As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time for various publications and sites to do their year-end roundups. For TrueCar, that means analyzing data, like which truck was the most searched for. If you’re familiar with today’s automotive market, the answer to that question isn’t all that surprising. The most searched vehicle on TrueCar in 2022 was the Ford Maverick pickup. A small truck that’s so popular it’s almost like you can’t buy one.
Why is the Ford Maverick popular?
As Ford’s small truck, the Maverick has an affordable starting price, solid fuel efficiency and a practical design. All of these things come together to make a compact truck that people are seriously interested in. The 2022 Ford Maverick is even good enough to win over drivers in other segments.
Another advantage of the Ford Maverick is that it is a hybrid truck. Sure, a more powerful turbocharged engine is available, but it seems people want the benefits of a hybrid. And with the Maverick, that’s the standard powertrain. You can’t get it with all-wheel drive, though, and that’s a bit unnerving.
The Maverick is at home in the city.
According to TrueCar, this compact truck is a truck the size of a city. It’s still practical, but you don’t have to deal with the size of something like a Ford F-150. And to be frank, that could be a good thing.
Apparently most truck owners don’t actually do truck stuff with their vehicles. The main selling point is the feeling of freedom and the idea that you have a capable ride. With the Maverick, you get the benefits of a truck and even some off-road capability, but it doesn’t cost as much. You’ll also see some savings at the pump thanks to less weight and more efficient motors.
Why can’t you buy a Ford Maverick?
If you’ve been interested in the 2022 Maverick or 2023 Ford Maverick, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not that easy to shop for. The Blue Oval has been hit hard by supply chain issues, and the demand for this little truck is simply huge.
Almost as soon as orders for the 2023 Maverick opened, it seemed like they were closed. Because of that, you may have trouble finding one. So it makes sense that people are looking for this vehicle on TrueCar. You can’t really buy one at a Ford dealer, leaving online shopping as the best option.
Ford’s little truck is legit.
Although the Ford Maverick is small, it is a real truck. It rides on a unibody platform that is shared with models like the Ford Bronco Sport. But Ford has given it some good capability. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped and even has some off-road packages.
Of course, one of the biggest advantages is the price. With an MSRP of around $20,000, you don’t have to break the bank. Now what you actually pay for will be a different story. Dealers and sellers are branding these trucks. So unless you ordered directly from Ford, you’ll probably pay more than the sticker price.