Everyone knows that pickup trucks are the hardest workers in the world of automobiles, but not everyone has enough space in their garage or parking lot to successfully store and maneuver one on a daily basis. But what are you supposed to do when you want to load up and go camping, help your neighbors move, or be a true asset at the worksite? Enter the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick. This is the first compact truck to hit the American market since the discontinuation of the third-generation Ford Ranger back in 2011. However, the new Maverick represents a total reimaging of what the compact pickup can be. With its 4.5-foot bed and comfortable crew cab, it ties together the best features of today's vehicles. It's got the capability of a small truck, the size of an SUV, and the practicality of a modern sedan.
Better yet, the 2022 Maverick starts at less than $20,000 and even includes a hybrid drivetrain for incredible fuel efficiency. This is a truck that turns everything you know about trucks on its head while remaining a real workhorse. So if practical concerns about a larger vehicle have been keeping you from buying a truck, it is time to consider the 2022 Ford Maverick. Read on to find out what's inside this tiny but mighty package.
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When it comes to pickup trucks, power is always relevant. You need a muscular and reliable engine to handle serious hauling and towing. After all, that is why you want a truck in the first place. Right? While the 2022 Ford Maverick may be small, it is far from weak and even offers more power than some midsize competitors.
The standard powerhouse is a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. A hybrid? In my truck? Well, it's more powerful than you might think. Together, the engine and electric motor provide 191 horsepower - that's more than a base model Toyota Tacoma. Lightweight yet powerful, this hybrid duo is combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While unorthodox choices for a truck, the result is an inspirational 40 miles per gallon and 500 miles on a single tank of gas. And for off-road adventures, all-wheel drive is an option.
Those who prefer a standard gasoline engine can select the optional turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. Providing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, this version of the Maverick is ready to take on much larger trucks and win. Additionally, this engine is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission for even better performance. With more torque than a V6 Chevy Colorado, this engine is ready to get down to business.
The first question nearly everyone asks about a brand new pickup truck is whether it can stow and tow. In the case of the 2022 Ford Maverick, the answer is a resounding "yes!" You might just be surprised by how much this compact truck can carry and pull.
Modern hybrid engines are far more capable than those of the olden days. Selecting the hybrid Ford Maverick will still provide drivers with a sensational work buddy. With a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, the 4.5-foot bed is large enough to handle fun things like an ATV, several bicycles, or, if you're more work-oriented, plenty of equipment, bags of materials, and even a cooler or two.
The hybrid Maverick also has the ability to tow up to 2,000 pounds, which can be just enough to get your camper on the road for the next adventure weekend. The optional EcoBoost engine increases towing capacity to up to 4,000 pounds when the optional Tow Package is added on, which can potentially double your Maverick's capability, especially if pulling things is a major concern.
One of the key areas of the 2022 Maverick isn't just that it has space, but that it has space you can actually use. When the tailgate is down, the bed stretches to 6 feet in length, and the tailgate alone is capable of handling up to 500 pounds of weight. The sides of the bed are also relatively low, which means reaching in and grabbing stuff doesn't require a step ladder or unloading the entire bed.
The FLEXBED solution is another key feature of the Maverick that improves its usability with new levels of versatility. This feature allows you to divvy up the space into smart storage compartments, elevate the floor, add racks, or use the multiple tie-downs, D-rings, and threaded holes to ensure all of your belongings stay in place for the duration of the drive.
Super-usable space continues inside the standard crew cab. Drivers can enjoy carefully considered storage areas, including deep under-seat spaces, enormous door pockets, and the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS). That last innovative feature allows for a full range of accessories - including hooks, dividers, and organizers - to be added to the cabin of your Maverick.
Power and practicality aren't the only reasons why we love trucks. There has to be an element of comfort inside the cab to keep us happy everywhere the road leads, and maybe a little beyond the pavement, too. Despite its incredibly low cost, the new Maverick has plenty of features to keep you comfortable on the road.
The 2022 Ford Maverick will be offered in three trims, plus an exciting First Edition version to commemorate its first year of production. Packages such as the Tow Package and an FX4 Off-Road Package are available to give the Maverick even more ways in which to be a productive partner, while options like the Luxury Package tune up the comfort factor even higher. Upgrades are available across the board, ranging from an 8-speaker Bang & Olafsen sound system to wireless charging pads and spray-in bed liners.
The trims start out with the Maverick XL, which comes very well equipped with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, two USB ports, and Android Auto and Apple CarPay compatibility via the standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. In the bed, you'll find six tie-down points and two 12V power connections. Even the under-seat compartments, which are often only an option on trucks, are standard on the XL.
Those who are looking for a little more comfort and even more convenience can select the XLT, which increases the number of tie-down points to 10 and adds a power lock to the tailgate. You'll also have a premium interior with upgraded upholstery and cruise control for your comfort. The XLT has a little extra in the looks department, as well, with black accents throughout the exterior, including the door handles, grille, and mirrors, giving it an edgy visage.
The Lariat rounds out the standard trims for the Ford Maverick and comes with a suitable amount of fanfare. Inside, you'll enjoy ActiveX-clad seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with an acoustic windshield and ambient cab lighting. The front seats are power-adjustable, the rear window is power-operated, and the rear seat is even given two USB ports of its own. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control is added, and drivers are given a 6.5-inch productivity screen in addition to the 8-inch infotainment display. Finally, Intelligent Access technology means that you can unlock and start your Maverick without fishing around for your keys with your hands full.
The Maverick Lariat First Edition is available for the first year of production only and takes a "no holds barred" approach to the world. With a black roof, special hood, and power moonroof, the differences are noticeable right away. Add in some gloss black features and 18-inch wheels (there is also the option of all-terrain tires), and people are sure to start talking.
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