Ford resurrects a name once reserved for a compact coupé, introducing the Maverick compact pickup truck.
Ford is mainly known for its best-selling F-150 and the Ranger. But in a quest to conquer an even greater market share, it just added a new member to its lineup. The 2022 Maverick is the latest addition to Ford’s pickup family and comes with a host of brand-new features and technology.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Maverick comes with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance, producing a rather modest 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission helps in transferring all that power to the front wheels.
The truck’s electric motor is specifically designed to make efficient use of space and reduce power loss. It also uses a hairpin design instead of round wires to allow better cooling, effectively keeping the weight lower than traditional motors. Thanks to this setup, the Maverick can travel 500 miles on a single tank of fuel, tow up to 2,000 pounds, and load up to 1,500 pounds — not bad for a pickup truck drinking less than a Honda Civic!
Ford also offers a more powerful variant equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine producing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Here, an eight-speed automatic transfers power to either just the front or all wheels, depending on the customer’s choice. Towing capacity can further be increased to 4,000 pounds with the company’s 4K tow package.
Infotainment and Safety
Despite its compact size, the 2022 Ford Maverick does not fall short of its role as a pickup truck. It comfortably seats 5 passengers and has ample storage space to accommodate all your necessities, thanks to two hidden compartments under the rear seat. Owners can also make good use of the Ford Integrated Tether System, or “FITS,” located at the back of the center console to store various items, including cupholders and storage bins.
Safety is Ford’s utmost priority, so the Maverick comes with Ford’s state-of-the-art Co-Pilot360 system equipped with an adaptive cruise Stop-and-Go feature, blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert, lane centering, evasive steering assist and pre-collision assist.
Ford also ensures everything is accessible with just a touch by providing an 8-inch infotainment system. Moreover, customers can access FordPass Connect via their smartphone to remotely control the vehicle, check the fuel level, unlock the doors, and even start the engine.
The Flexbed
That being said, the most appealing feature of the 2022 Maverick is the 4.5×4 feet footbed, which Ford calls the “Flexbed,” packing a host of functionalities. For instance, customers can place 2x4s and 2x6s in dedicated slots to create a more segmented space. Apart from that, the bed also features two tie-downs, four D-rings, a 12-volt DIY pre-wire package, and built-in holes in the side to bolt other accessories. Moreover, Ford also offers two 110-volt outlets, one in the bed and the other in the cabin. Finally, the Maverick’s bed even has a scannable QR code, providing customers with unique project ideas.
Ford offers the Maverick in three trim options: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with prices starting from $20,000.
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