The Maverick joins the Ranger and F-Series to fill out Ford’s truck line.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck roughly the size of the original Ford Ranger. This car-based model has few direct challengers, therefore it is an unusual entry into the market. Now on sale, the Maverick will soon be joined by a hybrid model, which will serve as the base vehicle for this pickup truck line.
See Also – 2023 Ford Maverick Review
Highlights of the 2022 Ford Maverick
Unibody Design
Unlike the Ranger and the F-150 that have body-on-frame truck designs, the Ford Maverick is a compact truck with a unibody design. This means it is similar to car-based models such as the Ford Focus on which it is based.
The special design means that the Maverick is more drivable on the highway with enhanced handling and cornering capabilities. However. The Ford Maverick is no slouch either. It features 2,000 pounds of towing capacity or upwards of 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K tow package. Moreover, the 4.5-foot bed can carry 1,500 pounds of payload and the interior up to 500 pounds of people.
Sharp Looks
Props to Ford designers for developing a model that does not look like the rest. That said, the new Maverick advances its truck persona flawlessly with its beefy front fascia, slab sides, and squared-off rear.
The interior will not win beauty awards, but it does practicality quite well. It easily seats four or five in a pinch. We have been inside midsize trucks with less room. Numerous storage compartments occupy the cabin and the base color schemes are upgradeable to distinctive colors that pop. Overall, the interior is basic, but with the right colors and the big display screen, it is far from ordinary.
Hybrid or Gas Model
In an unusual twist, Ford makes the hybrid model the standard. However, it arrives later in the model year.
The hybrid features a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder powertrain that delivers 191 horsepower when paired with the electric motor and 155 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the wheels. As such, the hybrid model delivers approximately 42 miles per gallon around town and has a driving range of up to 500 miles.
Optionally, a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine delivering 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque is available. This model comes with the standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. An 8-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels.
Three Trims Available
Ford offers the 2022 Maverick in three trims. The XL model starts at $19,995. It is followed by the XLT trim costing $22,360. At the top of the range is the Lariat; this one retails for $25,860. Add $1,495 for the destination charge. Check out the trim walk here.
Moving up to the turbocharged engine adds $1,085 to your cost. This move replaces the CVT with the conventional automatic transmission. If you prefer, you can combine the turbo with all-wheel drive for $3,305.
As is customary for Ford, various equipment groups accompany each trim. For example, beginning with the XLT there is a $2,500 luxury package. This one includes an 8-way power driver’s seat and a 6-way manual passenger seat. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors are included. Other features of note include a bed tie-down system, 400-watt/110-volt inverter, drop-in bedliner, and a trailer hitch.
Another package worth considering is the Ford Co-Pilot360. It comes with the Lariat Luxury Package, but it is available elsewhere for $650. This bundle includes a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping aid, lane-keeping alert, and a driver alert system. As expected, there are numerous individual upgrades including a Tonneau pickup box cover for $1,160, a bed extender for $370, a manual rear sliding window for $155, and a drop-in bedliner for $495.
Loads of Technology
The Ford Maverick comes with a long list of standard and available technologies. To begin, an 8-inch touch screen display is standard. The base model has a 6-speaker audio system. Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are bundled within a Lariat Luxury package. Keep this in mind if you expect these features to be available elsewhere because they are not. That package includes an 8-speaker B&O audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a wireless charging pad.
Maverick Considerations
There are just two other car-based trucks on the market: the Honda Ridgeline and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick is smaller than the midsize Ridgeline and less costly than the Santa Cruz. These two points underscore the new Ford’s appeal.
We believe the Maverick will sell strongly and likely encourage competing brands to jump into the segment. Meanwhile, Ford will solidify its position with a well-equipped truck that can be had for about $25,000 and deliver excellent fuel economy to go with it. That is a recipe for success and the blue oval has served notice that it intends to dominate the market.
See Also — One Step Closer: Ford Maverick Pickup Truck
Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. All right reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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