The Maverick may be Ford’s most revolutionary vehicle since the Mustang. And we all know how that worked out.
The 2022 Ford Maverick SLT is a new kind of pickup truck. It’s compact yet mighty, built for makers and doers, stunningly fuel-efficient, and packed with clever technology and features.
Maverick comes as a standard five-passenger, four-door pickup, with an available full-hybrid powertrain, projected EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg city fuel economy, and 500 mile range on a single tank of gas. Maverick offers ingenious design and storage solutions while enabling customization inside and out, all with a starting MSRP of $19,995.
“The Maverick product proposition is like nothing else out there. It’s a great-looking truck with city fuel economy that beats a Honda Civic, plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects, and it starts under $20,000,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “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.”
So much so, evidently, it caused more than a year waiting list to be blessed with one.
My front-wheel driver tester came with a 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The pair generates 250 horsepower, 277 lb.-ft. of torque, and 30 miles per gallon down the highway. It comes with a trailer hitch and “Ford Tough” durability and capability. The XLT can tow up to 2,000 pounds and provides 1,500 pounds payload capacity, the equivalent of 37 bags of 40-pound mulch.
The short box with spray-in liner includes a Flexbed system that provides organization and cargo solutions to fit owners’ lifestyles, with a multi-position tailgate, slots to use lumber to subdivide the bed, 12 available anchor points, two 12-volt 20-amp pre-wired sources at the back enabling DIY electrical solutions, plus two available 110-volt outlets for powering a laptop or tailgate party.
The second-row bench seat, which can accommodate up to three adults, can also be lifted up to reveal a generous cargo storage unit underneath. The interior design is stylish and spacious, with thoughtful features and the versatility for city driving or escaping the urban life. Surprisingly roomy, there’s excellent leg and headroom, shoulder and hip width, and a comfortable seating position for both rows.
Creature comforts include cruise control, eight-inch center stack touchscreen, AM/FM radio with six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi with HotSpot, rear camera, selectable drive modes, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and an electronic parking brake.
My tester came with a “Hot Pepper Red metallic coat of enamel, and exterior that pays homage to Ford’s iconic pickup truck door design, signature drop-down side windows, and a front end that stretches edge to edge.
Maverick is offered in three trim levels – XL, XLT and Lariat. A FX4 package is available for all-wheel-drive XLT and Lariat trucks, adding more off-road capability with rugged all-terrain tires and suspension tuning, additional underbody protection, and off-road-focused drive modes.
Ford Co-Pilot360 technology includes standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps. Available options include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Centering and Evasive Steering Assist. Five standard drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Tow/Haul to enhance performance and confidence over various driving conditions.
Base Price: $23,775
Price As Driven: $27,045
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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