It seems like only yesterday we were full of anticipation over the official debut of the new 2021 Ford Bronco. Now, a year later, we find ourselves experiencing deja-vu with the official debut of the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup truck. Those of a certain vintage will recognize the Ford Maverick nameplate as the economical sedan/hatchback from the 1970s. Now, the Maverick has returned with a new body but a similar goal – fuel economy. Ford has stated that the new 2022 Ford Maverick will be the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America, making it the most fuel-efficient pickup truck on the market when it goes on sale in fall 2021. Ford estimated the 2022 Maverick has an EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg in the city with 500 miles of range.
Diehard truck fans will immediately point out that the 2022 Ford Maverick is a unibody constructed pickup truck. Accurate, but the purpose of the new Maverick truck is not to be the biggest but the most versatile. The Ford Maverick is a compact, four-door, five-passenger pickup truck. Ford designed a small pickup truck that can thrive in an urban environment and run wild in the countryside on the weekends. With that, let’s go into the vast array of details offered in the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick.
2022 Ford Maverick Engine Options
Customers ordering a new Ford Maverick will have the option between the standard hybrid 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. Front-wheel drive is standard with available all-wheel drive, and both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid 2.5-liter features an in-house-designed electric traction motor for a combined output of 191-horsepower and 155 lb.-ft of torque to power the front wheels. Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lbs with a max payload of 1,500 pounds.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost is the more powerful variant, producing 250-hp and 277 lb.-ft of torque. With the EcoBoost, the 2022 Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs, and Ford offers an optional 4K Tow package.
Ford Maverick FLEXBED
A new feature in Ford trucks is the Maverick’s unique FLEXBED. This new concept allows Maverick owners to divide and organize the way they haul and store items in their trucks. The FLEXBED provides 12 anchor points, two 12-volt 20-amp pre-wired power sources, and two 110-volt outlets. The tailgate is rated to hold up to 500 pounds. Essentially, FLEXBED allows customers to personalize the Maverick’s 4.5-foot cargo bed the same way one would organize their toolbox – designated storage.
Exterior and Interior Styling on the 2022 Ford Maverick
This is the first time we get to see the new Ford Maverick without its pre-production camouflage. The compact truck looks rather broad-shouldered for a compact truck. The first thing you’ll notice on the 2022 Maverick is its large LED headlamps that could rival an owl in a staring contest. The tailgate proudly displays the Maverick name, so nobody mistakes it for a Ford Ranger.
Inside, Ford engineers used the opportunity to create innovative ways to store the items of everyday life. They created Ford Integrated Tether Slots (FIT Slots). Similar to the FLEXBED, FIT Slots provide an opportunity for personalization. One FIT Slot is located in the back of the center console to attract different accessories like a cup holder or storage container. Ford will offer an accessory interior package that will include a storage container, cord organizer, double hooks for hanging purses or grocery bags, and dividers for under-seat storage. The storage under the rear seat can hold a fully inflated volleyball, making it ideal for hiding valuables like tools and laptop bags.
2022 Ford Maverick will Start at $19,995
Ford has stated that pricing for the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick will start at the $20k mark. For its first model year, Ford will offer a First Edition package for the Maverick. This package includes the Lariat trim level with unique exterior graphics, a gloss-black painted roof, a soft tonneau cover, and gloss-black machined 18-inch wheels (for the hybrid) or 17-inch aluminum wheels for EcoBoost. Unique color options for the First Edition include Rapid Red, Carbonized Gray, and a color named Area 51. Of course, standard trim levels will consist of the Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat. An FX4 off-road package will also be available on all-wheel-drive variants and standard on Lariat models featuring all-terrain tires, suspension tuning, and underbody protection. FX4 package will also include off-road-focused drive modes and Hill Descent Control.
At the time of this publication, Ford.com has launched its Build and Price tool for the 2022 Ford Maverick and is currently accepting reservations.