2022 Ford Maverick Lariat AWD: The Brand’s New Entry-Level Truck

 

Highlight:  The Maverick is outfitted with the only hybrid engine at the lower end of the truck segment.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $35,800 (Base XL Model: $21,490)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; anti-theft engine immobilizer; driver and passenger front airbags; driver and passenger side airbags; pre-collision assist system; post-collision braking system; rear view camera; traction control system; electronic stability control; and a mini spare tire

Standard Equipment (XL): 17-inch wheels; 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support; 4-way adjustable passenger seat with lumbar support; cloth-trim seats; manual tilt/telescoping; a manual locking steering wheel with audio controls; 4.2-inch productivity screen in instrument cluster; manual air conditioning; front-door storage buns designed for small laptops; and front USB ports

Standard Equipment (Test Vehicle- Lariat AWD): 18-inch aluminum wheels; 6.5-inch productivity screen in instrument cluster; dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat; 6-way manual adjustable passenger seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; 8-inch touchscreen radio interface; 8-spealker sound system with AM/FM radio; cruise control; active-x synthetic seating material; power-sliding rear window with privacy glass; auto LED high-beam; FordPass Connect 4G; battery saver; wiper activated LED lights; keyless entry keypad; and perimeter security alarm

Options: 17-inch aluminum wheels; a black painted roof; power moonroof; 4,000-lb tow package; a cargo bed net; a power rear window with privacy glass; FX4 off road package; trailer towing; hill decent control; skid plates; higher compacity radiator; upgraded cooling system; tonneau cover; and a co-pilot semi automatic driving system; and an optional exterior paint

Other Trim Levels:

XLT

Standard Audio On Base Vehicle: a 6-speaker system with AM/FM radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/161-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 42-city/32-hwy

Standard Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

What’s New:  The Maverick is an all-new entry in the truck segment, making it Ford’s most economically priced truck.

Pros:

Four doors

Upright seating position

Easy to enter and access due to height of vehicle

Lowest priced pickup truck in U.S.

AWD available

Rides like a car-based off of a car platform like the Hyundai Santa Fe

Most fuel-efficient truck, when outfitted with both front wheel drive and the 2.5-liter hybrid engine

Over a 500-mile driving range, according to fueleconomy.gov with the standard base 2.5-liter engine

Standard 2,000-lb towing capacity

Optional 4.000 towing capacity

1,500-lb payload capacity

Ability to haul

110-volt available for powering a laptop or tailgate party

Folding bench seat

Optional power sliding sunroof

Two powertrain options

Bedliner

Steering assist feature

Easy to use infotainment system

Easier to navigate than the fullsize trucks

Keyless entry available

Wireless charging system available

A touchscreen infotainment system available for higher level trim

A dual zone automatic control system is available

Optional FX4 system offers 4x4 off-road driving capabilities

Tonneau cover and tailgate extender available

Optional fullsize spare tire available

Available automatic high beam lights

But: 

Can become pricy when adding-on options

Could be a tight fit for growing kids and adults in the rear

Lack a split bench seat

2.0 horsepower engine still seemed underpowered for the vehicle- just like the Hyundai Santa Fe's powertrain.

Doesn’t have the hauling and towing capabilities of a midsize and /or fullsize truck

Some trim materials like the door handles is obvious where Ford engineers penny pinched

Verdict: Ford’s all-new entry-level truck is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration, with a choice of powertrains. When outfitted with the standard 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine system, the uniframe-designed truck, with its hybrid system produces a combined 37 miles per gallon, according to fueleconomy.gov. This out bests its nearest competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is only available with one powertrain.

So, far in the first quarter of 2022, the vehicle has outsold the brand’s midsize truck, the Ranger. Ironically, the Maverick, which is larger than the first-generation Ranger, is Ford’s answer to such popular compact cars as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, since the legacy automaker walked away from offering the Focus a few years ago. Ford is betting on entry-level buyers seeking out an affordable truck, as opposed to a compact car in this current climate. We must note that in the seventies the Maverick was a car until Ford revived the name decades later, returning as a truck. So, maybe this is Ford's clever way of paying homage to its defunct car line up. Ok, we realize the Mustang is still around -- but not for long! 

Conversely, while the Maverick is available in three levels, the top-of-the-line Lariat AWD we tested maxed out near $36,000 with options. That’s a far cry from the compact truck's base price of $21,490. Despite the vehicle being quite pricey, when optioned out, the Maverick does offer a number of items that a car can’t offer such as the ability to tailgate, towing and hauling. 

Overall we caution buyers to strongly consider steering clear of the higher trim. In fact, pricing for the compact truck overlaps with the sturdier midsize Ranger, which offers more in terms of towing, powertrains and hauling. Also, it goes up against much studier and larger used trucks too. Yes, while the Maverick is a welcome addition, it did seem as though the upgraded 2.0-liter, 4-cyliner 255-horsepower engine wasn’t as impact as we would have liked.

Competition: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz