The small pickup truck segment is booming. Just look at the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Ranger, and, of course, the 2022 Ford Maverick. Although this segment is getting crowded, the 2022 Ford Maverick is one of the coolest small pickup trucks there is, and Consumer Reports has laid out six reasons to prove this accolade. 

Small pickup trucks are making a real comeback 

Most major automakers are trying to get a small pickup truck in the lineup as soon as possible. This almost reminds me of the crossover scramble that started about 15 years ago. 

The 2022 Ford Maverick is gaining loads of traction from consumers and fans for being small, simple, and cheap. In fact, this Ford pickup truck model has been so popular that Ford shut down orders this week to make sure it wouldn’t get too far behind. 

According to Consumer Reports, there are six main reasons that have customers freaking out about the 2022 Ford Maverick. All of these six reasons make the Maverick one of the coolest small pickup trucks. 

How much does the 2022 Ford Maverick cost? 

The 2022 Ford Maverick starts at $19,995. In today’s market, where the average new car deal settles somewhere around $47,000, a brand-new pickup truck for $20,000 seems like a steal. If you really want to ramp up the value, take into account that this $20,000 truck also comes with a hybrid powertrain, AWD, and loads of fun and utilitarian features. 

Above all other reasons, the price tag shines brightly enough on its own to make the 2022 Ford Maverick one of the coolest small pickup trucks on the market. 

How much can the 2022 Ford Maverick tow? 

Although the base-model Maverick can only tow 2,000 lbs, a towing package is available for all-wheel drive turbo models that doubles its rating to a mighty 4,000 pounds. Granted, this is peanuts compared to the big boys, but we are talking small trucks; the metrics have to shift. 

For small adventure machines like dirtbikes, jetskis, and even a smaller camper, the Ford Maverick is ready for the challenge. This little truck is stronger than you might think. 

Is the Ford Maverick customizable? 

The 2022 Ford Maverick has a nearly endless list of accessories. As you may have noticed, the aftermarket for trucks and SUVs these days is blowing up. It seems like every new truck or SUV has piles of off-road accessories. 

Aside from those options, Ford is also encouraging Maverick owners to DIY their own accessories. Consumer Reports mentions that Ford Maverick owners will discover two QR codes placed on the vehicle–one in the bed and the other underneath the rear seat. Scanning either of them with your smartphone brings you to a section of Ford’s website full of ideas on how to create your own accessories. 

There are even extra; open access points to the wiring harness, which allows owners to plug directly into the factory wiring for easy installation for fog lights, winch, or other accessories that need 12-volt power. 

Can you really 3-D print Maverick accessories? 

Ford took the coolest small pickup truck into the future by allowing the use of 3-D printed accessories with areas designed for plug-and-play. There are “fit” slots scattered throughout the cabin. These spaces are meant to receive an extra cup holder or small receptacle. 

This simple addition might feel a bit ambiguous for now, but something tells me Ford has come up with a really smart idea for the future that will grow alongside the prevalence of 3-D printing. 

Which small pickup truck has the most storage? 

Just because the 2022 Ford Maverick is small doesn’t mean it doesn’t have tons of smart storage. Aside from the small pickup truck’s bed, the interior is loaded with negative space for you to fill with whatever your heart desires. 

One example is the side door pockets. These are usually useless little openings that can nary fit a wallet, much less anything of real size. The 2022 Maverick has enough room in this slot to hold a 32-oz water bottle and a thermos with still a little breathing room. Even the center console has been worked in such a way to fit some bigger items and, more importantly, keep smaller things like keys, phones, wallets, etc., more organized. 

According to CR, every Maverick comes standard with a rear bench seat that lifts upward to reveal substantial storage wells underneath that could be handy for tools or anything else that you may always want to carry with you that you don’t want to be exposed in the bed. 

The Maverick is loaded with fun features

Although the main objective of the Ford Maverick is utility, there are a few fun nods and winks for detail-oriented Maverick customers. 

Like the Ford Bronco Sport, there are hidden logos, engravings, and other such branding treats sprinkled throughout the cabin. But the most fun feature is the hidden bottle opener integrated near the tailgate.