Bigger isn't always better and Ford has proved this point with the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick, they are here to take over the compact truck market!
When thinking of Ford trucks, it's difficult to envision something small. The US-based manufacturer brought us the F150's super-size, super-duty packages and trims which both consumers and professionals have trusted for decades.
The days of the giant truck, however, are soon ending. As more Canadians settle down in urban areas, and with the necessity of lowering vehicles' carbon footprints, their physical footprints will usually shrink as well. Truck manufacturers have a dilemma on their hands: how can they adapt to the small truck market without compromising on function, capacity, or reliability?
Ford's answer is the 2022 Maverick. It currently stands as their smallest truck at around the size of a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, but don't let the size fool you. It's the Maverick's hybrid engine, standard features, and on-the-job flexibility that gives it an edge over the competition.
The Ford Maverick's exterior sports a subtle and modern look and feel. If you're looking for a unique and flashy design, this is probably not the truck for you; function took precedence over form with the Maverick's designers.
The Maverick name was previously used for a line of four-door sedans in the 1970s. As a unique way to resurrect the name, the Ford Maverick for 2022 has some hints of inspiration channeling other notable classic and modern Ford vehicles. A subtle dip in each beltline echoes the body of the latest F-150. The front grille, meanwhile, channels the classic Mark I Escort, a British model somewhat related to the classic Maverick sedan.
Ford sells the Maverick in an impressive variety of colors depending on which of the three trim options you choose (XL, XLT, and Lariat.) Light blue or simple blacks, whites, and greys can adorn the base trim, while options like maroon and even golden yellow are available for extra. Honestly, my favorite color is what they call Area 51, it’s the perfect mix of gray and blue.
The interior is where the Ford Maverick begins to shine. Despite its smaller footprint when compared to the Ford Ranger, the Maverick has more legroom at 101 cm per seat on average. Most surfaces, with the exception of the cockpit and controls, are plastic, but the smooth molding makes them easier to clean.
Ford decided to keep the costs low by using fewer parts for the interior and controls. This means the base XL trim skips out on some creature comforts many of us take for granted, like keyless ignition or automatic side mirrors. There are positives to this, though, not the least of which is the standard eight-inch touch control panel. Drivers can plug in their smartphones to use either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation and audio.
On higher-end trims, most of the gauge panel can be replaced with a second six-inch screen. Through this screen, drivers can view real-time information on their Maverick's status and efficiency as well as set one of six different driving modes to optimize their experience.
The Ford Maverick's XL trim is the first small truck in Canada with a standard hybrid engine at 2.5 L and 1.1 kWh. With both electric and gas-enabled, the truck can tow up to 900 kg with ease using the front-wheel drive, a rarity in the pickup world. Alternatively, you can drive using EV-only mode for short periods of time, which contributes to a city gas mileage of 5.9 L/100 km.
The extra cash will allow you to purchase a two-liter EcoBoost engine, which comes standard with all-wheel drive. As expected, the gas mileage of 8.2 L/100 km is less efficient than the hybrid option but paired with Ford's Trailer Tow Package, you'll be able to pull up to 1,814 kg. Higher-end trims further offer a 4x4 package for light driving off-road.
The Ford Maverick can haul up to 680 kg of cargo in its rear 137 cm FlexBed, perhaps the most versatile pickup bed ever designed. The bed door can be held open partway to accommodate wider items such as plywood sheets, which will rest just above the wheel wells. Specialized grooves along the side walls are designed to hold one or multiple dividers. The bed also comes standard with six tie-down hooks, useful for hauling bikes or even opening bottles. You can add additional hooks, rails, and other devices using threaded holes along the side walls.
The most anticipated feature of the FlexBed is the standard electrical access panel with conventional and 12V ports. This means there's no need to splice into the taillights to power trailer lights or power tools.
Should you need additional storage after filling up the FlexBed, more storage comes standard under and on top of the back seats. A compartment underneath the row can fit a large duffel bag, and while the back seats themselves do not fold all the way down, they are nonetheless sturdy enough to increase the truck's storage capacity.
For safety features, the Ford Maverick comes standard with automatic high beams, a backup camera, and automatic emergency brakes which can detect both other vehicles and pedestrians. The Lariat trim with luxury package adds blind-spot detection, lane keep assist, and cross-traffic alert, which detects other approaching vehicles while the truck is in reverse.
The above features are available on lower-end trims with the Copilot 360 package. Others, most notably adaptive cruise control, must be purchased a la carte through other packages; but Ford does include stop-and-go and lane-centering features alongside, giving the option of plenty of value.
The Ford Maverick for 2022 may not always have the features you might expect from a vehicle. You might find yourself turning a key rather than pressing a button, or maintaining your speed manually rather than flipping on cruise control. These are small prices to pay for many more generous standard features that would otherwise not be available for the truck's price.
Want to take the Ford Maverick for a test drive? HeyAuto can connect you to dealers who can answer any of your questions and offer you a fair and affordable price.