This 1 Polarizing Pickup Truck Is TrueCar’s Most Searched New Car of the Year
As 2022 comes to a close, it’s time for various publications and sites to do their year-end wrapups. For TrueCar, that means combing through data, like what the most searched truck was. If you are familiar with the current automotive market, the answer to that question is not that surprising. The most searched vehicle on TrueCar in 2022 was the Ford Maverick pickup. A small truck that is so popular it’s almost like you can’t buy one.
Why is the Ford Maverick popular?
As Ford’s small truck, the Maverick has an affordable starting price, solid fuel efficiency, and a practical design. All of these things come together to make a compact pickup that folks are seriously interested in. The 2022 Ford Maverick is even good enough that it has won over drivers from other segments.
Another perk of the Ford Maverick is that it is a hybrid truck. Sure, a more powerful turbocharged engine is available, but it seems like folks want the benefits of a hybrid. And with the Maverick, that is the standard powertrain. Although, you can’t get it with all-wheel drive, and that is a bit of a head-scratcher.
The Maverick is at home in the city
According to TrueCar, this compact pickup is a city-sized truck. It’s still practical, but you don’t have to deal with the size of something like a Ford F-150. And to be frank, that might be a good thing.
Apparently, most truck owners don’t actually do truck things with their vehicles. The main selling point is the feeling of freedom and the idea that you have a capable ride. With the Maverick, you get the benefits of a truck bed and even some off-road capability, but it does not cost as much. You will also see some savings at the pump thanks to less weight and more efficient engines.
Why can’t you buy a Ford Maverick?
If you’ve been interested in the 2022 Maverick or the 2023 Ford Maverick, you have likely noticed that it’s not that easy to buy. The Blue Oval has been hit hard with supply chain issues, and the demand for this small truck is simply massive.
Nearly as soon as orders opened for the 2023 Maverick, it seemed like they were shut. Because of that, you may have trouble finding one. So, it does make sense that folks are searching for this vehicle on TrueCar. You can’t really buy one at a Ford dealership, leaving online shopping to be the better option.
Ford’s small truck is legit
Even though the Ford Maverick is small, it is a real truck. It does ride on a unibody platform that is shared with models like the Ford Bronco Sport. But Ford has given it some good capability. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it even has some off-road packages.
Of course, one of the biggest perks is the price. With an MSRP of around $20,000, you don’t have to break the bank. Now, what you actually pay will be a different story. Dealerships and sellers are marking these trucks up. So, unless you ordered directly from Ford, you’ll probably pay more than sticker price.
