Test Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick XLT (Turbo) | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® The Daily Drive

2022 2022 Ford Maverick XLT

Class: Small Pickup

Miles driven: 213

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort	B-
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	C+
Fuel Economy	B-
Value	A-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy	B
Tall Guy	B
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	250-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Type	Turbocharged four
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	Front-wheel drive

Real-world fuel economy: 22.0 mpg

Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 23/30/26 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $23,445 (not including $1495 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($390), floor liners ($135), spray-in bedliner ($495), Co-Pilot360 safety suite ($650)

Price as tested: $26,610

 

Quick Hits

The great: Space-efficient interior; lots of cleverly designed cargo-carrying solutions; very competitive base prices

The good: Good power, clean, no-nonsense styling inside and out; easy maneuverability in tight quarters; nimble handling for a pickup

The not so good: So-so observed fuel economy, plasticky interior, firm ride; clever features or not, a 4.5-foot cargo bed can only carry so much

 

CG Says:

For 2022, Ford introduces an all-new pickup truck for 2022 that’s significantly smaller than other “compact” pickups like Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma. Compared to other Ford trucks, the Maverick is roughly 10 inches shorter overall than the Ranger, and 32 inches shorter overall than the F-150. Unlike those and other traditional pickup trucks, Maverick is a unibody design that doesn’t have a separate bed and cab; the Maverick’s 5-passenger, four-door crew-cab body is integrated seamlessly with the bed. The standard drivetrain is a hybrid setup that combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. Together they produce 191 horsepower, which is channeled through a CVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Also available is a non-hybrid 250-horsepower “EcoBoost” 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic transmission; this combination is offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An optional FX4 package for AWD models adds off-road-focused gear such as all-terrain tires, unique suspension tuning, additional underbody protection, and hill descent control.

The Maverick is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. An inaugural-year First Edition package for the Lariat includes unique paint and graphics, a soft tonneau cover for the bed, and special wheels and tires. Payload capacity on all models is 1500 pounds, with a 2000-pound tow rating. An optional 4K Tow Package for EcoBoost-powered models raises the tow rating to 4000 pounds. The pickup bed is 4.5 feet long and features Ford’s FLEXBED system, which is designed to allow users to easily customize their load-carrying setup. Standard infotainment features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, with available FordPass Connect Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. Available safety features include the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Maverick’s only real rival for now is the new-for-2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which also has unibody construction, a four-door crew-cab body, and front-wheel drive. Besides the Maverick’s uniqueness, its low base prices, frugal hybrid powertrain, and innovative cargo solutions should make it an appealing choice for buyers who seek a versatile hauler in a trim, economical package.

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Having tested a Maverick with they hybrid powertrain earlier, we were eager to spend some time with a turbocharged example. Perhaps counter to expectation, we found the hybrid drivetrain to be the smoother of the engine options, and have to respect the almost nearly 40 mpg we saw with the latter. That said, the “EcoBoost” turbocharged engine provides plenty of sporty and useful power, and will certainly appeal to performance-hungery small-truck shoppers.

First Look: 2022 Ford Maverick (on standard steel wheels)

What the XLT cabin lacks in premium materials it makes up for with modern design and plenty of functional storage options. From the outside, the Maverick presents as a much-more expensive vehicle, adding to the small pickup’s appeal. For more on the Maverick drive experience, click here.

Plug-in Perspective: Electric Pickup Trucks in Profile

We suggest going with the super-frgual–and adequately powerful–hybrid drivetrain, but completely understand why you might want the additional power of the turbo. That said, we strong recommend you test drive both.

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2022 Ford Maverick XLT Gallery

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Test Drive: 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat (Hybrid)

2022 Ford Maverick XLT

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