Ford’s latest electrified addition to a mostly-carless lineup is this compact pickup, the Maverick. Set to go on sale later this year with a base MSRP of $19,995 (plus mandatory $1,495 destination fee that brings its price to $21,490), the Maverick claims to be the first truck that comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. Ford announced the name’s comeback last week, as it was used in the 70s for a fuel-efficient compact coupe/sedan.
It’s packing a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with Ford’s first in-house designed electric motor, a 94kW unit that collectively pushes 191 horsepower to the two front wheels only. While that’s an unusual setup for a pickup, Ford is hardly being shy about promoting this as a vehicle for people who “didn’t know they needed a truck,” and probably previously were looking at a sedan or crossover. They are targeting an EPA-estimated 37mpg fuel consumption rating (40mpg city), that would give it 500 miles of range on one 13.8 gallon tank of gas.
For people who did know they needed a truck and probably want something more oomph and towing capability than the 2WD hybrid setup and eCVT transmission, there is an optional gas-engine version available. The gas version has a 250HP 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine under the hood and 8-speed automatic transmission, with options to add 4WD as well as specialized towing or off-road packages.
The hybrid version has a standard payload of 1,500 pounds and enough room in the bed to haul a standard ATV, and towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which Ford says is enough to pull a pair of Jet Skis or a “good size” pop up camper trailer. The gas version with the towing package (that adds a higher capacity radiator, trailer hitch receiver, and transmission oil cooler) can pull up to 4,000 pounds.
Besides the hybrid engine, the Maverick comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen in the center console that’s compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as FordPass Connect, an AT&T 4G LTE connection that can pop up a WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices with several data plans available. A number of driving assists are standard, however things like cruise control and Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 assists like lane centering and blind spot detection are optional extras.
Three trims will be available at launch: XL, XLT and Lariat. Additionally, a Maverick First Edition package will be available for the 2022 model year. Built off the Lariat trim, the First Edition includes unique exterior graphics, a gloss black roof, mirror caps and wheels (18-inches for the hybrid or unique 17-inchers for the gas model), a soft tonneau cover and body-color door handles. Three exclusive color options for the First Edition include Carbonized Gray, Area 51 (a blue hue seen on the Bronco Sport) and Rapid Red.
The 2022 Ford Maverick goes on sale in the fall of 2021, but the build and order website is live and taking reservations. Pricing starts at $19,995 before destination or any additional fees.
