The Ford Maverick aims to make headway in the notoriously tricky affordable pickup truck market. Ford got the entire automotive industry’s attention by making the Maverick the lowest-priced vehicle in the company’s 2022 lineup. Early indications have been positive: the 2022 Ford Maverick has become a surprise hit with a diverse group of consumers. In particular, the model has posted strong numbers with younger buyers and especially females. Let’s take a deep dive into Ford’s bold automotive statement with a complete look at the 2022 Maverick.
Essential Specifications
The 2022 Ford Maverick sports dimensions similar to those of a standard full-size sedan. However, Ford had the foresight to attach an appealing sticker price to the pickup truck. The 2022 Maverick’s manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) starts at just $19,995.
This proved to be an especially savvy move on Ford’s part once inflation began to rear its ugly head in 2021. According to CNET, the average price of a new car topped $45,000 in September 2021. That’s an increase of more than 12% compared to the previous year.
Moving beyond the price, let’s take a look at key details related to the vehicle’s physical dimensions and performance.
Source: FordPhysical Specifications
The following chart lists essential physical specifications for the 2022 Ford Maverick. All cited figures are for the Maverick XL, the vehicle’s base model.
- Height: 68.7 inches
- Width: 72.6 inches
- Length: 199.7 inches
- Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
- Seating Capacity: Up to five adults
- Front Legroom: 42.8 inches
- Front Headroom: 40.3 inches
- Rear Legroom: 36.9 inches
- Rear Headroom: 39.6 inches
- Curb Weight: 3,693 pounds
- Turning Diameter: 40 feet
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 gallons
Other trim models include the XLT and Lariat. In both cases, these physical specifications are very similar or identical. You can learn more about the XLT and Lariat variants at Ford’s official website for the 2022 Maverick.
Source: FordPerformance Specifications
As with the physical specifications, the following performance statistics are specific to the XL base model (gasoline engine). Key specs break down as follows:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 (gasoline or hybrid)
- Power: 250 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 277 pounds-feet @ 3,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (manual transmission not available)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 22/29/25 miles per gallon
- Acceleration (0-to-60 miles per hour): 7.6 seconds
- Braking (60-to-0 miles per hour): 119 feet
The XLT and Lariat variants may have different performance specifications, depending on the options you choose. You can learn more on Ford’s official website for the 2022 Maverick.
Source: FordPayload and Towing Capacity
Payload (or “payload capacity”) describes the maximum cargo weight you can safely transport. The XL model’s official payload rating is 1,500 pounds (about 680 kilograms).
Towing capacity is similar, except it specifies the maximum weight the vehicle is capable of towing. The 2022 Ford Maverick’s reported towing capacity is 2,000 pounds (about 907 kilograms).
Source: FordComfort and Safety Features
The 2022 Ford Maverick’s XL base model features select standard safety and comfort features. Buyers can also add multiple options to suit their individual preferences, if desired. The following safety features are all standard: driver airbag, front head airbag, front side airbag, knee airbag, passenger airbag, rear airbag, back-up camera, anti-lock brakes, braking assist, traction control, stability control, and tire pressure monitor.
There are a few advanced safety features that are only option (or available on higher trims). They include cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and rear parking aid.
The 2022 Ford Maverick XL also offers these available comfort features as standard: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, keyless entry, telematics, bucket seats, and cloth upholstery. You can add an optional sunroof (or even larger moonroof) as an extra feature.
You should note that any upholstery upgrades, such as leather seating, are not available for the 2022 Ford Maverick XL base model. For premium materials and upholstery, you must upgrade to the XLT or Lariat trim levels. The same is true of advanced features like adaptive cruise control, power seats, and heated or cooled seats.
Source: FordTechnology
Compared to vehicles like family minivans, the 2022 Ford Maverick offers relatively limited “infotainment” features. That said, the pickup does sport a decent lineup of standard technology functions. These include:
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Wireless internet hotspot.
- Integration for smart devices.
- MP3 player.
- Auxiliary audio input.
However, the base XL model does not offer access to entertainment and technology features like high-definition radio and premium sound. For these and other advanced technology capabilities, buyers need to upgrade to a higher trim level.
Source: FordTrims and Variants
The 2022 Ford Maverick comes in three trim levels, beginning with the economical XL base model. Buyers can also upgrade to the mid-range XLT. Those seeking a premium experience can look into the Maverick Lariat.
Each of the subsections below describe the main variants available at each trim level. They also provide an overview of how each trim level differs from the others.
XL
The 2022 Ford Maverick XL comes in gasoline and hybrid gasoline-electric models. Both options feature an identical base MSRP of $19,995. However, they differ in several regards.
First, the hybrid model has a continuously variable automatic (CVA) transmission instead of an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is also a front-wheel drive vehicle with a slightly smaller fuel tank (13.8-gallon capacity). Additionally, it features slightly lower engine power (191 hp) and torque (155 lb-ft) ratings.
Source: FordXLT
The 2022 Ford Maverick XLT carries a base MSRP of $22,280. That slight price premium nets buyers several desirable standard features, including alloy wheels and cruise control. It also unlocks access to a long list of enhanced technology and entertainment options.
As with the XL base model, buyers can also purchase the XLT in gasoline-only or hybrid models. The XLT hybrid improves fuel efficiency and mitigates the vehicle’s environmental impact, but also reduces engine power and torque.
Source: FordLariat
The Lariat’s MSRP comes in at $25,490. For the extra money, buyers get many style upgrades and advanced technology and comfort features. LED headlights, push-button vehicle ignition, and leather steering wheel lead the list of standard upgrades. Like the XL and XLT models, the premium Lariat also comes in gasoline and hybrid models.
Uniquely, the Lariat also offers access to Ford’s First Edition package. The package delivers a soft, foldable tonneau vehicle cover and a power moonroof. No other version of the 2022 Ford Maverick carries these options.
Source: FordPros and Cons
In compiling these pros and cons, we consulted test-drive reviews published by multiple respected automotive industry sources. In each case, we looked for praise and complaints noted by numerous reviewers.
Let’s start with the pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Excellent value for money.
- Strong powertrain.
- Above-average fuel efficiency.
On the down side, industry insiders noted the following drawbacks:
- Plain exterior styling.
- Standard driver assistance features are limited.
- Payload capacity lags behind some competitors.
All things considered, experts agreed that the 2022 Maverick is tough to beat for a price-friendly pickup truck.
Source: FordWarranty Protection
Ford’s standard warranty for all three Maverick trim levels includes a three-year, 36,000-mile limited guarantee. Powertrain coverage extends for five years or 60,000 miles.
If you opt for a gasoline-electric hybrid model, you’ll also get an additional warranty to cover the vehicle’s hybrid components. This warranty is good for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Source: FordComparables and Competitors
Ford’s decision to make a pickup truck its lowest-priced vehicle of 2022 turned a lot of heads in the industry. Competitors responded by positioning several trucks and multipurpose automobiles at comparable price points.
Key examples include:
- Hyundai Santa Cruz (base MSRP: $23,990)
- GMC Canyon (base MSRP: $26,800)
- Honda Ridgeline (base MSRP: $36,890)
Notably, the Maverick is one of the only North American pickup trucks of the 2022 model year to start under $20,000. This alone has put it in strong demand among cost-conscious buyers.
Source: FordOur Take
Don’t let the 2022 Ford Maverick’s low price point fool you. This is a complete vehicle with a strong list of standard features, even at the base trim level. Insiders especially praise the truck’s comfortable interior, calling it a textbook example of budget-level interior vehicle design.
Along similar lines, the standard gasoline engine provides a powerful punch while the hybrid alternative delivers superior fuel efficiency. Dollar for dollar, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better-performing and more comfortable pickup truck than the 2022 Maverick.
Source: Ford
