2022 Ford Maverick: Is It the Right Size for the Times? Here Are 6 Things We Like and 3 We Don’t
The 2022 Ford Maverick pickup truck brings back both a name and a concept from the past, but it’s the latter of the two that is more significant. The Maverick is the first truly small pickup to arrive in decades, smaller than the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford’s own Ranger, and downright minuscule compared to the current crop of full-size behemoths.
Related: 2022 Ford Maverick Review: The True 21st Century Mustang
Better still, the new Maverick is capable, cleverly packaged to make the most of its trim dimensions and affordably priced. It also offers two agreeable powertrains, good fuel economy, and solid payload and towing ability.
There’s a lot to like about the new Maverick, and Ford is encouraging owners to make it their own with a long list of options, packages and trims, along with do-it-yourself customization ideas. As part of its effort to position the Maverick as a real truck, an available FX4 Off-Road Package is part of the deal, as is an optional towing package for trailering duty.
As much as our recent experience with the Maverick has turned us into immediate fans, there are also a few areas we think could use improvement. For a deeper dive, see Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman’s detailed analysis in the related link above; for a shorter version, keep on reading below for six things we like about the Ford Maverick and three we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Thoughtful Interior Design
Ford’s designers clearly spent a lot of time maximizing usable space within the Maverick’s tidy dimensions, and it shows. The rear seat bottom flips up to accommodate taller items, and plentiful cabin storage areas include cupholders for the whole gang and then some. The horizontally laid out dashboard enhances the feeling of space, and even the center console is mounted low to allow the driver and front passenger more room to spread out.
2. Clever Bed Touches
The tailgate can be lowered partway, creating a level plane with the rear wheel wells in order to accommodate the ubiquitous four-by-eight sheet of plywood. Receptacles are built into the bed, making it easy to compartmentalize cargo on the cheap using whatever lumber you like. The bed also includes concealed 12-volt outlets for accessories. Perhaps best of all, Ford has provided a QR code that links to a YouTube channel with DIY projects to make the Maverick your own.
3. Terrific MPG
The standard powertrain is a gas-electric hybrid, combining a 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor for a system total of 191 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and only available with front-wheel drive, quick acceleration is not part of the package. But we recorded an impressive 43 mpg in mixed driving — not too shabby for a pickup truck with a 1,500-pound payload capacity and rated to tow 2,000 pounds.
4. Available Extra Grunt
If you’re willing to trade some fuel economy for added capability and performance, the optional 250-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is the way to go. This one is matched with an eight-speed automatic and is available with either front or all-wheel drive. Acceleration is lively, especially in Sport mode, with quicker shifts and revised throttle mapping. Towing capacity increases to 4,000 pounds with the available Tow Package, although fuel economy drops to a still reasonable EPA-rated 22/29/25 mpg with AWD.
5. Good Ride and Handling
The ride is on the firm side, as you might expect from any truck. But the Maverick soaks up bumps with minimal fuss and is especially comfortable for a small pickup. Steering is responsive and nicely weighted with good feedback. Combined with its taut, well-controlled suspension and excellent brakes, even base trims of the Maverick can be fun to drive on back roads.
6. Outstanding Value
Maverick prices start at a reasonable $21,490 (prices include destination) for a base XL with FWD. A well-equipped mid-trim XLT with the standard powertrain climbs to the high $20,000 range, while a top Lariat model with the EcoBoost engine, AWD and lots of other goodies will set you back about $38,000. That’s not cheap, but it’s a lot less than the cost of a loaded full-size pickup, with more than enough capability for many buyers.
More From Cars.com:
- 2022 Ford Maverick Pricing Starts at $20,000, But What Does That Include?
- Up Close With the 2022 Ford Maverick: Just Being a Compact Pickup Is Enough
- The 2022 Ford Maverick Is Poised to Challenge More Than Just Trucks
- 2022 Ford Maverick Vs. 2021 Ford Ranger: How Do Their Interiors Compare?
Things We Don’t Like
1. Obvious Cost Cutting
Nothing is easy, and keeping the Maverick affordable likely required saving a few bucks wherever possible. Various climate and audio controls, window switches, and other knobs and dials are all lifted from the Ford parts bin, and none are the latest and greatest. All but top Lariat trims use an old-fashioned twist key in the steering column to start the truck, and the base XL trim doesn’t even have standard cruise control.
2. Few Advanced Safety Features Are Standard
In another apparent effort to keep down base prices, the XL comes standard with minimal advanced safety features. Automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams are all you get; everything else is an option.
3. Lo-Vis Center Screen
The 8-inch center touchscreen is mounted high where it’s easy to see and use, but we found it to be dim and hard to read in sunny weather. The fact that it’s completely vertical makes things worse, unlike screens that are either angled slightly up or toward the driver.
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
