Review by Veeno Dewan
The new 2022 Ford Maverick pickup truck slots just below the mid-size Ford Ranger, and has an advantage being also available as a full-hybrid – as well as a conventional gas-powered version. The Maverick is based on the same platform as the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape SUVs and arrives as a four-door, five-passenger crew cab, with a 5.5 feet bed.
The gasoline engine on the XL and XLT trims, is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, making 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It comes two or All-Wheel Drive, and can be optioned with the FX4 off-road package, or with a towing package to pull up to 1,814 kg (4,000 lb). The Maverick’s payload is 680 kg (1,500 lb), and the bed can be fitted with dividers to carry bicycles. In contrast, the Maverick hybrid uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 162 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque on its own, and a net 191 hp when paired with the electric hybrid motor. It’s mated to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with only front wheel drive available. Towing capacity for the hybrid is 907 kg (2,000 lb), The 2022 Ford Maverick comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-Wheel Drive is optional.
We tested the gasoline-powered 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine Maverick with All -Wheel Drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Ecoboost delivers an impressive 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
The Ecoboost engine Maverick can haul 1,500 pounds and it can tow 2,000; an optional towing package doubles that figure.
The Maverick lineup starts with the XL trim for $27,895, before tax. The step-up XLT, starts at $30,795, with available extra cost options. Both trims can be optioned to a non-hybrid engine, which is the only choice in the top-line Lariat as tested. Our loaner had the following options: Fx4 Off-Road Package, Power Tilt/Slide Moon Roof, Tow Package, Lariat Luxury Package, 8 Bed Tie-Downs, .Sirius Satellite Radio, .Rear Parking Sensors, .Ford Co-Pilot360, .Bedliner – Spray-In and 17-inch wheels. Also included were items such as: an eight-way driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, remote engine starter, heated body-colour door mirrors, a trailer hitch; LED lighting, tie-down rails, and a 110-volt outlet. The gasoline engine -comes with all-wheel-drive model. Ford also offers the FlexBed system which allows for creative ways of lugging bikes, building materials and what have you with a two-position tailgate, multiple Tie downs, and available U-rail sliding anchors. At a starting price of $34,450 plus delivery, and optioned to $44,050, my Ecoboost tester was well priced.
Standard safety assist items include emergency front braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a back-up camera. Extra safety packages include items such as: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and hill descent control. Adaptive cruise control is only available on the top-level Lariat, as an option.
Interior wise- a lot of thought has gone into giving the Maverick a practical, versatile interior designed for maximum functionality. Nice touches include larger water bottle holders in the door panels, a phone holder in the centre console; and plenty of storage cubbyholes, plus a wireless phone recharging pad. The Maverick’s interior has rugged styling cues, with some cool use of bronze and grey colours and texture. It’s not as luxurious as an F150, ,but this is a well- priced, comfortable, compact truck.
There is a comprehensive simple-looking dash with proper buttons and dials to operate the climate system and stereo. The 8-inch infotainment screen is intuitive and easy to use. The rear seats flip up for extra cargo storage. Overall interior room is good, with comfortable seats and adequate leg room in the rear.
On the road, the Maverick offers a smooth and composed feeling, thanks to the tight body structure. The Ecoboost feels faster and more urgent than the hybrid version with stronger acceleration and more grunt at all speeds. The engine and transmission work well, step on the throttle, and the transmission downshifts slightly to provide quicker acceleration. Meanwhile, up shifts are smooth and precise. The steering is also communicative, and nicely weighted. The All- Wheel Drive system provide excellent traction in all weather conditions and has selectable drive modes for different terrain. The Maverick Ecoboost fuel economy figure is rated at 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving.
To sum up, the Maverick is very impressive and is nice to drive. The smart interior, good road manners, compact size, and the performance of the fuel-efficient, powerful Ecoboost engine is commendable. Highly recommended as a decently sized and equipped work and play truck for families and trades
people.
2022 Ford Maverick Ecoboost: priced from : $34,450
Price as tested with options – $44,050 plus destination and delivery – $1,995
More info at www.ford.ca
