2022 Ford Maverick
- Revives the compact truck segment
- Standard hybrid engine nets 42 mpg in the city
- A 250-horsepower gas engine is available
- Can tow 4,000 pounds, haul 1,500 pounds of payload
- Pricing starts at $19,995 (plus $1,495 destination charge) | Price yours
- On sale now | See 2022 Ford Maverick models for sale near you
Do you remember the days when there were compact trucks on the market that you could get into for a low price, offered a thrifty base engine, and could serve as a light-duty runabout? So do we. Fortunately, those days are back thanks to the Maverick, the first in what we hope is a full revival of the compact truck segment. The 2022 Ford Maverick uses a hybrid powertrain, clever features, and a capable platform to create a sub-$20,000 truck that’s fun to drive and easy to live with. That’s why the Ford Maverick is our Compact Pickup Truck Best Buy for 2022.
Small and Capable
What used to be considered compact trucks grew so much in size they became midsize pickups. Those original trucks were small, lightweight, and did all the light-duty work most people needed. They were the trucks that high school kids tooled around town in. College-age kids used them to move to school housing or apartments. They didn’t cost a lot to buy, or fill up with gas, or maintain. And the 2022 Ford Maverick is right out of that same mold – with some truly impressive exceptions.
The Maverick is based on a version of the Ford Bronco Sport and Escape’s platform, which brings with it optional all-wheel drive, rugged capability, and an SUV-like ride. It’s also capable for some off-road use. The Maverick has two great engines to choose from. Stick with the standard 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain and you will enjoy an EPA-rated 42 mpg around town and a 500-mile range. You’ll also be able to carry 1,500 pounds of payload and tow 2,500 pounds. Or step up to the 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine, and that towing capacity goes up to 4,000 pounds. There’s even an FX4 model with added ground clearance of 8.6 inches.
The base engine has plenty of kick, too. As we explained in the Expert Review, “A 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine pairs with an electric motor, giving the base model 191 horsepower for a driver to exploit. Thanks to the electric motor’s instant use of 100-percent torque, that number actually feels greater. Acceleration feels substantial, and the e-CVT doesn’t get in the way of it. All of this is a bonus to its incredible fuel economy.”
Functional, Clever Truck Bed
Whichever engine you choose, you will enjoy the 2022 Ford Maverick’s clever, versatile 4.5-foot truck bed. The Flexbed is designed to carry 4×8 sheets of plywood. The bed has a low lift-in height, making loading and unloading cargo about as easy as it gets. It’s available with up to 10 tiedowns, a 110-volt outlet, and an adjustable tailgate. In addition, Ford also offers a tonneau cover and bed extender. One novel element of the Flexbed is that there is a QR code in the bed. If a do-it-yourselfer scans that code, Ford provides ways to build your own bed accessories, including a bike rack and lighting.
Great Looks Inside and Out
The Maverick is a unibody truck, but its stance and styling simply look like a modern-day compact pickup. It has an F-Series-like grille and taillights, and this boxy truck has excellent proportions. The only giveaway that reveals its car-based frame is that there’s no gap between the cab and the bed. The Maverick isn’t as small as you might think, either. It’s actually longer than the SuperCab Ranger from the mid-’90s.
The Maverick’s interior is just as likable as the body. In the model we tested, there was denim-like cloth on the comfortable seats, and the door panels had slate inserts. Orange accents and stitching added extra pop. The controls are in easy reach and intuitive to use. This truck has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that runs through SYNC 3, and available B&O premium audio, too.
There is a lot of smart storage in this diminutive pickup. The storage on the doors is designed so you can carry a 1-liter water bottle standing upright. There are two large storage bins under the rear seats. And if you want even more storage solutions, there’s the FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System). This starts with a slot that Ford put into the back of the center console. Ford has an accessory bundle that includes a trash bin, grocery hook, extra cupholders, and more.
Value, Value, Value
The last time you could get even an extended-cab truck for less than $20,000 was around 2010, and back then that model would’ve been stripped-down with few niceties. The 2022 Ford Maverick is a desirable truck even in XL form. Ford Co-Pilot360 comes standard, as does smartphone connectivity. That excellent 42-mpg number keeps costs nice and low while you own the truck, too. It has been a long time since shoppers in their teens and 20s or people on a budget had the choice of a new sub-$20,000 truck. Now they do, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Photo Tour: 2022 Ford Maverick
More 2022 Ford Maverick
Build and price your own 2022 Ford Maverick to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Ford Maverick models for sale near you.
