Ford Maverick trim comparison
2026 Ford Maverick XLT vs Lariat
The Maverick XLT starts at $30,645 while the Lariat is $38,090. That $7,445 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The Lariat adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $7,445 by itself. If not, the XLT saves you the money.
Stay with the XLT if FWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the Lariat only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the XLT to the Lariat is about $131/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $7,860 more by the time interest is counted. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the XLT and Lariat share the same electrically variable-speed automatic transmission and SuperCrew cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $7,445 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,482 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | XLT | Lariat |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,645 | $38,090 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 hybrid | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 155 lb-ft |
| Transmission | electrically variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 42 | 40 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 34 |
| Combined MPG | 39 | 37 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.8 gal | 13.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,100/yr | $1,200/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,674 lbs | 3,674 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 121.1" |
| Length | 199.8" | 199.8" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.6" |
| Height | 68.8" | 68.8" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | SuperCrew | SuperCrew |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Ford Maverick XLT vs Lariat Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Ford Maverick lineup, the Ford brand hub, the Compact Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Maverick Lariat cost than the XLT?
The Lariat starts at $38,090 compared to $30,645 for the XLT (both SuperCrew FWD). That is a $7,445 difference, or approximately $131/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Ford Maverick XLT and Lariat have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 hybrid producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 Maverick XLT come with AWD?
No. The XLT comes standard with FWD while the Lariat has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Ford Maverick come with?
All 2026 Ford Maverick trims, including both the XLT and Lariat, come with Ford's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Ford Maverick Lariat worth $7,445 more than the XLT?
The $7,445 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2026 Ford Maverick trim gets better fuel economy, the XLT or the Lariat?
The XLT is the more efficient of the two at 39 combined MPG, versus 37 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $7,445 Gets You
The Maverick Lariat costs $7,445 more than the XLT. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value AWD. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
XLT vs. Lariat: Day-to-Day
The Lariat adds AWD, giving it better traction for towing in wet conditions, gravel roads, and winter driving. Expect slightly lower fuel economy and higher curb weight.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Maverick XLT gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $58 per year or $290 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the XLT and Lariat share engine and transmission, keeping the core Maverick experience consistent across trims.
Summary
$7,445 more for the Maverick Lariat gets you 3 real differences. At $131/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Ford Maverick XLT
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the XLT best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Ford Maverick Lariat
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Lariat when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.