There aren’t many trucks that debut and immediately change the game like the Ford Maverick did. The 2022 Ford Maverick continues to sweep the country as an attractive and affordable new option, so it’s probably no surprise that it won the 2022 MotorBiscuit Best Truck award.
Why is the 2022 Ford Maverick the best truck?
While we’ve driven tons of trucks this year, nothing like the 2022 Ford Maverick stole our attention. It stands out from the crowd by appealing to a whole different type of truck buyer. It’s compact, agile, affordable and saves fuel.
After reviewing it, giving it an official rating of 8.5, and leaving it up to the entire team, the Ford Maverick was the clear winner against major contenders like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, and GMC Sierra. .
The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid starts at $20,995. No other truck starts at less than $21,000. Plus, it gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city and up to 33 mpg highway. In the meantime, a little work is needed to get the Toyota Tundra Hybrid above 15 mpg.
Unlike larger trucks, the Maverick can maneuver in tight urban areas and tight off-road trails. It’s convenient for parallel parking and fits in crowded parking lots, while providing the added convenience of a truck.
What are the Maverick Pros?
In addition to being affordable and convenient, the 2022 Ford Maverick packs some pep in its ride. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is combined with a hybrid system to generate 191 hp and 155 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Maverick Hybrid can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, while the turbo helps it reach 60mph in 6.4 seconds. It is slightly faster than the sporty Hyundai Santa Cruz.
It’s also well-equipped to get the job done. The Maverick Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 lbs. and the turbo can tow up to 4,000 lbs. The bed measures 53.3 inches long, with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space. You can carry 4X8 sheets of plywood.
The interior is durable and easy to clean. Textured plastic and rubber flooring stands up to mud and sleet. In addition, it has a convenient design. The interior is simple and attractive, with upholstery in different shades of blue and grey. It’s not cluttered with too many buttons.
But the technology is also modern. You get a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen that’s fast and intuitive. The voice recognition software is very responsive, and the wireless phone charging pad lets you go cord-free. You can even opt for two home-style power outlets and a power rear window.
What are the downsides of the 2022 Maverick?
While the 2022 Ford Maverick is the better truck, it could still be a little better. For example, the bed is a bit limited. We know that’s the goal for a compact truck, but you’ll need a roof rack for larger gear like kayaks.
Bikes and camping gear can fit on the bed. Additionally, the rear seats fold flat against the rear of the truck to provide more cargo space as needed.
The Maverick is a bit basic. Convenience features and equipment are reserved for more expensive trim levels or only available with option packages.
For example, the sprayed bed liner comes with the Lraius Luxury package, you can only get hill descent control with the FX4 package, and blind-spot monitoring comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 package.
The Maverick could be a bit more comfortable. The interior is full of plastic and the seats are a bit stiff. The ride is bumpy and the interior is a bit noisy. But the lack of convenient features is what helps keep the price affordable.
Overall, the Ford Maverick is a complete new option that will bring a lot of new drivers to the truck market. It’s efficient, capable and attractive without the compromises that come with more prominent rivals.