2022 Ford Maverick: A Funky New Face for an Old Nameplate

Long, long ago, the Maverick was once a Ford compact car that was eventually retired in favor of the Fairmont in 1978. Today that name is being resurrected for a compact more suited to the rugged meaning of the name – a one-of-a-kind hybrid pickup truck that measures a full 11 inches shorter than the midsize Ranger. The 2022 Maverick is startlingly functional for its diminutive package, with plenty of capability and clever storage features that are certain to make it attractive to buyers seeking a truck that’s easier on the bank account than a full-size F-150. With only one other competitor in its segment, the newest addition to the Ford family is expected to appear on NY Ford Maverick dealer lots over the coming months.

Powertrain and Capability

You might think the Maverick would share parts with its slightly larger sibling, the Ranger, but instead, Ford chose the Bronco Sport as the closest match to provide the Maverick with a solid foundation. However, Ford put a twist on the standard powertrain for the new truck – it’s a hybrid setup that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a battery pack to produce 191 horsepower combined. Paired to a continuously variable transmission, the hybrid powertrain gets a targeted 40 mpg city and sports a driving range of 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Going small will have its rewards.

For buyers who prefer all-wheel drive, choosing the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be the only means for gaining this feature. With the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the 2022 Maverick will make 250 horsepower and gain an eight-speed automatic transmission. Adding this engine also opens up the option for the FX4 Off-Road Package, which will include all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, and several other off-road accessories suited to hitting trails. Though the front-wheel drive version of the Maverick already has good ground clearance at 8.3 inches, adding the off-road package raises it to 8.6 inches.

Despite its small size, the 2022 Maverick still boasts Ford power with the ability to handle a max payload of 1,500 pounds. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds with the hybrid engine and will harness the capability to tow up to 4,000 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine when the 4K Tow Package is equipped. Buyers who want to tow small boats or motorbikes will find the Maverick is more than up to the task.

Interior and Exterior Design and Features

Every 2022 Maverick will come as a four-door crew cab with space for five passengers and a 4.5-foot bed. Three trims will be available in the first year: the XL, XLT, and Lariat. On the outside, the Maverick almost resembles a scaled-down F-150, and it’s unmistakably a Ford design through and through, from the modern front grille and headlight assembly to the straight sidewalls and fully functional bed. Inside, the Maverick is designed to be easy to wipe down, with materials that only take a damp cloth to clean. Bright splashes of color in the vents, storage bins, and dash bring character to this welcome new Ford truck sibling. The legroom in both front and rear seats is roomy enough for even tall adults, and charging ports in front and back seats are conveniently located.

Standard features for the entry-level XL trim should please buyers with comforts like lumbar control, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, and remote keyless entry. In the two upper trims, features like dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, and ambient lighting will add more convenience and atmosphere to the fun and funky interior design. Technology will include a standard eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even a WiFi hotspot available through the standard access to FordPass Connect. Upper trims gain extras like wireless charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system.

For the first year of sales, buyers can order a First Edition Maverick, which is a special limited edition package for the Lariat luxury trim. It builds on the Lariat with appearance details like First Edition decals found on the hood and bed and black paint for the roof and mirror caps. The upgrading continues with a moonroof and soft-folding tonneau cover for the bed. Wheel options will differ for the First Edition depending on which engine is chosen, with 18-inch wheels for the hybrid and 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires for the turbocharged engine.

Clever Features and Storage

Big things come in small packages, and Ford made the 2022 Maverick a cleverly functional truck with storage so useful you may never need a full-size truck again. For starters, Ford created what they call the “FLEXBED,” which has several features such as adjustable support cables to lower the tailgate to half height. These support cables make it possible to place long items in the bed across the tailgate or just make extra room for items like bikes or kayaks so they can be secured in the bed more readily. A retainer lip on the edge of the tailgate prevents items from slipping backward while you drive.

Inside the bed, a range of tie-downs, cut-outs, thread holes, and anchor points offer limitless ways to secure items in the bed in virtually any position, including creating suspended platforms or securing dividers in the bed. Lower the tailgate fully for up to six feet of extended bed space, and add the option of a sliding track to further increase the options for securing cargo. Two 12-volt power outlets are standard for the Maverick truck bed, with enough power for lights or air pumps, while an available 400-watt outlet offers more power for larger items.

Storage on the interior has incredibly ingenious details buyers are sure to love. Spots to tuck away a laptop in the door pocket and under-seat storage in the rear of the cab are handy and thoughtful. Under the seat, you will find enough room for any tools you might need to stow, a small backpack or purse, or even a gallon jug of water. Tech-minded buyers will be delighted by the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS), which is located at the rear of the center console and can be fitted with 3D printable accessories like grocery bag hooks, bins, or storage dividers. Ford plans to offer downloadable access to the accessory so buyers can customize their interior.

Safety Features and Pricing

Ford is giving the 2022 Maverick its full suite of driver-assist features with the Ford CoPilot 360 safety technology. Features like automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams are included, and upper trims will gain adaptive cruise control and Ford’s BLIS technology. Typical safety features like traction and stability control are, of course, standard in the mix of automated safety now found on modern vehicles, and with the addition of FordPass Connect, access to roadside assistance and emergency services will be available as well.

Ford states on their website that the 2022 Maverick will be available in the fall of 2021, and it is now possible to make a reservation to order your own Maverick. Prices for the entry-level trim begin at just $19,995, making the Maverick the least expensive pickup truck in the United States. At such a low price, Ford is making pickup trucks affordable for all buyers again! With so many creative storage features, useful cargo tie-towns, and even the ability to tow, this compact truck promises to be a popular choice for people who have always wanted a truck but didn’t need the amount of power that comes in a full-sized F-150. Order a 2022 Ford Maverick, and you can be one of the first to own this revolutionary new pickup!