2022 Ford Maverick | Review & Road Test

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The 2022 Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that rides on Ford’s C2 platform, which also underpins the Bronco Sport and Escape. While some will say that this makes it less capable or not actually a truck, there are benefits to Ford going in this direction.

The first and maybe the most important to someone interested in truck utility but not growing truck costs is price. The base Maverick starts below $20,000. Above that standard XL trim comes the XLT ($22,280) and the top-of-the-line Lariat ($25,490). Fully loaded you’re looking at a price below $40k.

The Maverick is the first truck to come standard with a hybrid engine. Under the hood churns a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor. (191 hp/155 lb-ft torque). That powertrain is mated to an E-Continuously Variable Transmission.

So, what does that powertrain get you? Well, for starters, great gas mileage to the tune of an estimated 40-miles to the gallon. That’s not official yet, but that’s quite a ballpark. That’s about 500-miles for one tank of gas.

One downside to that standard engine, all-wheel-drive is not available. It’s only an option with an upgrade to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. That’s mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Driving that more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost feels spirited. I thoroughly enjoyed it on the Escape and think it works just as well on the Maverick, too.

Even though it’s not as robust as Ford’s midsize Ranger, the Maverick’s still got some towing capability with the optional 4K Towing Package. With that package, you’ll get an upgraded cooling system, a 7-pin wiring harness, a trailer brake controller, and a hitch.

Driving the Maverick feels exactly like driving an SUV like the Bronco Sport. The suspension is nicely tuned for comfort. So this is going to be a great road trip vehicle.

Inside the Maverick's interior has rugged truck-like cues and uses materials that you’d expect from that low base price, but it still feels nicely put together in here. I particularly like the two-toned cloth seats with contrast stitching.

It wouldn’t be a Ford truck if it didn’t come with some kind of off-road package so you can get the FX4 Maverick. For that upgrade, you’ll get all-terrain tires, some off-road mono shocks, Hill Decent Control, and some extra skid plates for additional underbody protection.

There are a lot of compelling features in what Ford calls the FlexBed. This is only a 4.5-foot space, but Ford is cramming it full of options for owners. The tailgate is adjustable. There are a lot of built-in spaces to build your own storage spaces. 2 tie-downs and D-rings for securing your gear. There are even two bottle openers.

For a compact truck that’s a lot to take in, but don’t worry, we’re going to be talking a lot more about the Maverick. At first blush, there’s a lot to really like here. An intriguing starting price, a Hybrid powertrain that affords amazing fuel economy all with flexible utility.

00:00 2022 Ford Maverick Review
1:07 Price
1:33 Maverick Hybrid
2:47 Maverick EcoBoost
4:02 Towing
6:03 Driving Impressions
7:13 Interior Review
9:13 Safety Features
9:53 FX4 Off-Road
11:37 Bed Functionality & Features

[OffroadTV]

*I've been saying for years that the demographic here is homeowner looking for an occasional affordable truck. I can replace my daily driver car with an affordable truck and still fit child seats in back.*

[mcjosh]

Actually really excited for this. Better gas mileage than most cars and has way more functionality and cargo room so I don’t see a reason not to get it!

[bryanmills]

Base interior is one of the nicest entry-level trims I've seen. Needs cruise control though. Great review!

[bobmartens]

When im not towing a camper ill definitely go for the hybrid, this thing is going to be a best seller im sure

[toshimon]

Great honest review Lyn. Perfect small truck for my use case, hauling bikes, camping gear, wet dogs and trips to hardware/garden supply store plus I can fit it in my garage. But I can already hear my monster truck friends saying, "It's not real truck", "For a little more money you could buy a full size" and "You can't tow a house if you need to"

[MrMegatony]

Hey, great review. Glad you actually were able to drive the hybrid model, every other Youtube review I have seen has been of the Ecoboost model, which I am NOT interested in. Really wish there was a plugin hybrid version of this truck, I'd buy it tomorrow.

[DustinAbbottTWI]

Great review. I preordered mine back in June and am looking forward to delivery

[CurtisStuart]

"the Maverick is just absolutely a smooth operator"

*Carlos Sainz enters the chat*

[tyleralberico]

I like how y’all are trying out a new formula with your reviews! The camerawork feels much more refined than usual.

[moonlustmoonlust]

They can’t produce enough maverick s to fill orders especially with chip issues excellent review I’m in

[KLondike]

I'm surprised at the price but that 2.5 hybrid drivetrain has had 15 years of fine tuning. I drive a ten year old Escape hybrid. It's been a flawless 115K of miles on top of the original 65K it had on it when I bought it.

I normally would shun a new model and new purchase. But the impressive price & my experience with the legacy hybrid makes me reconsider.

[harrismi]

I really like it, its definitely a truck I would consider buying.

[alex_thecarguy]

Honestly didn't expect KBB to have such a thorough and detailed review. Thank you

[BradWilson]

I like how you put that "this is gonna be to get you to the destination where you can have your adventure, this isn't necessarily your adventure vehicle."

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Something I'm comfortable driving on what I call "farm roads". Unpaved, washed out, rutted roads, maybe with some rocks. Not challenging trails, but also not something I'd want to drive a Camry or Mustang on.

[jesseweirmalave]

That was an excellent review! Great video Lynn!

[gsheverything_]

As a guy, that's not into trucks like that, this is perfect for a person like me...

[abbott]

Great review! Even the entry level Maverick XL looks so cool!

[evanlandry]

Really love this. My mom cannot wait to see one in person, she wants a Maverick EcoBoost AWD ASAP lol.

[bronc]

Outstanding review....not one for a FWD "truck", but this one makes a lot of sense in todays market and what is going to be a roller coaster ride on gas prices. I can see this truck perfect for daily runs to the hardware store and light hauling for yard supplies....

[Shoptcher]

Ford picked a perfect time for this truck, with people fleeing the city for the suburbs, an “occasional “ truck is just what new home owners need. Along with fuel efficiency for a longer trips back to the city for work or play.