10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Ford Maverick Dominates Toyota Tundra, Highlander
Small stature notwithstanding, the new-for-2022 Ford Maverick is mighty where it needs to be in order to appeal to hardcore pickup-truck shoppers. And it’s mighty likable all around to appeal to, well, probably just about anybody who might consider one. But that’s not to say the Maverick is without its missteps. In Cars.com’s most popular news article of the past week — a rapid-fire rundown of the most notable attributes of Ford’s new compact pickup — we parse out the pros and cons.
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Rivian R1T Passes Toyota Tundra, Follows Ford Maverick
In the plus column are the Maverick’s well-conceived interior design; accommodating bed; impressive gas mileage; optional engine upgrade that doubles towing capacity to 4,000 pounds; surprisingly pleasant ride and handling; and affordable price, ranging from roughly $21,000 to $38,000. We dinged the Maverick, however, for some cost-cutting cabin chintziness, stingy standard safety tech and a multimedia screen that’ll have you squinting to see it on a sunny day.
For more on our cheers and jeers regarding the 2022 Ford Maverick, follow the link below to the No. 1 news story of the week.
Bringing up a distant second place is our report on pricing and fuel economy for the 2022 Toyota Tundra, which arrives redesigned for the first time in 15 model years. The full-size truck arrives next month, starting at $37,645 (including a destination charge), and rises to as high as $62,715 (some pricing is yet to be announced, specifically for the hybrid powertrain that’ll be found in the TRD Pro model). Meanwhile, the new Tundra has estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 to 20 mpg combined.
For full pricing and mileage details, follow the link below to the No. 2 article on our countdown.
Not far behind the Tundra, in third place, is our educated advice on whether Toyota Highlander shoppers should snap up a 2022 model or look around for a deal on the outgoing version. Due to a nominal price increase ($160 to $360, depending on trim level) and virtually nonexistent changes to an SUV last redesigned for 2020, buyers may as well spring for the latest model.
For the full rationale behind that recommendation, follow the link below to the No. 3 news story of the week.
Rounding out the week’s top five are Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays’ quick-spin assessment of the performance-focused 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, the lone remaining variations of the Golf hatchback in the U.S., at No. 4; and our monthly roundup for November of the best deals we could find on new cars, led off by the Chevrolet Equinox, at No. 5.
Beyond that, we have headlines on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic Si and Subaru Outback, so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. 2022 Ford Maverick: Is It the Right Size for the Times? Here Are 6 Things We Like and 3 We Don’t
2. 2022 Toyota Tundra Pricing (Mostly) Revealed, Starts at $37,645
3. Toyota Highlander: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?
4. 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R: Quick Spin
5. What’s the Best New-Car Deal for November 2021?
6. 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row’s Updates Come at a Cost, But No 4xe Pricing Yet
7. How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2022 Toyota Camry?
8. Updated 2022 Volkswagen Jetta Sports $1,200 Price Bump
9. Redesigned 2022 Honda Civic Si Starts Under $30,000, Undercuts Competition
10. How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2022 Subaru Outback?
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