The 2022 Ford Maverick promises to be an overachiever in the mid-size pickup segment, but while the world got an early sneak peek of the truck far sooner than Ford wanted thanks to numerous leaks and spy images, there were still plenty of questions that needed to be answered. Ford has delivered the goods, and not only has it released official images of the Maverick, but also confirmed that the truck will bring an impressive arsenal of equipment to consumers.
Maverick, The First Hybrid Mid-Size Pickup
Before we get into the broader scope of things, we might as well focus on the Maverick’s trump card with the truck being the first mid-size offering to come equipped with a hybrid engine. The engine in question is the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder which is good for 162 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. However, when paired with the onboard electrification system, that power increases to 191 combined hp.
The addition of the hybrid also shows that Ford is not only buckling down on its goals of being a green-oriented mobility company but is also making note of what others are doing in the industry especially Toyota and Honda which are two benchmark brands when it comes to hybrid innovation. The fact that the Maverick beat both of them to hybridization in the marketplace is a very impressive achievement. Ford is not ready to talk fuel economy numbers just yet, but look for it to be roughly on par with the Escape Hybrid. Curiously, Ford chose to claim that the Maverick’s figures were better than the Honda Civic sedan, we’re still scratching our heads on that one since the Maverick is clearly targeted towards the Ridgeline.
Buyers looking for more power for towing can opt for the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which makes 250 hp but does not come with hybrid tech. The engine makes up for this by offering more towing capacity with 2.0 liter equipped Mavericks towing up to 4,000 lbs when equipped with the aptly named 4K towing package (all other Mavericks get a 2,000 lbs rating.) The two engines also have different transmissions with the hybrid adopting a CVT and the beefier 2.0 liter coming equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Purpose Built Maverick Exterior Hides Flexible Functionality
While the performance hardware is an important piece of the Maverick’s puzzle, the engineering that went into the exterior of the Maverick also plays a prominent role as well. The Maverick is the smallest truck in Ford’s arsenal with the urban-focused hauler measuring in at 199 inches. That’s slightly less than the 210 inch Ranger, but the size difference is decidedly more noticeable when you compare it with the F-150 and its Super Duty brethren.
But don’t let its lack of size fool, you, the Maverick still packs plenty of functionality into its design. The front fascia has an uncanny resemblance to a toaster, but move towards the back and things start to make sense thanks to the all-new FLEXBED. Ford claims that it observed how owners load and unload their trucks and utility vehicles and aimed to make the Maverick a very flexible loading platform that can accommodate all kinds of configurations.
That includes DIY creations with the 4.5-foot long bed featuring integrated slots for owners to stick 2x4s or 2×6’s in to help create loading floors and even racks for things like kayaks. The space also features two tie-downs, four D-rings, and even built-in threaded holes. The bed even features a built-in bottle opener to help open cold beverages after a long day of work. Our favorite feature is a rather sneaky one, with Ford actually stamping a QR code into the bed of the Maverick. When you scan it with your phone, it will give you ideas on storage configurations and is great if you need to find a solution in a pinch.
“The whole bed is a DIY fan’s paradise,” said Keith Daugherty, an engineering specialist who helped develop the truck box for Maverick. “You can buy the bolt-in Ford cargo management system and we’re happy to sell it to you, but if you’re a bit more creative, you can also just go to the hardware store and get some C-channel and bolt it to the bed to make your own solutions.”
Urban Warriors Will Love Functional Interior
The interior of the Maverick also comes jam-packed with clever solutions and aims to make the best of the available space. An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard equipment and comes pre-bundled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Maverick also comes standard with Ford’s FordPass system that allows owners to check on a wide variety of functions through their mobile device.
The cabin itself was designed to be spacious and comfortable while still offering plenty of storage options. Like the bigger F-150, the Maverick comes with floor-mounted storage cubbies but stands out by having door-mounted cupholders that are actually designed to allow water bottles to stand up vertically versus being on their sides. This reduces the risk of spillage and also allows the bottles to not move around too much during driving. The Maverick will also come with Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS.) Located in the rear seats, FITS allows passengers to accessorize the space with a wide myriad of options.
They include cupholders, a trash bin, storage cubbies, and even a cord organizer. These slots also support DIY creations, and Ford even revealed that it’s working on not only making more slots, but also making the geometry for the slots available for customers to 3D print at home. Just be prepared to pay a bit on the latter though with many of the desktop printers needed to print these pieces running between $200 to $500.
“This customer wants simple, but not basic, and Maverick is all about thoughtful details executed well,” said Barb Whalen, who led the team in choosing materials and colors. “We want this to have a straightforward, durable, honest, well-built feel. The interior was designed with function, purpose and ease of cleaning in mind to help make our customers’ lives better. We’re using unique textures and materials like reground carbon fiber for strength and visual interest. The dash panel has a stonelike finish, like a super-durable synthetic countertop. We strategically placed pops of color for functionality – creating an energetic space you want to be in.”
When Can I Buy A 2022 Maverick?
Ford hopes this straightforward DIY-focused approach will help the Maverick resonate well with buyers when it makes its way to showrooms this fall. The Maverick certainly has the safety side of the coin covered with the bulk of trims coming equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 technology. This encompassing safety suite has been making the rounds in other Ford models and it brings welcome goodies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist.
The Maverick will be offered in three trims (XL, XLT, and Lariat) with a first-year-only First Edition model that builds on the range-topping Lariat. It does this by offering some unique touches including distinct graphics, trim exclusive equipment, and the choice of three colors Carbonized Grey, Area 51, and Rapid Red. An FX4 package is also available for those looking for more off-road confidence but is limited to the XLT and Lariat trims only.
Ford is not ready to unveil the full pricing ladder just yet, but did confirm that the Maverick will have a base price of $19,995 which makes it a very tempting bargain in the mid-size pickup segment.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.