This hybrid from Ford is a five-seater pick-up truck with 40 miles per gallon fuel economy. The Maverick is sporty and urban, but its equipment can be upgraded for tougher jobs, too. The 2022 Ford Maverick sells for under $20,000. What’s the catch? Well, there might not be one.
In a Ford press release, Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, acknowledged that the new hybrid truck was meant to attract a different type of buyer. “Maverick challenges the status quo and the stereotypes of what a pickup truck can be. We believe it will be compelling to a lot of people who never before considered a truck.”
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The Different Model Trims for the 2022 Ford Maverick
There are three different model trims available for the 2022 Maverick truck. The base model is called the Maverick XL. It comes with LED headlamps, attractive style, and plenty of tech amenities. The midgrade model is called XLT. The interior gets additional color choices. The exterior gets 17-inch painted aluminum wheels and more storage options for the truck bed.
The Maverick Lariat is the top-tier model from Ford. It comes with tech upgrades like push-button start and a 6.5-inch productivity screen. In the style column, the Lariat comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch wheels.
Performance Hybrid Capabilities
The 2022 Ford Maverick comes standard with a 2.5 Liter hybrid engine. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive comes standard on the Maverick. The Maverick has a 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity. It can accommodate up 2,000 lbs. in the truck bed when properly configured.
As expected, fuel economy will be a big selling point for the 2022 Ford Maverick. It gets up to 40 miles per gallon in urban settings and can travel for about 500 miles on a full tank of gas. That’s on par with a 4-cylinder Honda Civic.
There’s also a 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine that produces 250 horsepower and 277-pound feet of torque. That might not sound enormously powerful for a pick-up truck, but with a trailer towing package, the Maverick can manage 4,000 lbs. This powertrain setup can be paired with intelligent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission.
For off-road enthusiasts, there’s an FX4 package. It comes with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and special tuning to the suspension setup. There’s a bit more protection for the underbelly of the Maverick truck. Mechanically, there are two driving modes for mud and sand, with electronic hill descent control.
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Maverick Style
The 2022 Maverick from Ford is a compact pickup truck. It has a unibody architecture. The 2022 Ford Maverick comes in 10 different exterior paint colors. You can stand out from the crowd with Cyber Orange or whisper your way forward with Cactus Gray.
The front fascia spans the entire width of the vehicle, and each model trim has its own unique grille design. The profile has low, drop-down windows and clean, uncluttered body cladding. The cabin area flows right into the tailgate.
The truck bed of the Maverick is built for customization. It’s a four-and-a-half foot FlexBed. There are available tie-downs, a power outlet, and slots for creating dividers. The liftgate has multiple positions for maximum versatility. There’s also a QR code in the bed of the truck that owners can scan for ideas on how to make the best use of the flexible space back there.
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Interior Amenities of the Maverick Pickup Truck
The interior of the 2022 Ford Maverick is designed well. It has simple lines and a function first layout that doesn’t hurt the eyes. There’s seating for 5 passengers inside the cabin and it looks more like a compact crossover than a compact pickup truck.
Cloth seats come standard on the Maverick. However, higher model trims have ActiveX synthetic upholstery and even a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The rear seats open up for extra storage underneath and there are plenty of places to stow away cargo throughout the cabin.
An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard on the 2022 Maverick. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility without any additional charges or fees. Additionally, there’s a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The dashboard controls favor push buttons over touchscreens, so does the steering wheel. The interfaces are very tactile and simple.
There’s an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system that comes with 8 speakers. Ford’s SYNC 3 voice-activated interface is available as an option, and it seems worth the cost when you consider pairing it with such a small screen. The 110-volt, 400-watt power outlet comes in handy. There’s even one out back in the truck bed.
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Safety Options from Ford
The 2022 Ford Maverick comes with some impressive standard safety features thanks to the inclusion of Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite. It comes with automatic high beams, a rear-view camera, forward collision warnings, pre-collision assistance, and automatic braking. The system can detect pedestrians and if the driver doesn’t act to prevent an imminent crash, the Maverick will do it for you. Blindspot warnings and lane-keeping assistance are available, but these advanced systems aren’t available on the base model.
Wrapping it Up
The 2022 Ford Maverick is America’s first full hybrid pickup truck. Sticker shock usually applies to large price tags, but in the case of the 2022 Ford Maverick, it’s the other way around. The base model Maverick hybrid has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $19,995.
The hybrid powertrain, crossover SUV styling, and economical price make the Maverick appeal to potential buyers who might’ve never thought about owning a pickup truck before. It’s a smart play by the Ford Motor Company. The Maverick truck would be ideal for small business owners or as the first vehicle for kids going off to college.
The Maverick might get some jeers from hardcore truck guys because it doesn’t have much power without additional equipment. It’s not much of an off-roader either. Yet, the 2022 Maverick is an entry-level pickup truck. It’s not meant for the job site or the campsite. As long as you stay in your lane, you’ll enjoy every moment in the Maverick hybrid truck.
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