There’s 1 Compact Pickup Truck That’s Actually Better Cheaper
Wouldn’t it be amazing if the best version of everything was always the cheapest? We hardly ever get that lucky as consumers. However, once in a while, an excellent product comes along and makes its best version shockingly affordable. Surprisingly, there’s one compact pickup truck that’s better cheaper. Have you seen the all-new fuel-efficient 2022 Ford Maverick?
Compact pickup trucks are taking over
Compact pickup trucks are taking over the pickup world. We’ve had plenty of excellent full- and mid-size options for years, but compact models are few and far between. Now, buyers have two fantastic choices in the 2022 Ford Maverick and 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz is the pricier of the two and aimed at the lavish commute more than the rugged pickup truck lifestyle.
Contrarily, the Ford Maverick is more of a wildcard than any pickup we’ve seen in a while. It’s got brand-new features, an incredibly fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, and more. The best part? It starts at around $20,000, making it the most affordable new truck on the market today. As InsideHook so eloquently put it, “the Maverick sets out to make it cheap and make you like it.”
The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat is nice but expensive
InsideHook recently spent some time with a top-level Maverick Lariat. This model comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Moreover, the pair only come together, with the other options being a hybrid engine and front-wheel drive. The Maverick’s fuel economy drops to 22 city mpg and 29 highway mpg when equipped with the turbocharged engine selection. Although those are great numbers for the truck segment overall, it’s nothing compared to the hybrid Maverick engine.
Next, the publication’s review vehicle came with leather upholstery and the Lariat Luxury Package. This package includes excellent features like adaptive cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, and a better infotainment system. Finally, the truck was capped off with the 4K towing package and FX4 off-road package, topping it out for just over $36,000. The highest two Santa Cruz trims are more expensive than the fully loaded Maverick. However, the Maverick can tow and haul more and isn’t missing much overall.
Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maverick Lariat aren’t worth the price
What’s better than the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick Lariat? A base model Maverick that costs less than $25,000. After all, the compact pickup is designed to be a “cheap pickup truck,” so is it worth it to pay so much more for the Lariat trim with all the extras? While the Sync 3 infotainment and digital dashboard in the Lariat are excellent, they aren’t essential.
In addition, plastic panels and many features are noticeably made of cost-cutting materials. These are far less luxurious to the touch than the Santa Cruz’s high-quality interior. However, the cheaper version of the Maverick uses the same structure, so why not pay less? A 2022 Ford Maverick’s interior is comfortable and of decent quality, costing roughly $10,000 less than the most expensive version and even less than Hyundai’s compact pickup.
A cheaper 2022 Ford Maverick is the better compact pickup truck
Whatever you need from a compact pickup truck, the Maverick offers it. The low price feels like a steal with an incredible range of features, equipment, and surprising capability. While the 4.5-foot bed might not compete with full-size pickups, it’s much better than an SUV’s storage space, especially when the Maverick offers similar or better fuel economy.
The most affordable Ford Maverick models aren’t going to win towing competitions or off-road races. However, it’s an excellent daily commuter with enough space for a mountain bike or other sizeable cargo. Most importantly, the fuel economy is next-level, especially in the pickup truck segment. It’s the perfect option for someone needing truck capability as a daily driver.
Let’s face it; most people don’t buy a truck for work anymore. If you’re not hauling sheets of plywood and lumber regularly, you probably don’t need a massive bed and or engine. That’s why the cheaper versions of the Maverick are the perfect compact pickup trucks for anyone on a budget. The 2022 Ford Maverick is the only compact pickup truck that’s better cheaper.
