Ford F, -1.51 percent has unveiled the first truly small truck it has produced in a decade. The 2022 Ford Maverick has the footprint of a compact car, receives the highest fuel economy rating of any truck in America, and has a starting price of $19,995. This fall, the Maverick will be available for purchase.
At long last, small trucks have returned. Today, there are no new small trucks on the market in the United States. Ford used to make a compact Ranger, however it was discontinued after the 2011 model year, and the name was revived in 2019 for a larger midsize truck. Hyundai HYMTF, -0.08% introduced its own tiny truck, the Santa Cruz, earlier this year. It will be available for purchase later this summer. Hyundai is positioning the Santa Cruz as an adventure vehicle with a car-like ride and a practical, albeit small, pickup bed. Ford has a long history of producing tough trucks, and its fans have come to expect them. Despite this, the Maverick was marketed as “the truck for individuals who never realized they needed a truck.” Hybrid powertrain as is A hybrid powertrain is standard on the Maverick. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produce 191 horsepower when combined. The front wheels are driven by a continuously variable gearbox. According to Ford, the base setup should get 40 mpg in city driving. The allegation has not been tested by the EPA.
The Ford Maverick is a vehicle manufactured by Ford.
Ford
The Maverick has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds in its normal configuration. By pickup standards, neither figure is particularly spectacular. Still, it should be plenty for the average Maverick buyer’s weekend treks to the hardware store and camping outings. Those in need of extra power might opt for a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine. This engine comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. It has the same payload capacity as the previous model, but now has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, which is enough to tow a small boat or a weekend vacation trailer. It has the appearance of a classic Ford truck, although it is much smaller. The Maverick has apparent genetic similarities to the F-150 and Ranger. Surprisingly, its doors don’t have the same drop-down design as larger Ford vehicles for added visibility. Instead, a character line beneath the windows, in Ford’s words, “pays respect to” that design. The combined width of the headlights and grille is enough to cover the whole front fascia. The bed’s sides are totally covered in a sturdy plastic substance. “It’s designed this way to offer greater dent and ding prevention, understanding that users will load and unload the bed from the sides more frequently” than taller vehicles, according to Ford. Inside, an 8-inch central touchscreen with Apple AAPL, +1.25 percent CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard. It comes with FordPass Connect (for a monthly subscription) and Wi-Fi functionality for up to 10 devices. Users may use the FordPass Connect app to “find the truck, check the fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, and start or switch off the vehicle” from a distance. This isn’t a real truck platform. The Maverick is based on Ford’s C2 platform, which is the same chassis and unibody frame that underpins the Escape and Bronco Sport compact SUVs and crossovers. That means it isn’t a genuine ladder frame like the other of Ford’s trucks, and it may struggle to keep up off-road with the Ranger and F-150. The Maverick, on the other hand, should be able to handle most light off-road obstacles. Optional off-road equipment is offered on higher trim levels that is not available on Hyundai’s compact truck. There is seating for five people, as well as a foldable bed. The Maverick is only available in a four-door, five-seat configuration. The bed is only 4.5 feet long, which is longer than the bed of the Santa Cruz but shorter than any other vehicle on the market. Engineers attempted to make it as functional as feasible, according to Ford. According to the firm, “the team created its features after monitoring customers at home renovation and furniture stores, as well as college students moving into their dorms.” By sliding 2x4s or 2x6s into holes stamped into the side of the bed, owners can “create segmented storage, higher flooring, bike, and kayak racks, and more.” Two tie-downs, four D-rings, and built-in threaded holes in the sides allow new creations to be bolted in.” Devices or power corded tools can be charged using a 110-volt outlet in the bed and another in the cabin. The tailgate of the truck “opens normally, but also features a halfway-open position” that allows it to “hold up to 18 sheets of 48-foot 3/4-inch plywood without having to slant the panels.” “Almost any size adult can reach over and retrieve objects from the floor,” Ford claims of the Maverick. There are three trim levels. The Maverick will be offered in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Ford hasn’t said much about the differences between the three models, or about pricing beyond the sub-$20,000 starting point. A storage cubby is built into the side of the bed on XLT models, and two are available on Lariat models, according to the manufacturer. Also check out: As new car inventory becomes scarce, here are few that are nearly impossible to obtain. “Rugged all-terrain tires and suspension tuning, greater underbody protection, and off-road-focused drive modes like Mud/Rut and Sand, as well as the inclusion of Hill Descent Control” are all part of the FX4 off-road package available on XLT and Lariat models. Unique graphics on the hood and lower doors, a high-gloss black-painted roof, soft tonneau cover, and body-color door handles are part of a special First Edition package available just for the first year. The 18-inch wheels on hybrid versions are gloss black-painted and machined, while the 17-inch aluminum wheels on gas cars are distinctive. See also: In 2022, here are 15 electric cars (and trucks) to keep an eye on. Buyers now have more options. Because the Maverick is so small, it is unlikely to attract many buyers from other trucks. However, individuals who desire the functionality of a pickup truck but not the size now have two options. It’s difficult to compare the Maverick to the Santa Cruz without knowing the Hyundai’s price. However, early indications suggest that the Maverick is the more off-road competent of the two, as well as offering greater fuel economy in basic form. This story first appeared on KBB.com.
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