Can the all-new 2022 Ford Maverick really work as a pickup truck? I put it through a battery of real-world tests at a first drive event. While these tests are not done on our home turf in Colorado, this is a great opportunity to get seat time in a variety of different new Maverick trucks at Ford’s first drive event. I get real-world 0-60 MPH results while running empty and while towing trailers in both a Maverick Hybrid and a Maverick turbo with AWD. Here is what happened.
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2022 Ford Maverick
Going into this event, I knew that this compact hybrid-powered pickup truck had a low starting price of $21,495 (with destination charges). I knew that the hybrid was expected to get 40 MPG in city driving. I did not expect the Maverick hybrid to be quick and (potentially) even more efficient than these numbers suggest.
The gas/electric powertrain packs a combined output of 191 horsepower, and I managed to see a 0-60 mph acceleration of just over 8 seconds. While the CVT (continuously variable transmission) does drone a bit a maximum throttle – this is still a respectable acceleration time for a vehicle with adequate room for five and 4.5-ft bed in the back.
On one driving loop which combined some city and highway driving, the hybrid’s trip meter reported over 44 MPG. I was unable to verify this efficiency at the fuel pump, but this result puts the initial estimate of 40 MPG in the city within easy reach.
While the hybrid is rated to tow just 2,000 lbs, it can do so comfortably and without a huge slowdown. The base Maverick XL hybrid also has a maximum payload of just over 1,500 lbs – according to the payload stickers I saw.
I also put the 250 horsepower turbocharged Maverick AWD to the same test. I did a 0-60 MPH while running empty and when towing 3,650 lbs. All-wheel-drive is only available with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This makes the Maverick a bit heavier, but also allows you to get a towing package to up to 4,000 lbs of maximum trailer-pulling capacity.
Take a look at the video below for all of this and much more. I also got to drive the Maverick with up to 1,000 lbs in the bed. I took a Maverick FX4 off-road package on a light trail that Ford designated at the event venue.
Since I live in Colorado, my favorite Maverick configuration is a Maverick XLT turbo AWD with a 4K towing and FX4 off-road packages. I prefer AWD to go through the snow. The 4K towing package provides more robust cooling for the engine/transmission and a more aggressive 3.81 rear axle ratio. The FX4 package offers more aggressive tires and front tow hooks. This configuration has an MSRP of just over $29,000.
I consider the new Maverick a small pickup truck because of its respectable payload capability, its usable bed, and a cabin for five.
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
