This is the all-new Ford Maverick, a compact unibody pickup truck with a hybrid powertrain as standard and a starting MSRP of US$ 19,995. Ford calls the new Maverick America’s first standard full-hybrid pickup truck, claiming the title of the market’s most fuel-efficient truck with an EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg in the city (37 mpg combined).
The new Maverick is the baby of Ford’s truck family. How small you ask? At 199.7 inches long and 68.7 inches high, the new unibody truck is 11.1 inches shorter and 2.1 inches lower than the Ranger, which up until now was the smallest member of the lineup.
Ford believes that the Maverick will attract entry-level customers looking for a more practical vehicle and even those who never before considered a truck. In a market dominated by SUVs and trucks, you can’t argue against a four-door pickup with a sub-$20k price tag that also happens to be hybrid.
The entry-level version of the new Maverick is powered by a hybrid 2.5-liter powertrain, with an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder ICE producing 162 HP and 155 lb-ft and an electric motor kicking out 126 HP and 173 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the power output is rated at 191 HP, sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. Ford says that the Maverick Hybrid can cover 805 km on a single tank of fuel, offers a payload of 680 kg, and the capability to tow 907 kg.
Those wanting more power and capability can go for the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine, which produces 250 HP and 277 lb-ft of torque and is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Maverick with the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine is also offered with standard front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive. When fitted with the optional 4K Tow Package, the new Maverick 2.0 Ecoboost can tow up to 1,814 kg.
The Maverick features a 4.5-foot bed (6 feet long with the tailgate open) riddled with clever functionality solutions. Ford calls it the Flexbed, with the load area featuring special stamped slots for customers to slide 2x4s and 2x6s and create their own elevated floors, segmented areas, and other DIY solutions. The bed also features two tie-downs, four D-rings, and built-in threaded holes in the sides to bolt in accessories and other creations. A multi-position tailgate completes the Flexbed system. In addition, the new Maverick offers two 110-volt outlets, one in the cabin and the other in the bed. It even has another 12-volt DIY pre-wire package in the bed, which can be used for wiring extra lights.
The cabin of the 2022 Maverick features an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford’s SYNC3 system will be an option on Lariat models, while the FordPass Connect feature will be standard, featuring a modem and WiFi for up to 10 devices. Customers can find their truck, check the fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, and start or turn off the engine from their smartphones.
The interior hosts a range of clever storage spaces, including door cup holders that can hold one-liter bottles upright, door pockets that can fit a tablet or a notebook, and even a huge storage bin under the rear bench for larger items. True to the DIY nature of the new Maverick, Ford has added a new tether system for rear passengers. The system, called FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System), is basically a slot at the back of the center console designed to accommodate different accessories. Ford will even publish the slot geometry to allow customers to 3D print their own solutions.
The new Ford Maverick will reach the market this fall, in XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels. Customers will also be offered a special First Edition model, alongside the FX-4 Off-Road Package, which is reserved exclusively for AWD models and adds a beefier cooling system, skid plates, 17-inch wheels, and more.
Full pricing details for the 2022 Ford Maverick have emerged online shortly after the truck’s official launch. As we already know, the standard Maverick XL Crew Cab FWD model carries a suggested retail price of US$ 19,995. One step up in the range will take customers to the XLT Crew Cab FWD that’s priced from US$ 22,280, and topping out the range is the US$ 25,490 Lariat Crew Cab FWD. All prices exclude a US$ 1,495 destination and delivery fee.
Standard versions of the Maverick come equipped with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 162 hp and 155 lb-ft and an electric motor with 126 hp and 173 lb-ft. Those after more power can opt for a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft. This engine is paired to all-wheel drive and adds US$ 3,305 to the sticker price of XL, XLT, and Lariat models, MaverickTruckClub reports.
A plethora of options will also be available for the new Maverick. These include the FX4 Off-Road Package (US$ 800), power tilt / slide moonroof (US$ 795), First Edition Package (US$ 1,495), spray-in bedliner (US$ 495), splash guards at the front and rear (US$ 180), bed cross bars (US$ 800), bed divider kit (US$ 300), cargo bed net (US$ 70), Commercial Roadside Assist Kit (US$ 220), US$ 280 toolboxes for the driver and passenger sides, and two different tonneau covers priced at US$ 1,160.
While the Maverick is Ford’s smallest pickup truck, the company is keen to point out that it is still tough.
