How Basic Is the 2022 Ford Maverick XL?
The 2022 Ford Maverick is a small truck that is available in three distinct trim levels. The cheapest of these is the Maverick XL. As the base Maverick, it comes on steel wheels and is devoid of a fair amount of creature comforts. But for those looking for a basic work pickup truck or who like an old-school feel, the XL model may be ideal. Especially with its starting price of $19,995. So, just how basic is this compact truck, and is it worth buying?
What is the Ford Maverick XL?
The Ford Maverick XL is the base trim of this small truck. It comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a standard hybrid engine. In fact, this is the first pickup truck to come standard with a hybrid powertrain. This gives the truck an added level of efficiency, which other trucks may not have.
The base Maverick even offers seating for up to five passengers and features a full bench seat in the back. Things like automatic climate control are not featured on this model, which for the price, can be expected.
Can the Maverick hybrid engine come with all-wheel drive?
Unfortunately, only the more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers all-wheel drive. But for just over a little over $1,000, the 2022 Ford Maverick XL can come equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, which does open up the possibility of AWD.
The turbocharged engine comes with an added price of $1,085. This engine does make 250 horsepower and 277 pound-foot of torque. In comparison, the standard hybrid engine offers 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. Also notable is the fact that the turbocharged option adds an eight-speed automatic transmission. Which some buyers may prefer in their small truck over a continuously variable transmission.
In order to add AWD, the cost is $3,305. With AWD, buyers will get a more capable truck that is ready to handle inclement weather and rugged terrain. Unlike the other two Maverick models, the XL model cannot come optioned with the FX4 Off-Road package. This means that the XL trim is better for on-road use than going off-road.
Is the 2022 Ford Maverick XL a good small truck?
Considering its cheap price, the Maverick XL is a decent truck. Its steel wheels look the part of an old-school truck, and it comes with most of what you need and nothing that you don’t. The XL model can even come with the towing package when properly equipped, which enables it to tow up to 4,000 lbs. Which is an impressive number for such a compact truck.
Other available packages include access to Ford’s safety features. This package will add things like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and even a manual rear sliding window to allow you to open up the interior of your pickup truck.
According to Car and Driver, the Maverick XL comes with a 4.5-foot bed. Which is relatively usable, and acceptable as a small truck. Plus, with a price starting at under $20,000, competing with this truck is no easy task.
