After seeing reactions to the new Ford Maverick, it’s clear that this little truck is one big deal. The 2022 Ford Maverick is a show stopper, and people keep trying to get a closer look. Someone even entered my driveway to look in the driver’s side window and see the interior. 

The 2022 Ford Maverick is bigger than expected 

I’m currently enjoying a week with the 2022 Ford Maverick and didn’t realize exactly how much people are interested in this compact truck. It seems like I can’t park it without being asked tons of questions. Which is fine, I’ll talk about this truck all day!

Here is what people want to know: 

1. What is it/is that the Ford Ranger? 

The Ford Maverick is a new truck. It’s a compact option that’s about a foot shorter than the Ford Ranger. It also sits lower to the ground. 

2. How much can the Maverick tow? 

When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs. 

3. Is it four-wheel drive? 

No, the Ford Maverick isn’t a 4×4, but it can be equipped with all-wheel drive. However, the hybrid variant can’t be equipped with AWD. 

4. Is it like the Toyota Prius of trucks? 

No, the Ford Maverick isn’t like the Toyota Prius. While the hybrid powertrain saves fuel, the Maverick is fast and fun to drive. The Prius is a little slow. 

5. How much the Maverick cost? 

You can get started in a Maverick for about $20,000. This is for the hybrid model without AWD. The First Edition Lariat that I’m spending time with is $33,000. 

The last and most important question is how do I like the Ford Maverick. I will provide an in-depth review in a few days, but I can provide a few first reactions. 

The Maverick is like the Ford Escape 

This is a no-brainer, but the 2022 Ford Maverick feels like the Ford Escape. I just had the Escape a week before the Maverick, so it’s fresh in my mind for comparison. Plus, these vehicles share a lot of parts like the same platform, engines, tech, and more. 

The Ford Escape and the Ford Maverick have the same digital gauge cluster display with the same driving modes. Except the Maverick does come with a tow/haul mode. Both options have a slippery mode and a snow mode. 

Both the Escape and Maverick are pretty agile and fun to drive around town. But the Maverick does feel a bit heavier. Also, the Maverick has more responsive and confident brakes than the Escape. The Escape I had was the PHEV, so the brakes regenerated energy. That’s why they feel a bit squishier. 

The Maverick has neat storage solutions 

If you need to put tools in the 2022 Ford Maverick, then you won’t have any trouble. The center console is pretty large, and innovative cubbies are throughout the cabin. There are even four cup holders in the front. 

With the Maverick Lariat First Edition, you get additional under-seat storage in the rear. The seats flip up, providing room for extra gear. The surfaces are covered in durable plastic, allowing you to store wet and muddy items. 

The First Edition also has a foldable tonneau cover on the back of the bed. I’ll be seeing how easy it is to remove. It protects gear from snow and rain. Plus, the bed has storage cubbies on the side for even more equipment. 

The 2022 Maverick is a little loud 

The 2022 Ford Maverick will not provide a luxury, quiet interior and Edmunds agrees. It’s affordable and lacks sound dampening materials. You can hear wind and road noise at highway speeds, but it’s not too distracting. 

Also, the turbo engine is pretty loud. You can hear the surge in RPMs as you accelerate around ordinary neighborhood streets at regular speeds. Putting it in Sport mode makes it a little louder. Eco mode is the quietest setting. 

As I learn more about this truck’s performance and capabilities, I’ll keep y’all updated. Overall, it seems clever, cost-efficient, and fun. Sure, it’s a little loud, and the ride can be bumpy, but that’s part of the fun with a compact truck.