The term “compact pickup truck” has been a misnomer for approximately 10 years. Trucks keep getting larger, and the “smallest” models you can buy today are anything but “compact”. To Ford’s credit, it offered the last true compact pickup truck to U.S. buyers, and to its further credit it will reintroduce the concept this fall when the 2022 Ford Maverick goes on sale.

How Much Will the 2022 Ford Maverick Cost?

The all-new 2022 Ford Maverick will cost $19,995 for the base XL model. That price includes a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, driving the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Total power is rated at 191 hp and 155 pound-feet of torque, with preliminary fuel efficiency rated at 40 mpg in the city and a total driving range of 500 miles on a single tank of gas. A standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an embedded modem with FordPass features, are also included for less than $20,000.

That combination of price, power and standard technology, plus a hybrid drivetrain with 40 mpg fuel efficiency, makes the new Ford Maverick a true...well, maverick in the truck world. The base Maverick’s standard payload rating of 1,500 pounds and a tow rating of 2,000 pounds confirms it’s an effective open-bed utility device, even in base XL form. With those specifications, along with its 54.3-inch bed length and 53.3-in bed width, a base Maverick XL can carry a modern ATV or tow a 23-foot camper, or two personal watercraft.

Truck buyers with greater needs can opt for a more powerful Maverick. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 250 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, and up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity (with the optional tow package) will be offered. The 2.0-liter engine sends power through a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, and this engine will be available with all-wheel drive for buyers seeking additional cold-weather confidence. An FX4 off-road package with all-terrain tires, altered suspension tuning, underbody protection and additional driving modes (”Mud/Rut” and “Sand”, plus hill descent control) will be an option for all-wheel drive Mavericks.

Final pricing of the full range of Ford Maverick trims and options has not yet been released, but Ford representatives told us to expect a fully loaded Lariat to land in the mid-$30,000 range. The FX4 off-road package will be available when the Maverick launches this fall, along with a “First Edition” model featuring a black roof and unique wheels and graphics.

Is the Ford Maverick a Real Truck?

With a unibody chassis and standard front-wheel drive there will be skeptics questioning the Maverick’s “trickiness”. We can’t confirm the Maverick’s full capabilities until we drive it a few months from now, but the Maverick’s lead development engineer stated, “One thing that’s non-negotiable is that Maverick is built Ford tough.” His confidence comes after a series of on-road, off-road and environmental testing meant to simulate what Maverick customers can and will do with their trucks.

What Truck Features Does the Ford Maverick Offer?

Beyond its open bed and standard payload and towing capacities, the base Ford Maverick XL comes with LED headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, 2 USB ports, Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech (auto high beams, pre-collision assist with automatic braking) and seating for five. In terms of seating, we’ve personally tested the Maverick’s front and rear seats and can confirm it’s fully capable of hauling five full-sized adults, with more than enough legroom and headroom to keep passengers from feeling cramped.

Additional features on XLT and Lariat trims include the aforementioned all-wheel drive, tow package and FX4 off-road package, plus 18-inch aluminum wheels, additional USB ports, wireless phone charging, 110-volt and 12-volt outlets in the cab and bed, a flip-up rear seat bottom, under seat storage options, and a power-locking tailgate. Ford also offers its “FLEXBED” storage system for the Maverick, with a wide range of easily-added racks and containers to secure everything from bikes to kayaks to toolboxes in the bed.

Will Truck Buyers Want the Ford Maverick?

By offering both a compact truck and a hybrid drivetrain Ford feels it has a first mover advantage with the Maverick. These features combine with Ford’s strong truck reputation and are likely to generate interest from both truck and sport utility buyers. It’s worth noting Hyundai will introduce a compact truck of its own, The Santa Cruz, this summer, beating the Maverick to market by a few months. The Santa Cruz won't have Ford’s truck reputation behind it, but it will be a stylish open-bed alternative for compact truck shoppers, giving them two choices in a matter of months after having zero compact truck options for more than a decade.