Pickup trucks carry the highest average complete monthly cost of any vehicle category CarCostCX tracks, $1,770 a month for a new truck once loan, insurance, fuel, and maintenance are included. Against that backdrop, the 2026 Ford Maverick XL stands out as the clear value leader.
The Complete Monthly Cost Breakdown
At $27,936, the Maverick XL's complete monthly cost comes to $1,033, which is 41.6% below the segment average and saves a buyer $737 a month compared to a typical new pickup. The loan payment, at $565 a month, is the biggest reason why. Compact by truck standards, the Maverick carries a smaller price tag than full-size competitors, and that difference shows up directly in the financed amount.
Insurance runs $85 a month and fuel comes to $273, both reasonable for a truck this size. Maintenance adds $75 a month and title and registration add $35. None of those numbers are unusually low. What sets the Maverick apart is simply starting from a lower price.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz SE placed second at $1,055 a month, another compact pickup beating the segment average by a wide margin. The Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck rounded out the top three at $1,095 a month, proof that the compact and mid-size truck segment is where the real value sits for buyers who do not need full-size towing capacity.
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