Ford is set to offer a compact new hybrid truck later this year called Maverick, which costs just $19,995, targets 40mpg in the city, and can travel 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
The Ford Maverick offers 1,500 pounds of payload capacity (and up to five passengers) and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. It achieves this through the combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain and an electric motor to offer 115-lb.ft of torque and 191 horsepower. If you need to tow more, Ford offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine upgrade which doubles the towing weight to 4,000 pounds.
Inside you’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen with support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect and an embedded modem and Wi-Fi allows up to 10 devices to connect through the vehicle if desired, although there is an associated charge for access. There’s also automatic emergency braking and automatic high beam headlamps offered as standard features through Ford Co-Pilot360.
Ford says the unibody design Maverick is the “first pickup in America with a standard full-hybrid powertrain” and enjoys a fuel economy that beats a Honda Civic. The 4.5-foot FLEXBED at the rear offers a generous amount of room for carrying cargo, but can also be tweaked to create “segmented storage, elevated floors, bike and kayak racks and more by sliding 2x4s or 2x6s into slots stamped into the side of the bed.”
Although the Maverick starts at a budget-friendly $19,995, three trim levels will be offered called XL, XLT, and Lariat. An FX4 package allows both the XLT and Lariat trims to be upgraded to all-wheel drive including all-terrain tires, tuned suspension, and more underbody protection. There’s also additional drive modes and hill descent control included. Expect all trim levels and options to be available in the fall when the 2022 Ford Maverick launches, although it’s possible to reserve one from today.
