2022 Ford Maverick Review: Compact Truck Potential

America's Enduring Truck and the Arrival of a New Contender

The Ford F-series pickup truck holds the distinction of being America’s most popular truck. Sales figures consistently demonstrate this dominance.

For nearly fifty years, it has maintained its position as the best-selling vehicle in the United States. Despite strong competition from the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram pickup lines, Ford continues to outsell both by a significant margin.

The Appeal of the F-Series

Experiencing the F-series firsthand reveals the reasons for its popularity. This substantial and robust truck readily adapts to serve as a portable workspace, functioning effectively as both an office and a workbench.

It is capable of handling a wide range of tasks and navigating diverse landscapes. However, Ford acknowledges that this versatile vehicle doesn’t resonate with all consumers.

Addressing Criticisms and Expanding the Lineup

Some find the F-series to be excessively large, unwieldy, and inefficient. Its size can even be perceived as ostentatious. Ford identified a need for a truck aimed at those who actively avoid their flagship model.

This new vehicle would challenge conventional expectations of what a pickup truck should be. Consequently, the Ford Maverick was developed.

The Ford Maverick: A Return to Compact Pickups

The Maverick represents Ford’s re-entry into the North American compact pickup truck segment, a market they had largely vacated for over ten years.

While the Ranger model has been reintroduced as a mid-size truck, the all-new Maverick is designed to continue the legacy of its predecessor. Interestingly, the “Maverick” name was initially used by Ford in the 1970s for a line of compact cars.

The name is fitting, as the original Maverick was intended to be a departure from the norm.

The Ford Maverick: A Detailed Overview

The newly released truck utilizes a unibody design, offered in a single configuration. This configuration features a four-door “SuperCrew” cabin accommodating five passengers. It also includes a truck bed measuring approximately 54.4 inches, or just over 4.5 feet in length.

For context, this bed length is about half a foot shorter than the bed found on a Ranger SuperCrew cab model.

Powertrain Options and Performance

TechCrunch recently had the opportunity to evaluate the Maverick. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, generating 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.

Power is delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels.

This standard powertrain prioritizes fuel efficiency, with estimated figures of 40 mpg in city driving and a range of 500 miles per tank.

The truck is rated to carry a payload of 1,500 pounds and tow up to 2,000 pounds.

Upgraded Engine and Capability

Drivers desiring increased power can opt for a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

This engine is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be configured for front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Payload capacity remains consistent with the standard engine, but towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. With the optional 4K Tow Package (available exclusively on AWD models), the towing capacity doubles.

Off-Road Enhancements

An EcoBoost-equipped Maverick with all-wheel drive is eligible for the FX4 package.

This package adds underbody protection for off-road use, along with suspension tuning adjustments and specialized off-road drive modes.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels align with Ford’s established offerings.

The XL and XLT trims on the Maverick are quite similar, with the XLT adding a selection of optional features.

Both trims feature cloth upholstery and are available with either powertrain option.

The Lariat trim introduces additional features and utilizes an “activeX” synthetic material to enhance the cabin’s feel.

The base hybrid Maverick starts below $20,000.

Other trims fall within the $20,000 to $30,000 price range.

A fully equipped Maverick reaches a maximum price of approximately $35,500.

Image Credits: Alex Kalogianni

The Technology Within

Similar to its larger counterparts, this compact truck incorporates numerous contemporary safety and convenience features. However, more advanced technologies are primarily available as optional upgrades.

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning come standard. Those desiring features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, or hill descent control will need to select an additional technology package.

Interior Features and Connectivity

The vehicle’s interior boasts an 8-inch touchscreen, offering compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A built-in WiFi hotspot, powered by FordPass Connect, provides internet access for up to ten devices. This service includes a complimentary three-month trial period, after which a subscription is necessary.

Additional FordPass features are provided at no extra cost, such as remote vehicle access via a smartphone application. This allows drivers to remotely start the vehicle, unlock doors, and receive vehicle status reports.

The Innovative “Flexbed”

A defining characteristic of the Maverick is its “Flexbed,” a standard truck bed engineered for versatile functionality.

This adaptability is achieved through thoughtful design elements, including a multiposition tailgate, an integrated storage cubby, slots for adjustable load floors, and multiple tie-down points for securing cargo.

Maximizing Utility and Storage

The overarching design philosophy of the Maverick centers on maximizing utility. Every aspect of the vehicle was conceived to enhance its practical applications.

The unibody construction facilitated the relocation of the fuel tank, creating significant storage space beneath the rear seats.

Door designs accommodate a variety of beverage container sizes, and every available space has been repurposed for storage solutions.

Designed for the DIY Enthusiast

The design process prioritized the resourceful nature of Ford truck owners.

Having observed the inventive modifications owners made to optimize their trucks, the Maverick was designed to simplify customization. This approach eliminates the need for complex modifications like wiring into tail lamps or drilling into the bed for mounting.

Throughout the vehicle, QR codes link owners to online video tutorials. Furthermore, CAD files for select components will be made available, enabling users to create their own accessories using 3D printers.

The User Experience

Drivers who find larger trucks, such as the F-150, unappealing in terms of handling will likely appreciate the Maverick’s more accessible nature. Its design, blending car and truck elements, prevents it from mirroring the driving feel of traditional body-on-frame trucks. Instead, it offers an experience akin to driving a subcompact car with an elevated seating position.

The unibody construction contributes to a stable feel, and the expected body roll associated with larger pickups is noticeably absent. While not a sports car, the ride quality is capable, and enjoyable roads don't feel unproductive when experienced in this truck.

The front-wheel drive hybrid powertrain delivers adequate performance in both normal and sport modes. The sport mode caters to drivers desiring a more responsive throttle from the efficiency-focused Atkinson-cycle engine.

This engine is effectively paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which operates without drawing undue attention – a positive attribute. Perhaps the most accurate description of the hybrid Maverick’s driving experience is simply “inoffensive.”

As a daily vehicle, the Maverick reliably fulfills its purpose without causing dissatisfaction, though it doesn’t necessarily excel in any particular area. This consistency in meeting expectations can be considered a success.

During testing, the hybrid model proved sufficient, and I didn’t find myself consistently wishing for the increased power of the EcoBoost-equipped Maverick. Switching to the EcoBoost version confirmed this assessment.

While additional power is certainly welcome, it didn’t fundamentally alter the driving dynamics to the extent that it would become a preferred choice over the hybrid. However, the situation could become more nuanced when venturing off-road.

Acknowledged Limitations in Off-Road Performance

The terminology Ford employs when discussing the Maverick’s off-road capabilities is deliberately precise. While the vehicle embodies the “built Ford tough” ethos, its intended function is to transport drivers to the beginning of their excursions, rather than constitute the adventure itself. This represents a nuanced acknowledgement that the Maverick resides on the lower spectrum of Ford’s off-road performance hierarchy.

Individuals seeking uncompromising all-terrain capability should consider the Bronco. Even those engaging in casual overlanding would find the Bronco Sport a more suitable choice. Despite sharing a common platform, the Bronco Sport’s shorter wheelbase and increased ground clearance provide a distinct advantage over the compact truck.

During the test drive, the Maverick demonstrated competence on the off-road segment, benefiting from enhanced drive modes designed to regulate throttle response and wheel slippage, coupled with the use of more aggressive tires. The terrain consisted of relatively level gravel surfaces and established trails through grassland. The conditions presented were not particularly demanding, with the exception of a steep, rocky ascent composed of sizable, loose stones.

The Maverick successfully navigated the challenging terrain, and while the path wouldn’t be considered overly difficult by seasoned off-road enthusiasts, it was sufficiently rugged to induce caution, especially for drivers lacking confidence in their vehicle.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version equipped with the EcoBoost engine proved capable of handling several minor obstacles. The hybrid model, however, presented a different scenario. Currently, Ford does not offer the hybrid powertrain with an AWD configuration. Consequently, I was unable to evaluate the front-wheel-drive hybrid version’s performance during the off-road portion of the drive.

From a mechanical standpoint, the mild hybrid system has a relatively minimal impact. Essentially, it incorporates a small electric motor integrated into the drivetrain, working in conjunction with a compact battery to facilitate some regenerative power capture, unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that utilize larger, more substantial battery packs. There appears to be no significant technical impediment to offering an AWD option with the hybrid Maverick. However, would this reduce its off-road capability and negatively affect fuel economy? It is likely, although the reduction would probably be within acceptable limits.

Consider fuel economy as an illustration. Ford proudly highlights the hybrid, front-wheel-drive Maverick’s ability to achieve 40 mpg. The addition of a heavier, more power-intensive AWD system would inevitably lower this figure, but by how much? To 30 mpg? 25 mpg? While it wouldn’t reach 40 mpg, that would still represent commendable efficiency for a compact truck.

Regarding off-road performance, even the most robust Maverick configuration is, by Ford’s own assessment, limited. While 277 pound-feet of torque – a crucial metric for off-roading – is demonstrably superior to 150 pound-feet, it is still a factor to consider within the Maverick’s operational boundaries.

The EcoBoost AWD Maverick equipped with the FX4 package undoubtedly excels in such conditions. However, given that the hybrid system is standard and represents the most attractive option, it logically follows that this version of the Maverick will achieve the highest sales volume, and therefore, is the model drivers will most likely attempt to drive off the paved road – or at least explore the possibility.

Rivals and Positioning

Ford engineered the Maverick with the intention of attracting customers seeking to enhance their current vehicles, rather than those looking to downsize from larger trucks. Consequently, while some customer crossover with the midsize Ranger is possible, the two models don't directly compete.

The Maverick is primarily intended for use in city and suburban environments. Its most direct competitor in the pickup segment is the Honda Ridgeline.

The Ridgeline has established itself as a uniquely refined, car-like midsize truck, a position currently unchallenged. However, both the Maverick and the recently released Hyundai Santa Cruz present potential challenges to its dominance.

A Versatile Platform

The Ford Maverick is best described as a vehicle with significant untapped potential, marketed on its possibilities rather than its present capabilities.

Considered independently, it functions as either an economical, fuel-efficient compact utility vehicle or a moderately capable vehicle for light off-road use.

It’s expected to resonate with consumers desiring the practicality of a truck without the associated high cost and large footprint. This is analogous to choosing a smaller breed of dog, like a terrier, for companionship instead of a much larger breed like a Saint Bernard.

Accessibility and Potential

The Maverick’s car-like driving dynamics make it approachable for novice drivers and those who find larger SUVs or full-size pickups intimidating.

Currently, the Ford Maverick is adequately suited for a variety of needs. However, its customization options suggest a virtually unlimited range of potential applications.