The 2022 Ford Maverick is finally unveiled, and it is everything most of us have been wanting. Well, if you were expecting a small truck at a bargain price, that is. Oh yes, this all-new compact truck is here to make waves in the industry with its petite stature, customizable pickup bed, surprisingly roomy interior, and of course, its standard hybrid engine. That's right, the 2022 Ford Maverick comes with a 2.5L full hybrid engine as the standard option, and it's priced at just around $20,000.
The Ford Maverick is a game-changer and will make you change your tune about compact pickup trucks. The Maverick is getting a ton of attention, mainly because many drivers aren’t interested in a full or mid-size truck because they don't really need the size or the power. Many people just want a pickup truck body style to serve as their trusty commuter. Ford has the right idea; if you are going to offer a compact truck, price it accordingly and make sure it gets excellent gas mileage. Let’s take a closer look at Ford’s newest edition to their lineup of trucks.
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It’s all too easy to get sucked in by the price of a vehicle only to discover you get nothing in return. Most models with bargain prices offer very little in terms of features and performance. The Maverick is the least expensive Ford model you can buy, but that does not mean you are getting a bare-boned truck with a feeble powertrain. At any trim level, the Maverick holds its own against other truck models on the market.
The base model, the XL, comes with the standard hybrid 2.5-liter gas engine, a more powerful 2.0-liter gas engine is optional. These choices are available through all trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard on the XL and all other terms, and all-wheel drive is optional. The hybrid will boast good fuel efficiency, and it also helps that the truck is small and weighs much less than mid and full-size trucks. There are some excellent features on this base model, which might be surprising given the low price. The model comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, FordPass connectivity, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports. In all likelihood, those features alone probably exceeded your expectations.
The Maverick XLT enjoys the same features as the XL and adds extra cubby storage in the truck bed and tie-down spots to make hauling cargo easier. The XLT also boasts 17-inch painted wheels, an upgraded interior, and a locking tailgate. There are a few other goodies, including a keyless entry pad and power-adjustable mirrors. As with the XL, the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With the Lariat trim, you will enjoy upgraded 18-inch wheels made from aluminum with painted pockets. The Lariat also offers plenty of convenience features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Desert Brown ActiveX seats, and an acoustic windshield. You will definitely want to spend more time in your Maverick thanks to the 6.5-inch productivity screen, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature controls, and ambient lighting, which is something the entire family will enjoy.
At the top of the trim levels is the Lariat First edition, which adds several features that sets itself apart from the others. On the outside, the Lariat First Edition boasts lower-door graphics, gloss black mirrors, and a black roof, which offers a distinguished look to the Maverick. And don’t forget the 18-inch black wheels with all-terrain tires wrapped around them. This is the trim to get if you want a Maverick with a unique style.
The interior of the Maverick is sure to surprise a lot of people. It’s all too easy just to assume that any compact vehicle is going to be cramped and will lack storage space. Again, the Maverick delivers with an interior that seats five comfortably and enjoys plenty of cargo space. Part of the reason for the roominess is the unibody design, which minimizes the center hump that robs passengers of desired space. Even the passenger stuck in the middle seat will enjoy a comfortable ride.
While sitting behind the wheel of the Maverick, you will notice that all of the control knobs and buttons are within reach and easily identifiable. Front door pockets are big enough for larger water bottles and are even big enough to stash your tablet or a small laptop. You will also find storage under the seats in the rear. Additionally, a clever cushion design means that dropped smartphones won’t slide out of reach under the seat.
Another perk Maverick owners are sure to enjoy is the infotainment system powered by the available SYNC 3 system. SYNC 3 allows drivers and passengers to connect their Apple or Android smartphones to the system and enjoy voice-activated technology. It’s a great feature as it keeps the driver's hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. Apple CarPlay lets you interact with Siri using voice commands. Making calls and sending text messages is as easy as having a casual conversation. Android Auto allows users to talk to Google, listen to voice messages, and choose their favorite music.
It might be small, but the Maverick is still a pickup truck, and many will utilize it as such. This means that the Maverick will be used to tow and haul loads, two critical tasks best left to trucks. 1500 pounds is the standard payload for the Ford Maverick, which is more than enough to load up on wood and other supplies from the home improvement store. It is also capable of transporting recreational gear to the campground, the family’s bikes to the mountain trails, and your daughter’s guitar, amp, and other musical gear to her band’s practice. The Maverick also boasts an available 4,000 pounds of towing when equipped with the available tow package so that you can pull your boat to the lake in the summer.
Take it Off-Road
Speaking of taking the bikes to a mountain trail and your gear to a campsite, many truck owners desire off-road capabilities in their trucks. Ford understands this as well, and they offer a sweet off-road package for the Maverick. The available off-road package includes front tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and a few other capable features. For example, the addition of five selectable drive modes, Normal, Tow, Haul, Slippery, Mud and Ruts, and Sand, helps get the Maverick to all of the destinations you desire, regardless of how rough or arduous the journey. Hill Descent Control is also a part of the off-road package and is an ideal addition for the hardcore rock hoppers out there.
The FlexBed
One of the most talked-about features of the 2022 Ford Maverick is the versatile cargo boxed dubbed the FlexBed. The FlexBed is an innovative, customizable way to secure and organize everything you haul in your Maverick bed. The tailgate on the FlexBed offers three different positions: Fully closed, opened all of the way, and the tailgate can be locked in mid-position utilizing support cables on each side. Even in the mid-lock position, the tailgate can support an impressive 400 pounds.
The FlexBed also features several tie-downs, including D-rings and cleats on the side of the bed that will also open bottles. There are also a series of threaded holes along the bed sides so you can mount a variety of accessories like an aftermarket cargo management system, for example. There are also eight stamped pockets that make it easier to transport lumber. Plastic rail caps protect the bed from dents and other damage.