Overview
Although the nameplate originally was used on a less-than-stellar compact car line in the 1970s, Ford has revived the Maverick name for its new small pickup truck, and has slotted it into the lineup below the mid-size Ranger. Instead of sharing parts and mechanicals with the Ranger, the Maverick rides on the same chassis as the Bronco Sport compact crossover. The standard powertrain is a hybrid setup that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Ford also offers all-wheel drive, but only with the optional nonhybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All models sport the same four-door crew cab body style with a 4.5-foot bed. The Maverick is part of a new class of small pickup trucks that Hyundai is also entering with the upcoming Santa Cruz.
What’s New for 2022?
The Maverick pickup truck has been in the works for some time, but the wait is over. It’s slated to go on sale in fall 2021, and Ford is currently taking reservations for it.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Ford offers the Maverick in three trims—XL, XLT, and Lariat—with the XL being the best choice for keeping the price down as low as possible. It lacks basic creature comforts that most buyers consider necessities, but would be good for use as a work truck. Going with the XLT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power lock for the tailgate, power exterior mirrors and more, making it the value-oriented model. We’d upgrade to the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for $1085 and add all-wheel drive for $3305. To unlock the Maverick’s maximum towing capacity of 4000 pounds, we’d also order the $745 Tow package.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Rather than start with the Bronco Sport’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the standard powertrain, Ford has gone hybrid with the Maverick’s base powertrain. All trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s assisted by an electric motor for a combined 191-hp. This setup only comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Buyers are able to opt for a nonhybrid powertrain as well, which swaps in a spunky 250-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive is optional with this powertrain. On the road, the Maverick feels downright peppy with the optional turbo four; we estimate it will hit 60 mph in about 6 seconds. The hybrid powertrain is less perky but nonetheless gets the job done. To provide its impressive payload capacity, the Maverick’s suspension is fairly stiff which leads to a somewhat rough ride over broken pavement. Once we get a chance to test the Maverick at our test track, we’ll update this story with results.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Even with the base hybrid powertrain, the Maverick offers 1500 pounds of payload capacity and 2000 pounds of towing capacity. With the turbocharged four-cylinder and the optional Towing Package, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds. Looking to tow even more with a small pickup? The Santa Cruz is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the hybrid Maverick, nor have we had a chance to test the pickup truck out on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route. The turbocharged 2.0-liter variant is rated for 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. We’ll update this story with details when more information becomes available. For more information about the Maverick’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
All Mavericks are crew cabs, which means four full-sized doors and a fairly roomy back seat. Ford has incorporated many storage cubbies and bins throughout the cabin, including some large areas under the rear seat. Base models are far from plush, but do offer standard niceties such as a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. More features are offered as standard or part of option packages on the XLT and Lariat trims, and include dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and power front seats. Ford says the Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed can fit up to 18 sheets of 4×8-foot three-quarter-inch plywood without having to load them at an angle. The bed also features a 12-volt power point, with a 110-volt outlet offered as an option.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all Maverick trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard features and even the base model comes with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Options include SiriusXM satellite radio, an upgraded B&O Play stereo system, and wireless smartphone charging capability.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Maverick offers several driver-assistance features but many of the most sought after items will require an option package or springing for a more expensive trim. For more information about the Maverick’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Maverick offers the same standard warranty package of other new Fords, which is fairly basic and offers no complimentary scheduled maintenance program.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid component warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
