2022 Ford Maverick

In January of this year, Ford stopped taking orders for its new compact Maverick pickup truck because it had become too popular. Amazing but true.

They’re taking orders now, but expect to wait up to six months if you order one today unless you get lucky and find an unsold one on a dealer’s lot (expect to pay over MSRP by the way).

The Maverick’s popularity shouldn’t surprise anyone. In these pickup-crazy times the compact Maverick pickup provides seating for five, a small but decent size bed, and good fuel efficiency. That last part is extra welcome as we all struggle with inflation and high gasoline prices.

And having the same name as a certain Navy aviator played by Tom Cruise in the box office smash Top Gun can’t hurt.

Design-wise the four-door Maverick doesn’t break any new ground, but most pickups don’t. The styling is boxy with hints of its showroom siblings the Ford Bronco Sport and F-150, and maybe, a touch of Honda Ridgeline. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the Maverick looks almost nothing like its slower selling mid-size brother the Ranger. Whatever, it looks good.

The Maverick is more capable than you might think with plenty of space for stuff and a 4000lbs towing capacity. The bed is small, as noted above, but most DIY-ers will find it big enough for whatever they need from Lowes or Home Depot, and Costco runs will be no sweat.

There are many people driving (thirsty) full-size pickup trucks today who would do just fine with a Maverick. If you regularly haul drywall or tow a big boat then you’re better off with an F-150 or Chevy Silverado, but otherwise Ford’s smallest pickup is a good choice.

Typically, pickup powertrains are easy to describe—a couple of engine choices with RWD vs 4WD is generally it—but that’s not the case with the Maverick. The standard setup is a hybrid 2.5L four-cylinder with e-assist good for 191HP, although FWD and the dreaded continuously variable transmission (CVT) are the only way to get the base powertrain. Optional is a non-hybrid 250HP turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine mated to a (much better) 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbo can be configured with either FWD or AWD, and that along with AWD would be my choice (the turbo FWD truck is a reasonable alternative because it avoids the CVT).

All Mavericks get excellent fuel economy. Hybrid models get 42MPG City and 33MPG Highway, non-hybrids with FWD get 23MPG and 30MPG respectively, and AWD non-hybrids are 22MPG/29MPG. Those are all impressive numbers, and they easily best those of any mid- or full-size pickup on the market.

Driving the Maverick is very pleasant, especially around town and on B-roads. It’s not sporty by any means, but it at least handles, unlike full-size pickups, and, of course, it’s much easier to park than any big truck.

Naturally, interstate driving is significantly more enjoyable in a full-size pickup than in a Maverick. I’ve gone on record before stating that the Ford F-150 is just about the best interstate vehicle you can buy, and I think that’s still true.

Mavericks are available in three trims, XL, XLT, and Lariat. XL Mavericks lack many creature comforts that most buyers today expect, but it could make for a good commuter vehicle/occasional hauler. Springing for the XLT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power lock for the tailgate, power exterior mirrors and more, which predictably results in it being the most popular model. As noted above, I'd select the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for its superior acceleration and drivability. To get the Maverick's maximum towing capacity of 4000 pounds, I'd also order the Tow package.

A new Tremor Off-Road package will be available for 2023 models. The Tremor option includes more rugged exterior styling elements as well as numerous off-roading enhancements, and it can be added to either XLT or Lariat Mavericks. Only non-hybrid AWD models can be had with the Tremor package. 

In an era when the average MSRP of new cars approaches $50,000, the Maverick’s pricing is a bright spot: a stripped version stickers for around $23,000, and a loaded Lariat Tremor lists for under $35,000.

Spoiler alert: it’s doubtful that anyone can pay sticker for a Maverick right now, so unless you’re desperate, maybe wait 6-12 months.

The Ford Maverick compact pickup truck is very popular, and after driving one for a week I can see why. It provides a lot of the utility of a full-size pickup, easier parking, and much better fuel economy. I expect it to sell for over sticker and be hard to get for quite some time.