Pick-up trucks have always been an integral part of an American household, and Ford is one of the few automakers who knows exactly what their pick-up family needs. The list of Blue Oval products is currently seeing a rapid and revolutionary expansion. Ford recently introduced the all-new F-150 Lightning, which is the first-ever fully electric truck from Ford.
The 'surprise' trend continues with the recent unveiling of the 2022 Ford Maverick. This is Ford's first-ever compact pick-up truck for the world and it is a pandora's box of unforeseen perks. The irony is strong with the 2022 Maverick as it happens to be the smallest truck in Ford's portfolio but still packs the same punch as the well-revered F-Series. The only other compact pick-up truck destined for America is the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz.
These are the only two options that could eventually also pave the way for reviving the ute-vibes back in The USA. The niche options are actually a boon for this hot segment as Hyundai and Ford now have enough room to dominate. Compact pick-up trucks are the perfect vessel for aspiring first-time truck owners to get a befitting taste of the brawny world of trucks, without the hassle.
The 2022 Ford Maverick is the cheapest pick-up truck for America and plans to make first-time truck owners fall in love with its insane feature-rich platter.
2022 Ford Maverick Is The Cheapest Pick-Up Out There, From $19,995
Let's leave the compact form factor of the Ford Maverick aside for a while. The most astonishing fact about Ford's new pick-up is its pricing. The 2022 Ford Maverick starts at an insanely cheap price-point of $19,995. And for the impressive bundle of comfort, features, and technology it throws at you, the competition will be dumbstruck for a long time. For reference, its direct competition - the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to start from $25,000 which turns the table in favor of the Maverick. It will be offered in 3 trims - XL, XLT, and LARIAT and top out at $26,575.
First-Ever Pick-Up To Come With Standard Hybrid Powertrain
Another game-changing trick that the 2022 Maverick has up its sleeve is the standard 2.5-liter hybrid inline-4 powertrain layout it comes with. This electrically assisted engine churns out a combined 191 HP and 155 lb-ft. The electric motor alone can produce a humble 29 horses. It is the first time that an automaker is packing a hybrid layout as standard in a pick-up. This layout comes coupled to a CVT and only comes in FWD configuration.
This clearly is not the 'pick-up' layout and so for the unhappy bunch, Ford also offers an optional 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 that churns out 250 HP and 277 lb-ft of torque. This comes coupled to an 8-Speed Automatic transmission and can also be opted with an optional AWD configuration.
2022 Maverick Despite Being 'Small' Has The Hauling Lineage Of Its Elders
Ford Maverick has a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds for both the powertrain options. But when it comes to towing capacities, it can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds in its hybrid configuration and 4,000 pounds with its 2.0-liter turbo engine. While this is technically not impressive, but the price you pay, you get a lot of pounds.
With 40 MPG In The City, Even A Toyota Corolla Will Have An Existential Crisis
Yup, that's what Ford claims the 2022 Maverick to churn out. The Maverick claims to return 40 MPG in the city with its hybrid powertrain along with up to 500 miles of driving range on a full tank of gas. These figures are unreal even for an economic family sedan, let alone a pick-up truck. For reference, the Toyota Corolla in its non-hybrid iteration returns just 31 MPG in the city. Ford sure knows how to woo its customers!
FLEXBED Is The Magic Word Here
FLEXBED is the cooler name of the versatile bed layout of the Maverick. And Ford says that it took them a year and a half to develop it. With the insane level of flexibility, it offers in just 4.5 feet, we wouldn't be surprised of the work that went into it. The tailgate also adds to its practical nature with a lock point in mid-position, that allows you to haul materials longer than 4.5 feet with ease, and it can take up to 400 pounds of load.
In the bed area, numerous cut-outs give you the freedom to make your curated dividers, with limitless layout options. There are loads of tie-down points with D-rings for securing cargo. The bed also packs a 110V power outlet, 2 covered storage units, and 12V outlets on either side to make it easier for adding external elements.
2022 Ford Maverick's Interior Is Rugged, Comfy, And Tech-Laden
The 2022 Maverick packs a simple, feature-packed, and comfortable interior layout that goes in line with its no-frills exterior construction. Everything is rugged with hard plastics on the dashboard and door trimmings. Practicality is key here with loads of cubby spaces. The contrasting dual-tone upholstery adds a pinch of premium appeal to this compact truck.
As for technology, it packs a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. And for safety, you are treated with Ford Co-Pilot 360 as standard with optional features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Alert System, and Evasive Steering Assist.
Ford Has An Absolute Winner On Their Hands With The Maverick
It is downright impressive how Ford has managed to pack so many things into 2022 Maverick, not for its compact size, but its aggressive pricing. They are pretty serious about the compact pick-up segment, and with a package like the 2022 Maverick, we will not think twice about ditching the Toyota Corolla for just the impressive FLEXBED.
Sources: Media.ford.com, Caranddriver.com, Cnet.com