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Ford had the small-truck market all to itself with the original
Ford Ranger, until it was retired following the 2011 model
year. The Ranger badge reappeared on a new midsize pickup
for 2019, but Ford believed there was room for a still-smaller
trucklet. For nontraditional buyers, especially, the Maverick’s
SuperCrew (crew cab) body style with four full doors and
seating for five passengers makes it family-friendly and
practical. In fact, the Maverick is the least expensive Ford
vehicle and is the entry model for the brand. The front-wheeldrive
platform, which originates with the unitized (frameless)
Bronco Sport and Escape crossovers, has been strengthened
in key areas to accommodate payloads of up to 1,500 pounds
in the 4.5-foot bed. Ford claims the Maverick can carry 18 4x8
sheets of three-quarter-inch plywood flat on the load floor,
with the tailgate lowered, of course. The standard hybrid’s
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teams with an electric motor to
produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It’s
teamed with a continuously variable transmission. Optional is
a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and
277 pound-feet that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic. Allwheel
drive is available with the 2.0. The system lacks a twospeed
transfer case, so there’s no low range for more extreme
off-roading. The hybrid can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while
N E W F O R 2022
2022 Ford Maverick
Base price: $21,500
Type: Compact pickup
Engines (h.p.): 2.5-liter I-4 plus electric motor (191);
2.0-liter I-4, turbocharged (250)
Transmissions: Continuously variable (2.5);
eight-speed automatic (2.0)
Layout: Front- /all-wheel-drive
Base mpg (city/highway/combined): 42/33/37 (hybrid)
Base weight (lb.): 3,670
the 2.0-liter is rated at 4,000 and is fitted with a
factory towing package. The available FX4 Off-
Road option comes with protective skid plates,
higher-capacity radiator and unique aluminum
wheels with all-terrain tires. Hill-descent control
keeps the Maverick at a slow and steady pace
when heading down steep inclines, without the
driver having to use the brakes.