The "Best in Show" Ford Maverick Might Be the Pickup Truck You Didn't Know You Needed
Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 3 min read
Ford
is reviving its Maverick name for its new small pickup truck
, which was recently named the 2021 Chicago Auto Show ‘Best in Show’ winner by Cars.com
in July. The car show was the first major one in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic, and it was also the first chance to see
new and redesigned vehicles
in person. 
The Ford Maverick’s winning features
The 2022 Ford Maverick, Ford’s all-new compact pickup truck, made its global debut at the car show, and impressed car reviewers with its unique interior details and functional design details.
The Maverick will be available in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims when it goes on sale in the fall. It will come standard with front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.
The truck has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, a 2,000-pound towing capacity—but with a $745 tow package upgrade, it increases its towing capacity to a maximum 4,000 pounds. The Ford’s Flexbed also provides organization and cargo solutions.
According to Ford, the Maverick can also deliver up to 40 mpg in the city.
Reviewers also liked the compact pickup truck because its front and rear seating areas are comfortable, and from the driver’s seat it feels like a small crossover—appealing to those who haven’t considered any small pickup trucks before.
Another appeal of the truck is that with its starting price of $21,490, it manages to be reasonably priced while still containing conventional buttons with a touchscreen and bright instrument panel.
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The appeal of the small Ford truck
The reviewers from Cars.com point out that the 2022 Ford Maverick is great for those who prefer pickup trucks, but it’s also a good option to others who haven’t even considered a pickup truck until now.
In fact, Cars.com says the 2022 Ford Maverick has comparable fuel economy to a small SUV or a compact sedan, with additional utility.
The compact pickup truck is a class of vehicle that hasn’t existed in a while, so this one could be a viable choice for a wide range of car shoppers—not just those who have been waiting for a compact pickup truck, according to the review.
In fact, the reviewers said they would have been fine with an even smaller interior because of the truck’s other positive features, but they pointed out that the interior is actually as comfortable as a mid-size pickup truck.
Other features of the 2022 Ford Maverick
The 2022 Ford Maverick has a 4.5-foot bed that has a 12-volt power point, with a 110-volt outlet offered as an option, according to
Car and Driver
. The Maverick’s base powertrain is hybrid, with all trims coming standard with a 2.5-liter four cylinder assisted by an electric motor for a combined 191-hp.
All Ford Mavericks come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There will be several driver-assistance features offered on an option package or more expensive trim.
Upgrading to the XLT version adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power lock for the tailgate and power exterior mirrors, among other features.
Other key safety features include standard automated emergency braking and available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.
