Flash Drive

2022 Ford Maverick

April 13, 2022 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Ford Maverick XLT FWD

The 2022 Ford Maverick compact crew cab pickup is handsomely styled with a roomy interior.

Engine: 2.0-liter Ecoboost I-4, 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined

Base Price: $22,280

As Tested: $28,540

Performance:

Peppy Ecoboost 2.0-liter engine

The 4.5-foot bed can be used with a bed extender for longer items.

Strong, smooth engine

Excellent 8-speed automatic transmission

Very smooth (almost seamless) downshifts on hills

Good fuel economy—our best was 32.2-mpg highway

Smooth highway ride

4,000-pound maximum towing capacity with tow package

The bed size is great for most homeowner chores.

Comfort:

Crew cab flexibility

Four full-size doors

Excellent driver and front passenger legroom

Comfy, supportive seats

Driver’s seat power lumbar support

Manually adjustable passenger seat

Three temp heated front seats

Front seat room and comfort are excellent.

Good rear seat room if fronts moved up some

Front seatbacks are notched for added knee room

Adults can fit in middle position, but hard cushion

Medium thick, slightly contoured steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Utility:

Very functional 4.5-foot bed

Rear seat room is good for three passengers including an adult in the center position.

Lightweight, locking tailgate

Impressive payload capacity

Large, deep console bin

Big, non-locking glovebox

Medium size, but shallow front door bins

Big storage bins under foldup rear seat

Infotainment screen on the small side

Excellent windshield wipers

One seatback pouch

WOW Factors:

Two large bins under the foulup rear seat hold a lot of extra stuff.

Handsome styling

Lightweight, easy open tailgate

OK size bed for homeowner chores

Strong, smooth engine

Ample storage under rear seat

Comfortable seats

Whines:

Cheapish headliner material

Too much hard plastic on door panels

Bottom Line:

Properly equipped the 2022 Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

The all-new 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup is smaller than the mid-size Ford Ranger and the full-size F-150, but it offers an excellent compromise between cargo capabilities and five-passenger capacity. The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 8-speed transmission provide ample power and excellent fuel economy. The Maverick is built on the same chassis as the Bronco Sport compact crossover SUV. The standard 2.5-liter I-4 is a hybrid, so drivetrain choices are good. Front wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available although AWD is a $3300 option.