Fordhas resurrected a moniker from its largely forgotten 1970s compact car for itsnewest pickup truck: the 2022 Maverick. Based on the Ford Escape small SUV(which additionally supplies the architecture for the Bronco Sport), theMaverick is a small pickup truck that slots below the Ranger and the F-150 inFord's lineup.
Itsunibody construction differs from the Ranger's and F-150's classicbody-on-frame construction, but the Ford Maverick pickup still delivers someimpressive tow ratings. It also has lower pricing and a more nimble size thanits larger siblings. This makes the Maverick a solid choice if you want theversatility of a pickup but don't need all of the capability offered by amidsize or full-size truck.
Alsoof note: The Ford Maverick can be a hybrid. It comes standard with a 2.5-literfour-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined 191horsepower. The EPA estimates this Maverick will get 37 mpg combined (42city/33 highway), which is considerably better than other pickups. If you'relooking for more power and a more traditional driving experience, there's anoptional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 hp.
Andwhat about doing pickup-type stuff? Well, there's a 1,500-pound payload acrossthe lineup regardless of engine. That's respectable even bymidsize-pickup-truck standards. Tow ratings are impressive too, at least whenyou consider the Maverick's small size. Maximum towing capacity is up to 2,000pounds with the hybrid powertrain and as much as 4,000 pounds with the turbo2.0-liter engine and optional towing package.
TheFord Maverick may be small, but it's no city runabout. From the way it drivesto its few-frills interior, the Maverick feels like a truck first and foremost.This is a compact pickup for towing and hauling with confidence —just at a smaller size and lower price point than other trucks on the market.Check out our test team's Expert Rating to get our full evaluation of the new Maverick'sperformance, capabilities and more.
