There is a reason why the 2022 Ford Maverick costs under $20,000. We aren’t calling this little truck cheap, but remember that you get what you pay for. While the Ford Maverick does include tons of value, the cost-cutting corners are pretty obvious. 

How the Ford Maverick creates savings 

You can get started in the 2022 Ford Maverick for $19,995. There hasn’t been a truck this cheap in years! We celebrate the fact that there is a low-cost option out there now. But also, it’s only five dollars short of $20,000, so it feels a little sneaky. 

Also, this is the MRSP or the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. It’s the price that Ford recommends for their stores to sell their product. So, it doesn’t include the destination fees or dealership markups. 

If this little truck is in high demand, like the Ford Bronco Sport, then we might see the price increase. But let’s see how they kept the price so low for now. 

Where the 2022 Maverick cuts costs 

According to Autoweek, the base model for the 2022 Ford Maverick is pretty bare bones. The interior doesn’t try to hide the fact that it’s an entry-level vehicle. You can tell that it has a lower price point to add more utility. 

That being said, the Autoweek team shared that the interior heavily relies on plastics that don’t try to emulate leather. But it feels fine, and more frequently touched areas are covered in soft fabric. Also, the door panels are specifically designed to store massive water bottles. 

The base model sits on 17-inch steel wheels that have been painted silver. It provides a reminiscent look to older budget-friendly options. 

On a positive note, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard. But forget about voice commands and other tech that’s commonly found in other options. 

Not many safety features come standard. You get automated emergency braking, but lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, basic cruise control, and adaptive cruise control are optional. 

The Maverick saves by limiting power 

The 2022 Ford Maverick comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor generate 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This is excellent for saving fuel. 

However, this engine can’t be paired with all-wheel drive or the towing package. So you’ll have to pay to upgrade to the 2.0-liter inline-four engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Also, you’ll need to add AWD and the tow package. 

Upgrading to the more powerful engine costs $1,085, AWD is about $3,305, and the tow package costs $745. So, you’re looking at adding thousands of dollars to be able to tow up to 4,000 lbs and handle slippery conditions. 

But the MAverick still features a 4.5-foot bed that can fit up to 18 sheets of 4×8 three-quarter-inch plywood. It can also carry a payload of up to 1,500 lbs with the hybrid powertrain. 

The Ford Maverick is tiny but mighty. If you want to save with a basic truck for limited hauling and towing needs, that’s great. The innovative truck bed has tons of storage solutions. But equipping the Maverick to be stronger and nicer can quickly raise the price.