It’s no secret that the 2022 Ford Maverick is one of the hottest compact trucks on the market. It has been so popular in fact, that you can no longer order one until banks for the 2023 Maverick are opened. Recently, this compact pickup won yet another award. This time, from J.D. Power. The publication put the Maverick up against some of the competition to see how owner satisfaction was doing. And the 2022 Maverick placed in the top three. 

What is the J.D. Power APEAL Study?

The APEAL Study is conducted by J.D. Power to measure owner satisfaction with their vehicle. The study pertained to 2022 models and those who were surveyed had owned their vehicle for at least 90 days. 

Nearly 85,000 individuals participated in the 2022 U.S. APEAL Study, and 37 key attributes were considered. In terms of what segment the Ford Maverick was in, J.D. Power compared it against vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz as well as larger, mid-size trucks. In future studies, that placement could change. 

How did the 2022 Ford Maverick place?

According to Ford Authority, the 2022 Santa Cruz ranked top in the J.D. Power APEAL Study, but the 2022 Maverick did make the top three. This ranking does make sense. Ford’s small truck has been a huge success for the brand, winning among first-time truck buyers, young buyers, and even small business owners. 

Part of the reason for this success might be the Maverick’s affordable pricing. The base model costs around $20,000, which is comparable to a compact car and not a traditional truck in terms of cost. This small pickup also features a standard hybrid engine, and some drivers have even reported the 2022 Ford Maverick achieving 50 mpg. 

Is the Maverick a good pickup?

Coming at the top of the APEAL Study is not the first award the 2022 Ford Maverick has won. And if sales are any indication, buyers seem to think that this is a practical and usable vehicle. When properly equipped, Ford’s small truck can tow up to 4,000 lbs. And, there is even an available turbocharged engine for additional power. 

Other notable features include some light off-roading ability. Through the FX4 Off-Road package, the Maverick becomes a small off-road truck. But, it is worth noting that you must opt for the turbocharged engine as well as all-wheel drive. Plus, it is only available on the Maverick XLT and Maverick Lariat. 

Should you buy the 2022 Ford Maverick?

Unfortunately, if you are interested in the 2022 Maverick, you might have difficulty purchasing one. This truck is no longer available for order, and dealerships are marking up what limited supply they have. 

However, there is some good news. The 2023 Ford Maverick will go on sale later this year. And hopefully, Ford has figured out how to properly ramp up production of this small pickup. Once orders do open, it will likely be a good idea to act quickly. That way, you don’t miss out on Maverick ownership.