All-NEW 2022 Ford Maverick
The all-new Ford Maverick is the smallest and least expensive pickup on the market. Unlike Ford's larger Ranger and F-Series pickups, which have rugged, real-deal truck chassis, the Maverick is mechanically similar to the Ford Escape crossover, so it's less of a work truck and more of a fun truck. With a standard hybrid engine or an available turbocharged gas engine, the Maverick is also the most fuel-efficient pickup available. And its size makes it ideal for urban environments.
Ford offers the Maverick in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. All provide good value, but we recommend the XLT model with the optional FX4 Off-Road package.
The Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a small electric motor to produce 191 total system horsepower. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are also standard. It's a responsive combination that does a good job of getting the Maverick up to speed. Power delivery is well-managed, and the engine is generally quiet, except under hard acceleration. An optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The hybrid doesn't feel underpowered, but those who crave strong performance or the added capability of all-wheel drive will find the 2.0-liter to be worth the sacrifice in fuel economy. The Maverick's power and acceleration are in line with its rivals, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger. All Mavericks handle well, thanks to a car-like ride and responsive steering. Add the FX4 Off-Road package with its range of available drive modes, and you'll be better able to tackle dirt roads and mild trails. The Santa Cruz also delivers a smooth, car-like ride but costs about $4,000 more.
The Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds. That's plenty for most buyers. Its closest rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, can tow up to 5,000 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,906 pounds with its optional engine. There is storage everywhere in the Maverick, and its bed is exceptionally versatile though small at just 4.5-feet long. Most small pickups have 5-foot beds, while the Santa Cruz's is just 4 feet long.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the 2022 Ford Maverick with the 2.0-liter engine will return 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving with front-wheel drive, or 25 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. Those numbers beat the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Nissan Frontier, and Ford Ranger.
Fuel economy figures for the hybrid haven't been finalized, but Ford aims for an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. The Maverick would not only be the most fuel-efficient small pickup in the United States by a large margin, but it would also rival the fuel efficiency of small compact cars such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
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