Automotive
Ford revived the Maverick nameplate in the American market in 2022, but in contrast to the compact sedan from the '70s, this time it was more of an innovative fuel-efficient pickup truck.
During the summer of 2021, the American manufacturer launched the compact pickup Ford Maverick in the U.S. market. Positioned below the Ranger lineup, it differed from its larger counterparts by featuring a unibody construction rather than a body-on-frame design. Additionally, it shared its architecture with the Focus, Bronco, and Escape models. It wasn’t intended as a heavy-duty work vehicle for towing trailers or carrying construction equipment, but rather as a practical daily driver capable of handling light cargo during camping trips. Moreover, it could tow light to medium trailers depending on the engine configuration, and it offered quiet operation and excellent fuel efficiency, particularly with the standard powertrain.
The 2022 Ford Maverick showcased a flat front fascia with rectangular headlamps visually linked by a double horizontal bar that incorporated turn signal lamps on its outer edges. A large black grille dominated the rest of the vehicle’s front end, bounded by a wraparound plastic bumper at the lower section. The black, unpainted apron below was scratch-resistant, and rock slider protection was available as part of the FX4 package.
Ford constructed the 2022 Maverick using a unibody design, similar to the Honda Ridgeline or Hyundai Santa Cruz. The vehicle’s profile displayed a wedge shape with a flat hood and horizontal roofline. Behind the cabin, the automaker positioned a vertical panel that separated the passenger area from the cargo bed. The rear quarter panels were nearly flat as well. While Ford aimed to avoid a rugged appearance, they still maintained the look of a capable pickup. The automaker offered the 2022 Maverick in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The base model came with 17-inch steel wheels, while the mid-grade featured a set of 17-inch alloys. The Lariat trim boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, with an option for 17-inch wheels on vehicles equipped with the FX4 (off-road) package and all-terrain tires.
With its spacious cabin accommodating five adults, the 2022 Ford Maverick promised a comfortable driving experience. All versions included an eight-inch touchscreen mounted on top of the center stack for the infotainment system. The driver faced a combination instrument panel with large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by smaller gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. Above these, the automaker installed a 4.3-inch LCD display showing additional data from the vehicle’s onboard computer. Lariat models received a 6.5-inch digital instrument cluster. The front seats featured bolsters providing moderate side support and were separated by a center console housing the gear selector knob, a couple of cup holders, and several drive mode buttons. Additionally, the Maverick offered a wireless charging pad for mobile phones. In the rear, the bench seat could be lifted to access storage space and was wide enough to seat three passengers comfortably. The bed behind the cabin measured 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) in length, sufficient for most camping equipment.
Under its skin, the 2022 Ford Maverick offered two powertrain options. Base models came equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine operating in the Atkinson cycle. An electric motor assisted in delivering a combined output of 190 hp (191 PS), with power sent exclusively to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The other option was a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine producing 250 hp (253 PS). Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it delivered power to all four corners.
