2021 FORD MAVERICK ⭐
Channel: ⭐North Star Auto⭐
Date: 2021-10-27

The 2022 Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that rides on Ford’s C2 platform, which also underpins the Bronco Sport and Escape. While some will say that this makes it less capable or not actually a truck, there are benefits to Ford going in this direction.

The first and maybe the most important to someone interested in truck utility but not growing truck costs is price. The base Maverick starts below $20,000. Above that standard XL trim comes the XLT ($22,280) and the top-of-the-line Lariat ($25,490). Fully loaded you’re looking at a price below $40k. 

The Maverick is the first truck to come standard with a hybrid engine. Under the hood churns a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor. (191 hp/155 lb-ft torque). That powertrain is mated to an E-Continuously Variable Transmission. 

So, what does that powertrain get you? Well, for starters, great gas mileage to the tune of an estimated 40-miles to the gallon. That’s not official yet, but that’s quite a ballpark. That’s about 500-miles for one tank of gas.

One downside to that standard engine, all-wheel-drive is not available. It’s only an option with an upgrade to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. That’s mated to an 8-speed automatic. 

Driving that more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost feels spirited. I thoroughly enjoyed it on the Escape and think it works just as well on the Maverick, too. 

Even though it’s not as robust as Ford’s midsize Ranger, the Maverick’s still got some towing capability with the optional 4K Towing Package.  With that package, you’ll get an upgraded cooling system, a 7-pin wiring harness, a trailer brake controller, and a hitch. 

Driving the Maverick feels exactly like driving an SUV like the Bronco Sport. The suspension is nicely tuned for comfort. So this is going to be a great road trip vehicle. 

Inside the Maverick's interior has rugged truck-like cues and uses materials that you’d expect from that low base price, but it still feels nicely put together in here. I particularly like the two-toned cloth seats with contrast stitching. 

It wouldn’t be a Ford truck if it didn’t come with some kind of off-road package so you can get the FX4 Maverick. For that upgrade, you’ll get all-terrain tires, some off-road mono shocks, Hill Decent Control, and some extra skid plates for additional underbody protection.

There are a lot of compelling features in what Ford calls the FlexBed. This is only a 4.5-foot space, but Ford is cramming it full of options for owners. The tailgate is adjustable. There are a lot of built-in spaces to build your own storage spaces. 2 tie-downs and D-rings for securing your gear. There are even two bottle openers. 

For a compact truck that’s a lot to take in, but don’t worry, we’re going to be talking a lot more about the Maverick. At first blush, there’s a lot to really like here. An intriguing starting price, a Hybrid powertrain that affords amazing fuel economy all with flexible utility.