Last week, Ford confirmed the name of its new compact truck and set a date for its official reveal. Today is that day, and the Maverick is finally out in the open for all to see. Ford’s compact pickup features an interesting mix of powertrain tech and functionality, so we’re here to help you get a feel for what makes the new truck tick.
Here are three things to know about the 2022 Ford Maverick.
The Maverick will likely be all the pickup most people ever need.Ford Motor Company
It’ll be hybrid-first
The 2022 Maverick will be offered with two powertrains, but the standard fixture is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 94kW electric motor. The two combine to produce 191 horsepower and send the power to the front wheels. The base hybrid models get a continuously variable transmission and can return as much as 40 mpg on the highway.
Yes, it’s a hybrid, but there’s some real truck capability hidden in the Maverick’s specs. It will be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds and can carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds. That’s enough to pull a small boat, a couple of jet skis, or a camper trailer.
The optional gas powertrain includes a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maverick models equipped with this powertrain can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Maverick’s bed and tailgate will help owners carry more with less overall space.Ford Motor Company
It’s bigger than you think
Ford’s marketing materials and even tweets from prominent members of its PR staff suggest that the Maverick is tiny, but that’s not the whole story. The truck rides on a platform shared with the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape, but is just ten inches shorter than the Ranger and around 32 inches shorter than an F-150. It’s compact, sure, but it’s not the tiny toy truck you might be envisioning. Beyond fuel economy, the Maverick’s dimensions help it maneuver tight spaces, so much so that Ford says it needs just a 40-foot diameter to turn in a complete circle.
Trucks don’t need to be huge to get the job done.Ford Motor Company
It will be relatively affordable
Vehicles of all types are becoming more expensive, especially trucks. The Maverick bucks that trend, at least in most of its forms, and comes in with a starting price of around $20,000 after destination charges are applied. The midrange XLT model starts at $22,280 before destination and the range-topping Lariat starts at $25,490 before destination. Any model can be upgraded with the 2.0-liter gas engine and the Lariat trim is available with a First Edition Package that adds exclusive wheels, paint colors, and a moonroof.
If you’re hoping to get your hands on a Maverick, you can reserve one now on Ford.com. The automaker says that the truck will start hitting dealers’ lots in fall 2021, so there are just a few months to wait if you’re in the market.
