Ford’s new Maverick small pickup is here, and it’ll go on sale in the fall starting at $21,490. A hybrid powertrain and front-wheel drive are standard, targeting 40 mpg in the city, though a nonhybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter is also an option and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Most Car and Driver editors went the all-wheel-drive route, and our prices ranged from around $24,000 to over $32,000. Using Ford’s online configurator, this is how we’d buy the new Maverick:
Joey Capparella’s $24,045 2022 Ford Maverick XLT
The best thing about the Maverick is that it’s cheap, but the XL model is a bit too base for even me—a noted base-model enthusiast. Plus, the midlevel XLT is still remarkably affordable and comes with desirable equipment such as cruise control, 17-inch wheels to replace the XL’s steelies, and nicer cloth upholstery for the seats. I stuck with the standard hybrid powertrain for its efficiency and chose the Cactus Gray exterior paint. There were only two options I felt were necessary: $155 for a sliding rear window and $115 for a full-size spare tire (after my recent flat-tire snafu in our spareless long-term Toyota Supra, I’m not chancing it). My Maverick XLT hybrid rings in at $24,045, which is still less than the starting price for a Honda Accord. – Joey Capparella
Elana Scherr’s $25,540 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Okay, I want a cheap truck. I’m imagining this truck having been an option back when I was in art school, when we all needed a truck, but never for towing or major payload. Trucks back then were for hauling around bags of clay and plywood for plinths and large unflattering self-portraits done in oil. Also dogs and drunk friends. So I want this cheap, XL, but not hybrid, because I can’t with the CVT. I can’t. So second choice after trim is engine, and it’s the 2.0-liter turbo-four because then I get the eight-speed automatic. Color options are weak sauce. This truck would look good in green. The black is pretty sharp, but I always advocate for color, so gonna go Velocity Blue. I was going to skip the tow package, but on closer read, it gets you better cooling and a different drive ratio, and since I’m planning on all-wheel drive anyway, I’m suckered into it. Ford Co-Pilot360 I’ll pass on; I think I can handle keeping myself in the lane. I love the 17-inch steelies, so I have no sorrows about those wheels. I’m mildly tempted by the sliding rear window, but to add it I have to add Co-Pilot, so I’m afraid the dogs will have to live without their heads out the back window. My big splurge will be the $3305 for the all-wheel-drive powertrain, because as an artist, I might need to spend a weekend in a remote cabin in the snow, thinking about the wonder of nature and the soul of man. All in, my Maverick will cost me $25,540. – Elana Scherr
Connor Hoffman’s $27,995 2022 Ford Maverick XLT
My goal is to make my Maverick as rugged as possible, and the first step is selecting the nonhybrid turbo 2.0-liter engine so I can get all-wheel drive. I want the mid-grade XLT model for the cloth seats, and it’s getting painted in Area 51, which is what I’d get on a Bronco. The all-wheel-drive option costs $3305, and it’s needed to add the FX4 off-road package ($800) that adds things like unique black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain rubber, skid plates, and additional drive modes, including hill descent control. I’m skipping other packages such as the 4K Tow package, even though the FX4 package adds a trailer hitch receiver, because I probably won’t be towing with my Maverick. And I’m adding a full-size spare for $115. With only $3135 in options, this off-road-ready little pickup comes in at $27,995, which is under half the price of my dream truck, the F-150 Raptor. — Connor Hoffman
David Beard’s $32,240 2022 Ford Maverick XLT
The base XL rolling on steel wheels is appealing to me, but its limited color palette and the inability to add the off-roady bits such as tow hooks, skid plates, and the trail-pounding drive modes of the $800 FX4 package is a deal breaker to me. And as nice as the top Lariat version might be, optioning it up flirts with a modestly equipped Ford Ranger with a transfer case. That leaves me with the XLT powered by the optional 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter sending torque to all four wheels for $3305 and sprayed in Hot Pepper Red for $390. In addition to the FX4 package, the $745 tow package with its transmission cooler and the lower 3.81:1 final-drive ratio (standard with all-wheel drive is 3.63) is a no-brainer for me. While 4000 pounds isn’t much, it’s enough to pull around some motorcycles or snowmobiles. I questioned my XLT Luxury package selection, but the heated seats, steering wheel, mirrors, and remote start will pay off in the arctic months. Plus, it includes a power inverter and a spray-in bedliner. And why not have a soft folding bed cover to keep the gear dry for an extra $560? Have you even seen what salt does to carpet? Gross. Shelling out $135 for all-weather floor mats is money well spent. As is $115 for a full-size spare tire. Lastly, I’m adding the Smoker’s package for $70, not for the extra 12-volt plug, but because I can. All in, I’m at $32,240 for a trucklet that should be moderately capable. Smoke ’em if you got ’em. –David Beard
Drew Dorian’s $32,845 2022 Ford Maverick XLT
I know the Maverick is intended to be the affordable Ford truck, but I couldn’t help myself from adding a lot of options to the midrange XLT model. What can I say? I like nice things. Right off the bat I switched from the standard front-wheel-drive hybrid setup to the optional turbo four and all-wheel drive, so that added $4390 to the bottom line. I also added the 4K Tow package for $745 and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance bundle for $540. The XLT Luxury package requires a hefty $2345 outlay, but I couldn’t say no. It adds a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, body-color exterior mirrors, remote start, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a spray-in bedliner, a 400-watt power inverter, and a lot more. I chose Alto Blue for $390 because I think it perfectly complements the XLT’s Navy Pier interior scheme, which pairs dark navy blue and heather-gray seat fabric with white door inserts and orange interior accents. I also couldn’t help myself from upgrading to the optional polished aluminum 17-inch wheels. They’re the same size as the standard rollers but they cost $795. I just think they look nicer. For another $795 I splurged on the power sunroof, and for $155 I added a manual sliding rear window. After my shopping spree, my Maverick rings up at a relatively lofty $32,845. –Drew Dorian
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
