2022 Ford Maverick

Ford will offer the Maverick in three different trim levels. The entry-level XL has a black mesh grille, black door handles and a black tailgate handle, the Flexbed system, and LED headlights. Stepping up to the XLT gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, a gray grille bar, cubby storage in the bed, and power exterior mirrors with spotter glass. The top-level Lariat comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a silver grille bar, body-colored door handles, and a body-colored tailgate handle. Ford designed the Maverick's new Flexbed to maximize space and storage. It has slots in the sides, so owners can use 2x4s or 2x6s to make segmented storage spaces, and it has cargo racks. The tailgate lowers and anchors to hold extra weight, extending the bed's length to six feet.

The standard powertrain for the Maverick is a hybrid setup. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that puts out 191 horsepower and delivers 155 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, and you get a CVT. A 2.0-liter turbo gas engine is optional and produces 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine uses Ford's eight-speed automatic transmission and offers all-wheel drive.

The Maverick is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck you can drive, with an estimated EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city. Since it's a compact truck, it's easy to drive and maneuver in small areas, and it will slip into tight parking spots where you can't fit a full-size truck. When equipped with the available 4K Tow Package, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

Inside, the Maverick has cloth-covered bucket seats in the front and a flip-up bench seat in the back. Ford created some unique features in the cabin, including split armrests with a space designed to hold a one-liter water bottle and under-seat storage compartments. The Lariat upgrades the interior with synthetic leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and it adds dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Technology features start with an 8-inch touch screen, FordPass Connect with a Wi-Fi hot spot that can connect up to 10 devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two 12-volt power outlets. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is available depending on the trim.

Every Maverick model, including the entry-level XL, will come with advanced safety systems such as frontal collision alert, automatic braking, a rearview camera, and automatic high beam headlights. Some of the safety systems that Ford makes available include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, hill descent control, rear parking sensors, and evasive steering assist.