity and 240 miles of range with the 2023 F-150 Lightning. Charge at home, and enjoy realtime range estimates that factor in things like the temperature and road conditions.5
Ford is asking $51,974 for its first ever all-electric pickup truck and reactions have been positive.6 The Lightning enjoys many of the features included in the combustion F-150 with the added benefit of a frunk, or trunk in the front of the vehicle where the engine would normally sit. It’s an attractive package that’s getting a lot of truck lovers to consider going green for good.
2023 Ranger
The Ranger is built for people that love trucks but don’t have the need or the driveway space for a full-sized pickup. They’re roughly half as powerful as the F-150, and offer half the payload and towing capabilities.7 But the 2023 Ranger is almost half the price of its bigger brother too. The base level XL trim is one of three available options that start at $27,400.8
Available interior features include Ford’s new Co-Pilot 360 driver assist technology system, a 4G LTE wi-fi hotspot, and infotainment upgrades. Its punchy 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a lot of power and achieves a 22 mpg combined fuel efficiency, which is impressive for this segment.9
2023 Maverick
The Ford Maverick delivers a whole lot of usefulness in a smaller, sleeker package. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds and comes in three trims.10 The Maverick’s base level trim starts at an impressive $23,690, but is a touch spartan for most modern drivers. Ordinary features like cruise control and an electronic tailgate lock are omitted for instance.
Did we mention it’s a hybrid? Every 2023 Maverick sold comes with an electric-motor assisted engine, though you can swap it out for a full-combustion powertrain. The truck is impressively customizable, which only adds to its overall appeal.
Try It Yourself!
Reading about new trucks is fun, but articles are a sorry replacement for an in-person dealership visit and a little time spent in the driver seat. Test drives are free, and easy to book. They’re the only way to get a feel for how a car drives and, more importantly, how it makes you feel.
There’s no proven way to to protect yourself against impulsive purchases but there are things you can do that might help. Establishing a budget and doing your research ahead of any test drive is critical. We think more research is only going to make you fall more in love with the 2023 Ford trucks.
