The 2022 Ford Maverick is the first fully standard hybrid pick up in the USA ever. As one of five brand new models Ford has announced in the last year (the Bronco, Bronco Sport, Mach-E, and F-150 Lightning), the Maverick has made one giant lasting impression, and it hasn’t even hit dealer lots yet. So, what makes the Maverick so Mavericky? The base model starts at under $20,000 for a new 2022 compact hybrid truck. It’s as fuel-efficient as it is affordable.
While the 2022 Ford Maverick may not appeal to the average truck owner since it’s smaller and more suited for city driving and light duty, but it is going to appeal to buyers that have never thought about a truck before. In short, this truck may be small in stature but is big on practicality: it is rugged, durable, and ready for work and play.
Let’s unpack why the 2022 Ford Maverick already has over 30,000 pre-orders.
Performance, Payload, and Safety
Yes, this is a compact truck but comes up big time on power, hauling, and safety.
The Engine That Can
First, let’s begin with the hybrid engine. The Maverick comes with a standard 2.5l hybrid engine that gets 191 HP and 155 lb-ft of torque. This powerful little engine can haul 1,500 pounds of payload, according to Ford, that is the equivalent of 37 bags of 40-pound mulch. So if you like mulch, this is your vehicle. While small, it is mighty and can tow 2,000 pounds which is tough enough to trailer a small boat for a weekend getaway.
If you’re in the city running errands or doing your daily commute, this truck gets an estimated 40 MPG. So it is powerful, strong, and fuel efficient. It will go 500 miles per tank!
More Power to You
If you want an even more powerful engine, you can opt for a 2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that can deliver 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This upgraded engine can tow a whopping 4,000 pounds when paired with a trailer and tow package. So if you have a 21-foot boat or a small camper, this little truck will haul it.
Safety is Standard
Safety features like driver assist, auto high beam headlights, rear view camera, pre-collision assist, auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, and dynamic braking make safety a priority in this truck. But you can opt for safety upgrades like adaptive cruise, lane sensors, evasive steering, parking sensors, lane departure warnings, and lane keep assist.
In addition, the safety-minded driver will feel comfortable and confident in this truck because it is super easy to get in and out of and the windows are big and broad, so there is plenty of visibility from all angles. The vehicle is also compact in size, so it is easily able to maneuver tight places and park in small spaces.
Innovations and Customizations
Surprisingly, the fact that it is the first standard hybrid truck is not what makes it innovative. It is the degree of customizations that can be done on the inside and outside that really define this truck’s utility and value.
Curate Your Cargo Space
Most noticeable is the fully customizable 4.5-foot bed that offers 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. However, this Flexbed is a DIY dream. Owners can add racks, dividers, store bikes and tools, and really configure the bed and tailgate in many ways. The tailgate itself is strong and sturdy, capable of holding 500 pounds. It has multiple positions and can extend the floor bed out to a full 6-feet in length.
The truck bed can be configured for segmenting your equipment by using tie-downs, rings, bolt holes, and elevated floors. You can even use a few 2x4s or 2x6s to deliberately divide the bed space and compartmentalize your stuff. The bed also has two pre-wired 12-volt sources to power devices or use for lighting. This complements two 110-volt outlets on the truck to power bigger pieces of equipment like your tools or even a mini-fridge.
If you run out of ways to customize this truck’s bed, just scan the QR code in the bed for more creative insights.
Innovations In the Interior
This is a truck, but it is roomy enough to keep five passengers comfortable in its crew cab. It has sustainable materials for seat fabrics, so it is eco-friendly. But the interior is durable and has thoughtfully designed spaces throughout. For example, there are big openings for cup holders. There is lockable storage under the second row of seats. Door pockets are built to hold large water bottles, upright and secure. There is even a notch in the rear door panel to cradle a mountain bike tire.
Refined Exterior
The truck is simple and minimalistic on the outside and is intentionally designed to look like a classic square truck. Buyers can upgrade the look with a graphics package to spiff up the hood and doors and accent the roof and mirror caps while providing upgraded wheels.
If you want to use your Ford Maverick for more adventurous trips, you can upgrade the exterior with their offroad package. This is for XLT and Lariat trims but is built for rugged terrain having a better suspension, and is equipped with skid plates, all-terrain tires, a durable radiator, tow hitch, and exposed tow hooks.
Future-Forward Tech Gadgets
As you would expect, the 2022 Ford Maverick is filled with the latest digital wizardry. Apple and Android connectivity combined with Bluetooth, voice activation, and even a 4G LTE Hotspot to connect up to 10 devices will ensure the driver and passengers never feel disconnected while on the go.
There is an elegant 8-inch touch screen for a modern touch and allows you to easily access the infotainment system. The audio system features an eight-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system so you can listen to your tunes in style.
Of course, there is a way to connect your truck to an app via FordConnect. So you can turn the vehicle on and off, lock and unlock the doors, check the fuel supply and even locate the Maverick if it wandered off all through the convenience of your phone.
Summing It Up
The 2022 Ford Maverick is a fun, fuel-efficient, eco-friendly small but mighty truck. It is the perfect blend of practicality and efficiency, equating to major value.
The first year will feature four trims. The XL is the base model that still has the 2.5l hybrid engine, power windows, keyless entry, and 2 USB Ports, all for under $20,000.
The XLT is a step up from the XL by offering more bed storage and a nicer bed liner. The interior is an upgrade in finishes too.
Then there are two Lariat versions. The base Lariat is well appointed with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, and automated climate control. In comparison, the Lariat First Edition is the premium Maverick with a stylish black roof, power moonroof, and 18-inch wheels.
Make no mistake, this is a truck built Ford tough. It was tested like every other Ford truck, so it will wear well, but you’ll look and feel good in it. It’s definitely worth checking out whether you’re in the market for a truck or not.
