Last Updated: October 14, 2026
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2022 Ford Maverick Test Drive Review
2022 Ford Maverick – Trucks appear to get bigger with each passing year, but the 2022 Ford Maverick takes a different approach. No, this isn’t the coupe or compact sedan Ford sold in the 1970s. It is a pickup truck designed for city dwellers, first-time truck buyers, and active lifestyle enthusiasts who don’t need the size or capability of a midsize or full-size pickup. With its compact dimensions, practical cargo bed, and efficient powertrain options, the Maverick opens the door to a new kind of truck ownership.
The Maverick enters the compact pickup segment alongside vehicles such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Ford’s approach is interesting because the base model features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, front-wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Buyers who want more performance can choose the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which produces 250 horsepower, with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. This combination of efficiency, useful capability, and everyday comfort makes the 2022 Ford Maverick worth considering. We tested both powertrain options in Nashville, Tennessee, to discover how well this compact pickup performs in real-world driving.
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What’s the Difference vs. 2021 Maverick?
The 2022 Ford Maverick is an all-new model, so there is no 2021 Maverick in the same production lineup for a direct year-over-year comparison. It sits below the Ford Ranger and offers a smaller, more approachable alternative for drivers who want the flexibility of a truck without the bulk of a traditional pickup.
Its unibody construction is designed to provide a comfortable ride, while the hybrid powertrain focuses on fuel efficiency. Ford targeted an estimated 40 mpg in city driving for the hybrid model, making it particularly appealing to commuters. Actual mileage depends on driving conditions, traffic, weather, and vehicle configuration.
The Maverick also provides a useful cargo bed, practical storage solutions, and a cabin with room for passengers. Although it cannot match larger trucks in every towing or hauling situation, its combination of everyday usability and truck functionality suits many personal and recreational needs.
For drivers who spend time in busy urban areas, compact dimensions can make parking and navigating narrow streets easier. These advantages are especially relevant for people who need a vehicle for both weekday commuting and weekend projects.
Maverick Exterior
Since its debut, the Ford Maverick has attracted attention with its distinctive design. Its appearance may not appeal to everyone, but the styling gives it a recognisable identity. At the front, a horizontal element visually connects the headlights, while the tailgate features prominent Maverick lettering. The boxy body, upright stance, and practical proportions help distinguish it from conventional passenger cars.
The Maverick is available exclusively in a four-door SuperCrew configuration, offering a single cab style with seating for passengers and convenient rear-door access. This layout makes the truck useful for small families, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who regularly travel with friends.
Wheel designs and exterior details vary by trim. The XLT features 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Lariat upgrades to 18-inch alloys. The First Edition package includes black wheels and additional appearance details. The base XL trim uses 17-inch steel wheels, while its black grille, door handles, and tailgate handle give it a straightforward, practical look. The Lariat adds body-colour exterior handles for a more coordinated finish.
LED headlights improve visibility and give the front end a modern appearance. Available equipment includes a power sunroof, cargo box liner, tonneau cover, and truck bed extender. These options let buyers tailor the Maverick to their work, travel, and recreational requirements.
Ford’s Flexbed system is another useful feature. Combined with six tie-downs, it helps owners organise cargo and secure items during transportation. This flexibility can be valuable for carrying camping equipment, gardening supplies, sports gear, or materials for home improvement projects. Drivers who regularly carry bicycles or other outdoor equipment may also appreciate the ability to customise the bed to suit their needs.
When transporting bicycles or other bulky equipment, owners should secure everything properly and remain aware of surrounding traffic. Practical road awareness matters for every driver, particularly around parked vehicles and cyclists. For more information about urban road safety, see this guide on how Chubby Checker helps NYC fight dooring.
Dimensions
The Maverick’s compact size is one of its biggest advantages. Compared with the midsize Ford Ranger SuperCrew, it is approximately 11.1 inches shorter and 2.3 inches narrower. Its dimensions include a 121.1-inch wheelbase, 199.7-inch overall length, and 68.7-inch height. The maximum width, including mirrors, is listed at 83.5 inches, while the body width without mirrors is approximately 72.6 inches.
With the mirrors folded, the overall width reduces to around 77.9 inches. This can help when manoeuvring through tighter spaces, although drivers should always check clearance before entering a narrow parking area or garage.
Despite its smaller body, the Maverick offers a 4.5-foot cargo bed. The Ranger SuperCrew has a five-foot bed, so the difference in bed length is relatively modest. However, the Maverick’s cargo area is narrower between the wheelhouses, measuring 42.6 inches compared with 61 inches in the Ranger. Cargo length at the floor is approximately 54.4 inches.
These measurements matter when deciding whether the truck can accommodate specific items. Owners who frequently transport wide furniture, large construction materials, or bulky equipment should measure their loads before purchasing. For everyday shopping, smaller home projects, luggage, and recreational equipment, the Maverick’s bed can provide a useful balance between size and functionality.
Ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles vary with the powertrain and wheel configuration. With all-wheel drive and 17-inch wheels, the approach, breakover, and departure angles are listed at approximately 21.6, 21.2, and 18.1 degrees, respectively. The front-wheel-drive hybrid with 17-inch wheels has a departure angle of approximately 21.9 degrees. The AWD model offers minimum running ground clearance of around 8.6 inches.
These figures make the Maverick suitable for many everyday roads and light recreational trips, but it is not intended to replace a specialised off-road truck. Drivers should consider the terrain, tyres, load, and weather before attempting rough trails.
Weight and Practicality
The Maverick’s smaller platform also helps reduce its weight compared with larger pickups. Depending on the engine and equipment, the EcoBoost front-wheel-drive model has a reported base curb weight of approximately 3,563 pounds, while the AWD version weighs around 3,731 pounds. The front-wheel-drive hybrid weighs approximately 3,674 pounds. Exact figures can vary by configuration and installed equipment.
Lower weight can contribute to easier everyday manoeuvring and help the vehicle feel less cumbersome in urban traffic. Combined with the available hybrid system, it also supports the Maverick’s focus on efficiency rather than maximum towing capacity.
Before buying a pickup, it is important to consider how it will be used most often. Someone who mainly commutes, carries weekend equipment, and occasionally moves household items may find the Maverick’s dimensions and bed highly practical. Drivers who regularly tow heavy trailers or carry substantial loads should compare the vehicle’s published towing and payload limits with their actual requirements.
The truck’s four-door cabin also makes it suitable for social outings and short road trips. If you enjoy meeting new people or planning activities while travelling, you might also find this article about what to expect at a speed dating event in Sydney an interesting read.
Key Specifications
- Length: 199.7 inches
- Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
- Height: 68.7 inches
- Maximum width including mirrors: 83.5 inches
- Body width without mirrors: Approximately 72.6 inches
- Reported curb weight: Approximately 3,563–3,731 pounds, depending on configuration
- Cargo bed length: Approximately 4.5 feet
- Available powertrains: 2.5-litre hybrid and 2.0-litre EcoBoost
- Drive options: Front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive available with EcoBoost
Specifications may vary by trim, powertrain, equipment, and measurement method. Check the vehicle’s official documentation for exact figures before making a purchase.
Is the 2022 Ford Maverick Right for You?
The 2022 Ford Maverick offers a practical alternative for drivers who want pickup functionality without moving to a larger vehicle. Its compact size, available hybrid powertrain, four-door cabin, and flexible cargo bed make it suitable for commuting, everyday errands, and moderate recreational use.
The hybrid version is worth considering if fuel economy and city driving are priorities. The EcoBoost model may suit buyers who prefer stronger acceleration or need available all-wheel drive. In either case, the right choice depends on your regular driving conditions, expected cargo, and budget.
As with any vehicle, buyers should review safety equipment, maintenance requirements, warranty coverage, and towing and payload limits before purchasing. Drivers should also consider their local road conditions and parking arrangements. If an accident occurs, understanding your options can be helpful; this overview explains what types of personal injury cases lawyers in Florida handle.
Overall, the 2022 Ford Maverick brings a fresh perspective to the pickup market. It does not try to replace every full-size or midsize truck. Instead, it focuses on the needs of drivers who value manageable dimensions, everyday comfort, useful cargo space, and an efficient powertrain. For those buyers, the Maverick provides an appealing combination of practicality and versatility.
