2022 Ford Maverick: Why Do You Have To Consider Buying This Compact Pickup Truck?

Things are looking great for Ford’s highly-anticipated compact pickup truck. The new 2022 Ford Maverick is off to a good start, soaring with 100,000 reservations, mainly in Texas, Florida, and California. The positive response is due to its base price of $19,995, fuel economy, and modest size. ​​

Ford aims to reach first-time new car buyers and pickup truck buyers to the new Maverick as an alternative to compact sedans, hatchbacks, and traditional full-size pickup trucks. The Maverick is smaller than the Ranger and F-150, thus becoming the smallest truck offered by Ford. The Maverick is also more accessible to newcomers than the two vehicles mentioned above because of its affordable price.

The 2022 Ford Maverick is a hybrid compact pickup truck with a basic C2 front-wheel-drive unibody platform. It shares its underpinnings with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The truck’s wheelbase is 121.1-inch, which is 11-inches shorter than the current-generation mid-size Ranger. It comes in a four-door crew cab with seating and plenty of legroom for five passengers, similar to the comfortable cabin of an SUV. The Maverick is available in three trim levels, namely XL, XLT, and Lariat.

Its size made it possible to have more maneuverability, making it easy to find a parking spot and drive around the city even during heavy traffic. It also has an excellent turning radius among pickup trucks. The Maverick is an ideal pickup truck for daily use because of its impressive mobility in an urban setting.

What makes the little Maverick special is that it’s a vehicle that can get many things done while still fitting people’s budgets. The Maverick is still rugged inside out and can keep up with most work trucks and off-roading vehicles in the market. It greatly appeals to those who don’t want a dedicated work truck but prefers to have the benefits of hauling things using the bed and traverse challenging terrains.

Ford claims that the Maverick is the first and only pickup in the USA with a standard hybrid powertrain. The base truck includes a 2.5-liter full hybrid four-cylinder engine that can generate an output of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with continuous variable transmission (CVT) automatic for seamless shifting and front-wheel drive. This powertrain makes the Maverick the most fuel-efficient pickup, delivering an impressive 40 mpg city and 500 miles of range.

A 2.0-liter EcoBoost is also available for those who seek more output and capability. This option includes a turbo I-4 engine with a hefty 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD and AWD. This powerful engine comes with a 4,000lbs Trailer Tow Package option with an all-wheel drive.

Even with its small construction, the Maverick can still be on par with other towing vehicles in terms of utility. The hybrid powertrain allows the Maverick to have a 2,000lbs of towing capacity and a 1,500lbs of payload with sufficient space for a standard power sports vehicle in the bed. The turbo I-4 comes with the same payload as the standard hybrid but with the 4,000lbs tow capacity due to the available towing package. This payload and towing capacity are adequate for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities and accomplishing rigorous tasks.

The Maverick has an adaptable 4.5-ft Flexbed, smaller than the bed of Ford Ranger and F-150. The short bed is still highly effective in utility since Ford incorporates clever solutions to maximize the space. The Flexbed is versatile, making it easy to add dividers and a rack on the bed. It includes slot stamps, ten tie-downs, D rings, and threaded holes to accommodate both OEM and aftermarket truck accessories. It also has a 110-volt outlet and is prewired for additional 12V-20A outlets.

In addition, the bed has a multi-position tailgate with adjustable retention cords to hold the tailgate half-closed for hauling longer materials. This multi-position tailgate extends the overall bed from 4.5ft to 6ft and supports 400lbs of load. You can fit and safely secure your supplies, equipment, and even bikes and ATV onto the bed. Loading is also easier than full-size trucks due to its 30-inch liftover height with low enough bedsides for easy reach.

Like any other truck, the AWD Maverick is capable of basic off-roading with a personal setup such as a specific wheel and tire package and suspension lift kit. Ford offers an FX4 Off-Road package for the Maverick’s XLT and Lariat Trim. This option is more capable and performs better in extreme off-road conditions.

The FX4 Off-Road package must be equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 engine and eight-speed automatic all-wheel-drive transmission. The package features hill descent control and off-road specific driving modes such as Mud and Sand. It also includes underbody skid plates, 235/65R-17 all-terrain tires paired with 17-inch wheels, and off-road suspension tuning.

The off-road suspension features an independent multi-link trailing arm setup for the rear that includes monotube shocks and hydraulic rebound stops. It is supported by a steel subframe, a stabilizer bar, cast knuckles, and twin-tube dampers. The front suspension remains with the usual MacPherson strut style independent suspension and twin-tube dampers. Off-road hardware such as locking differential, trail control, and low-range transfer case is absent. However, it is still plenty capable of taking you off the grid.

The cabin and interior are considerably more comfortable for daily driving. The cabin features split armrests and door-pocket storage with enough space for personal items that even fits a one-liter bottle. The rear seating offers more cargo space with standard under-seat storage for sports equipment and other gears.

The amenities include a standard 8-inch touchscreen with user-friendly voice-activated SYNC 3 system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Band & Olufsen sound system. Fordpass Connect is also available with an embedded modem and built-in WiFi hotspot.

Available innovative Driver-Assist technology makes driving the Maverick safer. This tech features Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning with Dynamic Brake Support, Pedestrian Detection, Rear View Camera, and Auto High-Beam headlamps.

The practicality and performance of the 2022 Ford Maverick are ideal for both urban and off-road driving, giving you the freedom to enjoy both styles of driving without much compromise. The arrival of the Maverick opens the niche market of compact pickup trucks to newcomers waiting for a vehicle that isn’t too large and too expensive for their needs and budget. The Maverick offers the best of both compact sedans and pickup trucks, making it an easy pick for a vehicle to suit your lifestyle and activities.