It’s that time of year when automotive publications pick their best cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Drive not only selected the best SUV, car under $40,000 and EV, but it chose the best overall vehicle for the year. Surprisingly, the best car of 2022 is a truck, specifically the 2022 Ford Maverick. What made the team of experts bestow this honor on the entry-level truck? Are compact and affordable trucks the future?
The best car of 2022, according to The Drive
According to unit, the best car of 2022 is the Ford Maverick. As an American publication, it’s no surprise that trucks are valued more than any other type of vehicle. However, we have to agree that Maverick is changing the game. Starting at just $21,490, the Ford pickup offers owners “truck” features for less than a Honda Civic.
Not to mention, the standard hybrid powertrain makes it the fuel-efficient truck we’ve all been waiting for. How many buyers don’t get a truck they would use often because it’s expensive or has terrible gas mileage on average? Ford’s latest compact truck offering has solved some common problems, and others will follow suit.
Why is the Ford Maverick the best?
Although it’s called a pickup, the Ford Maverick wasn’t built to compete with the F-150, Ram 1500, or Chevy Silverado. It’s not even meant to compete with smaller alternatives, like the popular Toyota Tacoma. As The Drive put it, “It’s more of a truck bed-equipped alternative to things like Civics and Corollas, all while bringing the former down, believe it or not, when it comes to base price.”
Creating an affordable and drivable car-like truck is perfect for today’s automotive market. Drivers who bought a midsize truck, or even an F-150, for its ease of use are no longer forced to pay a high price at the dealership and the gas station. According to TD’s review, the Maverick handles well, has a roomy front seat, can tow up to 4,000 pounds, and has a 54-inch bed that’s longer than its closest rival (the Hyundai Santa Cruz). Finally, customization is at the forefront with all the possibilities of 3D printing for accessories.
is changing the game
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We as consumers aren’t the only ones to notice how good the Ford Maverick is. Providing an affordable yet serviceable pickup truck was a game changer for Ford and other automakers. Also, it helped to see every Maverick model sold out in a matter of minutes for about two years. It was only a matter of time before competitors got the same idea. Currently, the closest rival is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is more expensive, doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain, and (a negative for most truck buyers) a Hyundai.
As a result, we’re not surprised to see other major truck manufacturers join in on the fun. For example, the Ram Dakota and the Toyota RAV4 Pickup come to dethrone the Ford Maverick. Both are rumored to come as affordable, entry-level compact trucks that will compete against the Maverick. Like it or not, the Ford model was a game changer for trucks going forward, and that’s worth acknowledging.
The Drive: The best car of 2022 is the Ford Maverick
In conclusion, the best car of 2022 is the Ford Maverick, according to The Drive. When this publication ranked their many vehicles, one stood out more than the rest. An entry-level compact pickup that costs less than most sedans but still provides towing/hauling capabilities is sure to catch the eye of any buyer. Add in a hybrid powertrain and phenomenal fuel economy during some of the highest gas prices America has ever seen, and you’ve got the perfect truck.