2022 Ford Maverick Review – Setting the Standard

Ford’s Maverick small truck has been highly reviewed, including by yours truly, so when two (one of each powertrain) arrived at my door within weeks of each other earlier this year, I was curious if my original take would hold up.

Hold up indeed it did, and I came away even more impressed with the truck – though I’d still lean towards the gas engine over the hybrid in most cases. If fuel economy or a few other factors matter more to you, then go for the hybrid. Otherwise, take the gas. But we’ll get to that.

One note: I’d normally do a separate review of each model, but aside from the powertrain differences, the two trucks weren’t significantly different. Yes, one was the nicer Lariat trim, so that changes the feature mix and interior materials a bit – but otherwise the two versions are similar enough in terms of user experience that I’d just be re-writing my own copy for 80 percent of the text if I did separate reviews.

That powertrain difference does matter. As you know, the standard setup combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. The total system horsepower is 191.

As I wrote in my first drive last year, I thought the hybrid felt more ponderous than the gasser. It felt slower and not quite as responsive. Further testing confirms that assessment, but I did change my take on one aspect – I don’t think the hybrid is actually as lacking in power as I originally thought. Rather, it takes patience to let the system spool up. Kick the spurs and it will seem to drag at first, but there’s eventually enough grunt to get you moving.

Still, the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder feels more responsive in addition to being more powerful (250 horsepower/277 lb-ft). Some of that is likely because there are no hybrid machinations to worry about. But the engine just feels tuned differently than the ICE engine in the hybrid. As I said a year or so ago – the hybrid is appealing since it comes at a lower upfront cost and there’s the aspect of increased fuel economy but from a driving dynamics standpoint I’d lean towards spending more cash for the gas engine.

I also felt that the gas-powered Mav seemed to have slightly livelier and more responsive steering, despite the fact that the steering system is the same with both powertrains. So is the suspension – both have independent MacPherson strut-type with coil springs up front and a twist-beam with an integrated stabilizer bar in the rear.

Even if the hybrid was a bit less engaging in terms of handling, the Mav’s diminutive size and relatively low center of gravity still help it avoid being “truckish” in the pejorative sense. It’s a truck built for urban centers – maneuvering around the city is easy-peasy with either powertrain.

Similarly, the ride is smooth enough for commuting, with just a hint of occasional stiffness to remind you that you are in fact piloting a pickup truck.

Inside, the cabin is a bit spartan-looking, with controls that are easy to use/reach/learn and plenty of storage space. It’s a comfortable, nice place to do business. The Lariat adds some splashes of color to make things appear a bit more interesting to the eye.

The XLT I tested came standard with LED headlamps, single-zone manual air conditioning, two USB ports (1 A, 1 C), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote keyless entry, and in-car Wi-Fi. This included Equipment Group 300A (a power-locking tailgate is a highlight here). Other options included Hot Pepper Red paint, Ford Co-Pilot 360 (lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert), floor liners, and a spray-in bedliner. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost cost $1,085.

Meanwhile, the Lariat added standard features like a dual-USB port setup in the rear, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and underseat rear storage. Options included the Alto Blue paint, power moonroof, floor liners, spray-in bedliner, and Co-Pilot 360. The XLT cost $26,420 with the $1,495 destination fee while the Lariat was $29,340.

I remain impressed by Ford’s little truck. Most of my beef comes down to being uncertain about the interior aesthetic, but that’s also a matter of personal preference – and at least the controls are easy to work. Ford got this one right.

What’s New for 2022

The 2022 Ford Maverick is an all-new small pickup truck.

Who Should Buy It

Urban truck users/enthusiasts, tailgaters, and those who run to Home Depot every weekend.

[Images © 2022 Tim Healey/TTAC.com, Ford]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.