Superb. That’s about the one means you’ll be able to describe the 2022 Ford Maverick because the pickup begins at $19,995 and comes with a hybrid powertrain that allowed us to common 49 mpg (4.8 lt/100 km) in real-world testing.

That’s insane, however it’s solely the tip of the iceberg because the Maverick is a lot greater than an inexpensive, fuel-sipping pickup. Specifically, it has an impressively designed cabin, nice driving dynamics, and an out there EcoBoost engine that enables the truck to tow as much as 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg).

Ford has distilled many years of truck management into an inexpensive package deal that provides crossover consolation, pickup functionality and the gasoline financial system of a small sedan. It’s an plain dwelling run and the greater than 100,000 individuals who have reserved one can count on nice issues sooner or later.

They’re Cute When They’re Small

Truck design has been trending in the direction of aggressive and imposing, however the Maverick charts a distinct course because it contains a comparatively easy and simple design.

It seems to be fairly primary in XL trim because the entry-level mannequin contains a black mesh grille and 17-inch steelies. Patrons may even discover C-shaped LED headlights and a black grille bar, which encompasses the entrance flip indicators.

Transferring additional again, there’s plastic physique cladding, fake fender vents, and a greenhouse which eschews Ford’s acquainted “drop-down” facet home windows.Designers tried to copy the latter with a entrance door accent, however it’s barely noticeable.

The mid-level XLT provides 17-inch aluminum wheels and a grey grille bar, whereas the range-topping Lariat is distinguished by a silver bar, extra body-color parts and bigger 18-inch alloy wheels.

After all, discuss concerning the Maverick wouldn’t be full with out mentioning how small it’s. The mannequin measures 199.7 inches (5,072 mm) lengthy, which makes it 11.1 inches (282 mm) shorter than the Ranger and 32 inches (813 mm) shorter than the F-150.  This has an a variety of benefits together with the flexibility to slot in garages.

Whereas the Maverick is comparatively compact, it’s bigger than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. As we famous in our overview final month, the Hyundai is 4 inches (102 mm) shorter and a couple of.4 inches (61 mm) wider than the Blue Oval’s competitor. The Santa Cruz can also be 2 inches (51 mm) decrease and has a 2.8 inch (71 mm) shorter wheelbase.

A Mattress For The DIY Crowd

With regards to vehicles, it’s not possible to disregard the mattress and the Maverick has a 4.5 foot FlexBed with a payload capability of 1,500 lbs (680 kg). Whereas the mattress is sort of a bit smaller than conventional pickups, it has a cargo capability of 33.3 cubic toes (943 liters) and is extra versatile than its dimension suggests.

For the reason that Maverick was designed for doers, the truck has been geared up with a multi-position tailgate that contains a mid-position which traces the highest of the tailgate up with the highest of the wheel wells. This permits house owners to hold 4×8 sheets of drywall or plywood.

Talking of wooden, there are stamped slots within the mattress to permit house owners to insert 2x4s or 2x6s. With these boards in place, house owners can separate and safe cargo in addition to make a ‘false’ flooring to permit for 2 layers of storage.

After all, that’s simply a part of the story because the Maverick comes customary with six cargo tie downs. The XLT ups the ante by including 4 further tie downs and a storage cubby on the passenger facet, whereas the Lariat boasts storage cubbies on each side.

Prospects may also go for mattress rails, a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting. Different choices embody a 110-volt outlet, tonneau covers and a mattress extender.

One of many extra attention-grabbing issues concerning the Maverick is that it was designed with customization in thoughts. Specifically, the truck comes customary with two prewired 12-volt connections to permit for DIY electrical tasks comparable to customized mattress lighting or the set up of onboard air. Ford is encouraging clients to get artistic and so they can scan a QR code within the mattress to get some concepts.

Talking of DIY, house owners don’t must shell out for manufacturing unit facet rails as they’ll merely get some C-channel and bolt it to the mattress. The aforementioned QR code may even present individuals the way to construct a motorbike rack as Ford believes clients would moderately spend cash on the mountain bike moderately than the rack to get it to the mountains.

A Surprisingly Trendy Cabin

Given the Maverick’s inexpensive pricing, it comes as little shock the inside is crammed with onerous plastic. Nevertheless, Ford’s inside design workforce deserves quite a lot of credit score as they received artistic with the cabin.

As an alternative of the same old sea of black plastic, there’s a multi-color inside that’s distinctive to every trim. The Navy Pier and Medium Slate inside within the mid-level XLT is especially fetching because it options trendy blue and gray accents with orange prospers. The range-topping Lariat can also be pleasing on the eyes because it boasts leather-like ActiveX upholstery and bronze accents.

The colours aren’t the one notable factor concerning the inside because the doorways have cut up armrests, which permit them to accommodate massive water bottles comparable to these offered by Yeti and S’properly. The door pockets are additionally massive sufficient to retailer tablets, whereas the low heart console affords quite a few storage compartments of its personal.

Moreover, there’s a beneficiant storage compartment beneath the rear seat that accommodates dividers as a part of the Ford Built-in Tether System. Nevertheless, the FITS is extra notable for the slot on the again of the middle console which might accommodate an assortment of equipment starting from cup holders to a trash bin. The equipment merely clip into the slot and clients get 5 gadgets – together with cup holders, bag hooks, a storage / trash bin, a cellphone twine organizer, and below seat dividers – for $50.

Talking of the seats, they’re comfy and spacious with loads of bolstering up entrance. Extra impressively, the again seat is adult-friendly as there’s as much as 36.9 inches (937 mm) of second-row legroom. This implies the Maverick has extra second-row legroom than the Ranger SuperCrew and F-150 SuperCab.

One other plus is the structure as all controls are simple and inside straightforward attain. Of explicit notice are the bodily audio controls and minimalist shifter, which is shared with the Mustang Mach-E.

By way of gear, the entry-level Maverick XL is fairly naked bones because it comes as customary with air-con, bucket entrance seats, and a 4.2-inch multi-information show which might double as a digital speedometer. Patrons may even discover energy home windows and locks, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and a comparatively primary 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay help. The mannequin additionally comes with a six-speaker audio system and FordPass Join, which boasts a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot in addition to providers comparable to a car locator, distant begin and distant locking / unlocking of the doorways.

It additionally boasts a handful of normal driver help methods together with auto high-beam headlights and pre-collision help with automated emergency braking. There’s additionally ahead collision warning, pedestrian detection and dynamic brake help. Prospects may also improve to get a lane-keeping system and a blind spot data system with cross-traffic alert.

On the reverse finish of the spectrum, the $25,490 Maverick Lariat boasts a bigger 6.5-inch multi-information show, a dual-zone automated local weather management system and a passive entry system with a push-button ignition. Different highlights embody a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting, an 8-way energy driver’s seat and an influence sliding rear window.

The range-topping variant will also be geared up with choices comparable to heated entrance seats, an 8-speaker B&O premium audio system and a heated steering wheel. Different extras embody a SYNC 3 infotainment system with voice recognition expertise in addition to driver help methods comparable to lane centering and adaptive cruise management with cease and go.

Hybrid Energy Comes Normal

Whereas the Maverick was caught undisguised forward of its debut, Ford managed to maintain its greatest secret below wraps: an ordinary hybrid powertrain. It consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine, a compact electrical motor, and a small battery pack that’s positioned beneath the cabin to maximise inside area.

This setup allows the truck to provide a mixed output of 191 hp (140 kW / 194 PS). Moreover, the electrical motor develops 126 hp (94 kW / 128 PS) and 173 lb-ft (235 Nm) of torque, and might energy the truck on electrical energy alone.

The hybrid variant hasn’t been given an EPA score but, however Ford has beforehand stated they’re anticipating the mannequin to return 40 mpg (5.9 lt/100 km) metropolis. Nevertheless, our expertise with a number of hybrids suggests the corporate is being conservative. Driving on rural Tennessee again roads, we averaged 40 mpg with out even attempting. A day earlier, with some metropolis driving thrown into the combination, we averaged 49 mpg (4.8 lt/100 km).

Gas financial system apart, the hybrid truck has sufficient energy and its mixed horsepower score is equivalent to the Santa Cruz’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Whereas the powertrain doesn’t appear as refined as hybrid methods from Toyota, it doesn’t actually make itself identified apart from when braking or driving at low speeds. That being stated, I grew to become an increasing number of impressed with the hybrid powertrain after repeated encounters.

On the draw back, the hybrid comes customary with an digital constantly variable transmission and is on the market completely with front-wheel drive. The CVT isn’t significantly noteworthy, however the truck has 5 drive modes – Regular, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Tow/Haul – and Sport livens issues up significantly because it makes an attempt to imitate the texture of a conventional automated. Nevertheless, the largest downside is the dearth of all-wheel drive and we hope Ford will discover a means of including an AWD variant sooner or later.

Within the meantime, the one solution to get all-wheel drive is to improve to the turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 250 hp (184 kW / 253 PS) and 277 lb-ft (376 Nm) of torque. It affords higher efficiency than the hybrid, however falls in need of the Santa Cruz’s elective turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 281 hp (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. Nevertheless, it’s value mentioning the Maverick is tons of of kilos lighter.

Evidently, the turbocharged engine is much less gasoline environment friendly than the hybrid because it carries an EPA score of 23 mpg (10.2 lt/100 km) metropolis, 30 mpg (7.8 lt/100 km) freeway and 26 mpg (9.0 kt/100 km) mixed with front-wheel drive. Including all-wheel drive drops these numbers 1 mpg throughout the board, however that’s nothing to sneeze at because the bigger four-wheel drive Ranger returns 20 mpg (11.7 lt/100 km) metropolis, 24 mpg (9.8 lt/100 km) freeway and 22 mpg (10.7 lt/100 km) mixed.

The EcoBoost engine is paired to a easy shifting eight-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive is on the market for an extra $2,220. Nevertheless, the turbocharged engine is a $1,085 choice and this implies house owners might want to shell out a complete of $3,305 to improve to all-weather traction.

The Maverick isn’t a hardcore off-roader, however the elective all-wheel drive system allows the truck to enterprise off the overwhelmed path. We weren’t capable of take a look at the pickup to extremes, however it didn’t have any issues traversing a path just like what you’d discover in your solution to a distant camp web site. The truck was additionally capable of climb a rocky hill with out problem, thanks partially to its 8.6 inches (218 mm) of floor clearance.

Talking of all-wheel drive, XLT and Lariat variants will be geared up with an FX4 Off-Street Package deal. It provides a revised suspension, extra underbody safety and distinctive 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. The package deal additionally consists of entrance tow hooks, an upgraded cooling system, Hill Descent Management, and a revised drive mode system which replaces Sport and Eco modes with Sand and Mud/Ruts settings.

Truck Functionality Meets Crossover Consolation

Again on pavement, the Maverick’s unibody development shines because the mannequin rides on the C2 platform which is shared with the Bronco Sport and Escape. This pays huge dividends by way of trip and luxury because the Maverick drives extra like a crossover than a truck.

It’s exceptional what Ford engineers have been capable of accomplish because the suspension, which options MacPherson struts and a twistbeam (hybrid) or multi-link (gasoline) rear, soaks up imperfections with little greater than a thump. The trip high quality is undeniably spectacular and there wasn’t even the slightest trace of jostling throughout our time with a number of totally different fashions.

Dealing with can also be spectacular for a truck as high-speed cornering felt safe and drama-free. Actually, the Maverick felt able to coping with far more difficult eventualities than I used to be comfy throwing at it.

That being stated, the expertise isn’t significantly rewarding as the electrical power-assisted steering system isn’t very partaking. It’s responsive, however not fairly as good because the system within the Santa Cruz. On the brilliant facet, the truck has a 40 foot (12.2 meter) turning circle and this makes maneuvering in parking tons a breeze.

Tow Time

Each gasoline and hybrid fashions have a towing capability of two,000 lbs (907 kg), however all-wheel drive variants will be geared up with a 4K Tow Package deal which doubles the capability to 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg). It features a trailer hitch receiver, a revised drive ratio, a trailer brake controller, and an upgraded cooling system with a better capability radiator, a transmission oil cooler and an upgraded cooling fan.

Ford is assured within the truck’s functionality and we used the Maverick to tow an Airstream Basecamp 16, which weighs 2,650 lbs (1,202 kg). Our expertise with the camper revealed the truck has loads of energy for towing because the Airstream wasn’t overly taxing on the engine and merging onto the freeway wasn’t a hectic expertise. That being stated, trip high quality takes a success as issues change into extra unsettled, however this was to be anticipated.

Whereas it’s no F-350, the Maverick can tow small- to medium-sized trailers and boats. After all, the Santa Cruz has the sting right here because the turbocharged all-wheel drive variant can tow as much as 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).

Low-cost Is Cool

Irrespective of the way you slice it, the 2022 Maverick is a remarkably spectacular truck and it’s wonderful what Ford was capable of accomplish contemplating pricing begins at $19,995 earlier than a $1,495 vacation spot cost.

After all, most shoppers will wish to improve to the mid-level XLT trim which begins at $22,280 earlier than factoring within the vacation spot charge. That’s nonetheless exceptional worth and patrons shall be rewarded with a classier cabin, cruise management, and 17-inch aluminum wheels as steelies aren’t for everybody.

In addition to being inexpensive, the truck affords mind-boggling fuel-efficiency with the hybrid powertrain and good efficiency with the EcoBoost engine. Experience and dealing with can also be crossover-like and the Maverick can simply transport 4 adults in consolation.

Whereas there’s clearly rather a lot to like, there are additionally some shortcomings because the Hyundai Santa Cruz affords a extra highly effective turbocharged engine, a better towing capability, and a extra upscale inside with high-tech goodies. The Maverick additionally permits a good quantity of street noise into the cabin, though an acoustic windshield on the range-topping Lariat helps a bit.

Moreover, one of many fashions we drove had an irritating rattle coming from the sprint. We’ll chalk this as much as a quirk as none of our different take a look at autos suffered an identical downside, however high quality management points have plagued a handful of current launches together with the highly-anticipated Bronco.

All in all, the Maverick is an undeniably interesting pickup and possibly some of the thrilling entry-level autos in current reminiscence.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops