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The 2022 Ford Maverick XLT is a compact truck that is changing the way people think about hybrid vehicles. It comes with legitimate efficiency along with the perks of having a pickup truck bed. Which has led the Maverick to have immense popularity among the general public. While the base trim of this compact truck is fairly sparse, the XLT trim brings some more features to the table. And that is something that many buyers are likely to appreciate, especially when the affordable price of the Maverick is considered.

Is the Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid a good truck?

A pair of Ford Maverick trucks drive in an urban environment.
2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

The Maverick XLT Hybrid has a number of features that make it a good truck to buy. First, it comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. Because of this, the model boasts serious efficiency which has the potential to save you money at the pump. And, while the hybrid engine is only available with front-wheel drive, it is still something that we consider worth buying.

With the hybrid engine, buyers will not be getting the same level of power as the available turbocharged engine. But, the hybrid does generate a combined power output of 191 horsepower. Another potential downside is that the hybrid engine is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission,) which is not the same as a traditional automatic transmission. According to Car and Driver, the transmission does not completely compromise the driving experience.

The Maverick XLT is affordable

A Ford Maverick pickup truck pulls a trailer on a waterfront road.
2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

The 2022 Maverick XLT Hybrid has a starting cost of just $22,360. This makes it much cheaper than the typical new truck, where models can easily hit over $50,000. This affordability helps to make the Maverick XLT an affordable pickup without having to break the bank. Plus, buyers still get the benefits of a hybrid vehicle. 

When equipped with the 2.5-liter hybrid engine, the 2022 Maverick can tow up to 2,000 pounds. It can also handle up to 1,500 lbs of payload. This means this is a small truck that offers real utility. 

Should you buy the XLT version of this truck?

For those who do not want to shell out for the Maverick Lariat but do want something nicer than the base model, the 2022 Ford Maverick XLT is a worthy contender. Especially when it is equipped with the hybrid engine. It boasts 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, which is ample power for such a compact pickup truck. 

Like other Maverick trucks, this vehicle can seat up to five passengers and has a usable interior. This means the 2022 Ford Maverick can fulfill a variety of automotive roles with ease. That is if you can find one. Currently, Ford has paused most orders of the Maverick, with plans to reopen them for the 2023 model year. So, currently, you can not place a custom order of this pickup truck. 

If you are lucky, you may be able to find a new Maverick available at a dealership. But that takes away the ability to customize what equipment you want and what components you are not crazy about.