The 2022 Ford Maverick Wins MotorBiscuit Truck of the Year
There aren’t many trucks that debut and immediately change the game the way the Ford Maverick did. The 2022 Ford Maverick is still sweeping the nation as an attractive and affordable new option, so it’s probably no surprise that it earned the 2022 MotorBiscuit Best Truck award.
Why is the 2022 Ford Maverick the best truck?
While we’ve driven tons of trucks this year, nothing like the 2022 Ford Maverick stole our attention. It stands out from the crowd by appealing to a whole different type of truck buyer. It’s compact, agile, affordable, and fuel efficient.
After reviewing it, giving it an official rating of 8.5, and leaving it to a team-wide vote, the Ford Maverick was the clear winner against significant contenders such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Santa Cruz Toyota Tundra, Honda Ridgeline, and GMC Sierra.
The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid starts at $20,995. No other trucks start under $21,000. Plus, it gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, it takes a little work to get the Toyota Tundra Hybrid past about 15 mpg.
Unlike larger trucks, the Maverick can maneuver around tight city areas and narrow off-roading trails. It’s convenient to parallel park and fits in crowded parking lots while still providing the extra practicality of a truck.
What are the Maverick pros?
Aside from being affordable and convenient, the 2022 Ford Maverick has some pep in its step. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a hybrid system to generate 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Maverick Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, while the turbo helps it reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. It’s a smidge faster than the sporty Hyundai Santa Cruz.
It’s also well-equipped to get work done. The Maverick Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 lbs, and the turbo can tow up to 4,000 lbs. The bed is 53.3 inches long, with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It can carry 4X8 sheets of plywood.
The interior is durable and easy to clean. The textured plastics and rubber flooring stands up to mud and slush. Also, it has a convenient layout. The interior is simple and attractive, with different shades of blue and grey upholstery. It’s not cluttered by too many buttons.
But the tech is also modern. You get a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen that’s fast and intuitive. The voice recognition software is very responsive, and the wireless phone charging pad allows you to go cord-free. You can even opt for two household-style outlets and a rear power window.
What are the 2022 Maverick cons?
While the 2022 Ford Maverick is the best truck, it could still be a little better. For example, the bed is a little limited. We know that’s the point of a compact truck, but you’ll need a roof rack for larger equipment like kayaks.
Bikes and camping gear can fit in the bed. Also, the rear seats fold flat against the back of the truck to provide more cargo space as needed.
The Maverick is a little bare-bones. Convenience features and equipment are reserved for more expensive trim levels or are only available with optional packages.
For example, the spray-in bed liner comes with the Lraius Luxury package, you can only get hill descent control with the FX4 package, and blind-spot monitoring comes with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 package.
The Maverick could be a little more comfortable. The interior is filled with plastics, and the seats are a little stiff. The ride is bumpy, and the interior is a bit loud. But the lack of convenience features is what helps keep the price affordable.
Overall, the Ford Maverick is a well-rounded new option that will bring a lot of new drivers to the truck market. It’s efficient, capable, and engaging without the compromises that come with more prominent rivals.
