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I figured it's about time that I post my one-year ownership review of my 2022 Ford Maverick. I ordered in mid-September 2021 and took delivery in mid-March 2022, exactly a half-year wait. Not too bad considering many others on here have waited much longer or are waiting to this day!
Overview:
Model Year: 2022
Trim: Lariat
Color: Area 51
Options: Lariat Luxury Package, FordCoPilot360 Package
Accessories: Front Window Tint, Bug Guard, Mud Flaps, Truxedo Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover, White "MAVERICK" Tailgate Overlays, LED Third Brake Light/Cargo Light Conversion
Driving Experience:
I figured I'd appropriately start off with the driving experience since that's what's most important when purchasing a vehicle. Considering the Maverick is derived from the C2 platform that underpins the Escape, Bronco Sport, and even the Focus that we don't get in the U.S. anymore, it has all of the comfort and handling dynamics of a sedan/small crossover. Steering feel is very well-weighted while being tight and zippy when necessary such as parking lots or u-turns. When pushed aggressively, there is some body lean since it is slightly top-heavy from having an upright, boxy cab. However, in normal circumstances, it is barely noticeable. It will take corners fairly well for being a pickup. It's a truck that you can toss around and not have to worry so much about a roll-over. I choose to drive in Normal mode since that's this truck's sweet spot. Every so often, I'll pop it into Eco Mode if I have a load in the bed and don't want to drive too fast. Or I'll briefly put it in Sport Mode when merging on the highway. I'll turn it off as soon as I'm merged because it will hold those revs and put more unnecessary strain on your engine. Sport Mode isn't needed most of the time because this 2.0L Turbo is very peppy! It gets you up to speed in no-time with very minimal turbo lag. Having 250 h.p. on tap is more than enough for daily commuting and for a vehicle of this size. It's much more potent than my previous Tacoma which was an absolute slug!
Comfort:
Driving this vehicle long-distance or for out-of-town trips is no hassle. The seats are well-padded and have adjustable lumbar (for the driver's side) to get just the right setting. I never feel achy or wanting to stretch after a long trip. Being faux leather, they look good, are pretty absorbent from UV rays thanks to the Desert Brown color, and are easy to clean. All I have to do is wipe it with a damp towel and they're good to go. Having the luxury package, they're also heated which comes in handy after standing up all-day from work. A heated steering wheel is also included which I've used for some of those cold snaps in the morning. Headroom is not an issue thanks to its tall and boxy greenhouse. The floor sits nice and low to stretch your legs or prop them upright which couldn't be accomplished in the Tacoma. That floor sat too high and my legs were stretched in a position that was too agonizing. The Maverick solves that which is part of the reason why I never feel achy anymore. I could drive this thing all day if I had to. The back seats are a little tight when it comes to knee room but since I'm the primary driver, it's not a concern to me. Also, I'm the only one ever in the truck with the occasional friend or family member riding passenger in the front. As a result, the back seat rarely ever gets used.
Features:
Special-ordering this truck gave me the opportunity to spec it exactly as I wanted it. In the past, I've always had to compromise on whatever was on the lot. Once the pandemic hit, this lead to major inventory shortages so if someone really wanted a vehicle, it would either have to be what's available or wait patiently for a special order. I chose to special order and don't regret it in the slightest. I got all the options except for the FX4 package and sunroof. I would have no use for the options on the FX4 and the sunroof I would never use being in sticky hot Florida and it's one more component to break. Not to mention it robs some headroom and removes the sunglasses holder which a deal-breaker. However, I did opt for the Luxury Package which includes the aforementioned heated seats, heated steering wheel, power driver's seat, wireless charging pad, remote start, intelligent access with keypad, etc. I've always wanted a vehicle with intelligent access so I can just hop in and hop out. No fumbling with keys or an ignition switch. I know some of the old-school types will bash me for that since it's more analog, detours theft, and is just more satisfying but it's all about personal preference. All of my past vehicles have had a key ignition and it's time to move onto the 21st century.
I also opted for the FordCoPilot360 package which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with AEB, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Sensors and Forward Collision Warning. All of which are put to good use every day, especially the BLIS. This is my first vehicle with this and it's such a treat. It really does help judge when to change lanes and to add that bit of reassurance. I still look over my shoulder when merging but when driving in multiple lanes of traffic, it's good to know when that orange light comes on. Setting a following distance on the highway is also a treat. Rarely do I ever have to hit the brake pedal or adjust the speed. The car does it all for me which is almost a mild version of self-driving, even though that's a bit of a stretch. I don't rely on it entirely but it does make highway driving much more tolerable. When it comes to parking lots, that Rear-Cross Traffic is super beneficial! Since people or cars tend to pop up in your blind spots, it's great to have the vehicle detect all of that for you. And with the added benefit of the parking sensors, reversing out of a spot has never been easier. I do back into my parking spots whenever I can so those parking sensors are a great judgment point so I know how exactly how far to back into one.
Styling:
I've never been in a vehicle that attracts this much attention before. Almost every time when I go out, there's always that one person or couple of people who can't help but stare at it trying to decipher what it is. Whether it's at a red light, a parking lot, or on the highway, there's bound to be someone gawking at it. Enthusiasts know what it is but most of the common public have no idea what they're looking at. It looks like nothing else on the road especially when you get an abstract color such as Area 51, Cactus Grey, Hot Pepper Red, or Cyber Orange. It's a great mix of subtlety while also being unique. The best thing is that it still looks like a truck but minimized, unlike the Santa Cruz. Also, it's more streamlined than a traditional truck. It's nice to not have that ugly gap between the cab and the bed. Having a unibody piece makes the vehicle more visually appealing IMO. Speaking of the bed, being at 4.5 feet, it can haul a fair share of cargo. I've used it countless times with furniture, yard waste, detailing equipment, and house projects. I can't say I use it all the time like I would in a full-size truck, but it's just enough to suit my needs whenever necessary. Nothing more.
Con:
No vehicle is perfect. Since the Maverick was built on a strict budget to keep that affordable pricing in check, there is bound to be a cutback. If there's one major gripe I have with it, it's the easily scratchy plastics. Almost every panel has some scratch on it which makes the vehicle look older than it should. There's just no give to it. You don't even have to touch it too hard and it'll find a way to scratch. And I'm not violently getting in and out of the car either. However, the plastic seat buckle has scratched the B-pillar trim which is understandable and can happen on any car but on the dash board? I have a sunshade that I use every day and even that found a way to put a slight scratch on the upper dash and on the passenger-side A-pillar which shouldn't happen. For being a $35K truck, the materials should've been much better considering there's cheaper alternatives that offer less scratchy plastics such as from Kia, Honda, or Toyota.
Summary:
If I could buy this truck again, I would. Don't let that con detour you which is pretty petty anyway. It's a great, cheap and economical compact pickup that our market has been craving for years. The affordability, size, features, and styling are all wonderfully executed and will offer strong resale value in the years to come. It's the best of both worlds. You get the ride and comfort of a traditional sedan/crossover with the added benefit of a pickup bed. How can you go wrong? Plus, you get something that looks a little different from the crowd which is a great thing in the days of blobby crossovers/S.U.V.s that all look the same. For anyone who is considering waiting for 2024 to order a Maverick, I would go for it. You won't regret it. I hope you enjoyed my review and thanks for tuning in.
Overview:
Model Year: 2022
Trim: Lariat
Color: Area 51
Options: Lariat Luxury Package, FordCoPilot360 Package
Accessories: Front Window Tint, Bug Guard, Mud Flaps, Truxedo Soft Roll Up Tonneau Cover, White "MAVERICK" Tailgate Overlays, LED Third Brake Light/Cargo Light Conversion
Driving Experience:
I figured I'd appropriately start off with the driving experience since that's what's most important when purchasing a vehicle. Considering the Maverick is derived from the C2 platform that underpins the Escape, Bronco Sport, and even the Focus that we don't get in the U.S. anymore, it has all of the comfort and handling dynamics of a sedan/small crossover. Steering feel is very well-weighted while being tight and zippy when necessary such as parking lots or u-turns. When pushed aggressively, there is some body lean since it is slightly top-heavy from having an upright, boxy cab. However, in normal circumstances, it is barely noticeable. It will take corners fairly well for being a pickup. It's a truck that you can toss around and not have to worry so much about a roll-over. I choose to drive in Normal mode since that's this truck's sweet spot. Every so often, I'll pop it into Eco Mode if I have a load in the bed and don't want to drive too fast. Or I'll briefly put it in Sport Mode when merging on the highway. I'll turn it off as soon as I'm merged because it will hold those revs and put more unnecessary strain on your engine. Sport Mode isn't needed most of the time because this 2.0L Turbo is very peppy! It gets you up to speed in no-time with very minimal turbo lag. Having 250 h.p. on tap is more than enough for daily commuting and for a vehicle of this size. It's much more potent than my previous Tacoma which was an absolute slug!
Comfort:
Driving this vehicle long-distance or for out-of-town trips is no hassle. The seats are well-padded and have adjustable lumbar (for the driver's side) to get just the right setting. I never feel achy or wanting to stretch after a long trip. Being faux leather, they look good, are pretty absorbent from UV rays thanks to the Desert Brown color, and are easy to clean. All I have to do is wipe it with a damp towel and they're good to go. Having the luxury package, they're also heated which comes in handy after standing up all-day from work. A heated steering wheel is also included which I've used for some of those cold snaps in the morning. Headroom is not an issue thanks to its tall and boxy greenhouse. The floor sits nice and low to stretch your legs or prop them upright which couldn't be accomplished in the Tacoma. That floor sat too high and my legs were stretched in a position that was too agonizing. The Maverick solves that which is part of the reason why I never feel achy anymore. I could drive this thing all day if I had to. The back seats are a little tight when it comes to knee room but since I'm the primary driver, it's not a concern to me. Also, I'm the only one ever in the truck with the occasional friend or family member riding passenger in the front. As a result, the back seat rarely ever gets used.
Features:
Special-ordering this truck gave me the opportunity to spec it exactly as I wanted it. In the past, I've always had to compromise on whatever was on the lot. Once the pandemic hit, this lead to major inventory shortages so if someone really wanted a vehicle, it would either have to be what's available or wait patiently for a special order. I chose to special order and don't regret it in the slightest. I got all the options except for the FX4 package and sunroof. I would have no use for the options on the FX4 and the sunroof I would never use being in sticky hot Florida and it's one more component to break. Not to mention it robs some headroom and removes the sunglasses holder which a deal-breaker. However, I did opt for the Luxury Package which includes the aforementioned heated seats, heated steering wheel, power driver's seat, wireless charging pad, remote start, intelligent access with keypad, etc. I've always wanted a vehicle with intelligent access so I can just hop in and hop out. No fumbling with keys or an ignition switch. I know some of the old-school types will bash me for that since it's more analog, detours theft, and is just more satisfying but it's all about personal preference. All of my past vehicles have had a key ignition and it's time to move onto the 21st century.
I also opted for the FordCoPilot360 package which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with AEB, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Sensors and Forward Collision Warning. All of which are put to good use every day, especially the BLIS. This is my first vehicle with this and it's such a treat. It really does help judge when to change lanes and to add that bit of reassurance. I still look over my shoulder when merging but when driving in multiple lanes of traffic, it's good to know when that orange light comes on. Setting a following distance on the highway is also a treat. Rarely do I ever have to hit the brake pedal or adjust the speed. The car does it all for me which is almost a mild version of self-driving, even though that's a bit of a stretch. I don't rely on it entirely but it does make highway driving much more tolerable. When it comes to parking lots, that Rear-Cross Traffic is super beneficial! Since people or cars tend to pop up in your blind spots, it's great to have the vehicle detect all of that for you. And with the added benefit of the parking sensors, reversing out of a spot has never been easier. I do back into my parking spots whenever I can so those parking sensors are a great judgment point so I know how exactly how far to back into one.
Styling:
I've never been in a vehicle that attracts this much attention before. Almost every time when I go out, there's always that one person or couple of people who can't help but stare at it trying to decipher what it is. Whether it's at a red light, a parking lot, or on the highway, there's bound to be someone gawking at it. Enthusiasts know what it is but most of the common public have no idea what they're looking at. It looks like nothing else on the road especially when you get an abstract color such as Area 51, Cactus Grey, Hot Pepper Red, or Cyber Orange. It's a great mix of subtlety while also being unique. The best thing is that it still looks like a truck but minimized, unlike the Santa Cruz. Also, it's more streamlined than a traditional truck. It's nice to not have that ugly gap between the cab and the bed. Having a unibody piece makes the vehicle more visually appealing IMO. Speaking of the bed, being at 4.5 feet, it can haul a fair share of cargo. I've used it countless times with furniture, yard waste, detailing equipment, and house projects. I can't say I use it all the time like I would in a full-size truck, but it's just enough to suit my needs whenever necessary. Nothing more.
Con:
No vehicle is perfect. Since the Maverick was built on a strict budget to keep that affordable pricing in check, there is bound to be a cutback. If there's one major gripe I have with it, it's the easily scratchy plastics. Almost every panel has some scratch on it which makes the vehicle look older than it should. There's just no give to it. You don't even have to touch it too hard and it'll find a way to scratch. And I'm not violently getting in and out of the car either. However, the plastic seat buckle has scratched the B-pillar trim which is understandable and can happen on any car but on the dash board? I have a sunshade that I use every day and even that found a way to put a slight scratch on the upper dash and on the passenger-side A-pillar which shouldn't happen. For being a $35K truck, the materials should've been much better considering there's cheaper alternatives that offer less scratchy plastics such as from Kia, Honda, or Toyota.
Summary:
If I could buy this truck again, I would. Don't let that con detour you which is pretty petty anyway. It's a great, cheap and economical compact pickup that our market has been craving for years. The affordability, size, features, and styling are all wonderfully executed and will offer strong resale value in the years to come. It's the best of both worlds. You get the ride and comfort of a traditional sedan/crossover with the added benefit of a pickup bed. How can you go wrong? Plus, you get something that looks a little different from the crowd which is a great thing in the days of blobby crossovers/S.U.V.s that all look the same. For anyone who is considering waiting for 2024 to order a Maverick, I would go for it. You won't regret it. I hope you enjoyed my review and thanks for tuning in.
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