Driving Into the Future in the All-New Ford Maverick

Have you heard the news? There’s a new road warrior in town, and Ford promises it will exceed all your expectations. It’s the 2022 Ford Maverick, which you’ll find right here on the lot of your Salida Ford dealership. But what is it exactly? We’ve got all the details and more!

The Heart and Soul of a Maverick

A maverick is someone or something that goes against the norm. The word immediately conjures up images of Tom Cruise as Maverick in Top Gun, but Ford plans to make an impact of its own with the all-new Maverick truck, the first standard full-hybrid truck in America. The name is fitting for a truck that promises to revolutionize the segment with its efficiency and capability.

Hybrid Powertrain

The Maverick distinguishes itself from every other truck on the road with its hybrid powertrain that comes standard on every trim. This is a huge first for Ford as the automaker shifts its focus to a greener future by equipping the truck with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and continuously variable transmission. Together, the powertrain delivers 191 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of near-instant torque that makes it quick to accelerate, incredibly capable with a 2,000-pound towing maximum, and wildly efficient with a 500-mile range and an average of 40 MPG in the city.

Gas Powertrain

The Maverick is the first truck to come standard with a hybrid powertrain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t equip the truck with a gas engine. Ford knows the Maverick’s compact size makes it an attractive option for drivers who want a truck that’s capable and easy to maneuver. To answer this demand, Ford offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. This setup doubles the Maverick’s towing capability to 4,000 pounds as the engine churns out 250 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Off-Road Capable

Ford redefines what it means to drive a hybrid by proving that the Maverick can be both efficient and rugged. The Maverick’s FX4 package readies the truck for the trail by adding 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires for better traction on a variety of terrain. The truck’s underbody is protected by skid plates, while the heavy-duty radiator delivers more power as the engine fan keeps the components cool for optimal performance. The package also adds tools like Hill Descent Control and a Mud & Ruts driving mode, the latter of which gives you greater control over the Maverick’s performance on the trail.

Breaking the Mold: Unique Features

The Ford Maverick is more than a traditional truck. It lives up to the “Built Ford Tough” slogan, but it takes functionality to an entirely new level. It proves that a truck can work with you and for you to get any job done. How does it manage this? With a suite of unique features that you won’t find on any other truck in the segment.

Ford Integrated Tether System

Ford studied how customers use their trucks, from the time they spend behind the wheel to the gear they bring with them every day. In doing this, Ford designed the Maverick to meet these demands by prioritizing function and form to create the most versatile truck in the segment. We see this in the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS).

The FITS is a multitasking solution found in the Maverick’s rear seat. The system is located at the back of the front console and works with a variety of accessories that allow you to personalize how the backseat functions. For example, you can use the FITS to add cup holders for your rear passengers, or you can add a double hook to hold your bags. You can also add under-seat storage dividers, a storage bin, trash bin, or cord organizer, depending on your needs.

As Ford continues to work on new accessories, the automaker will release the system’s slot geometry. What does this mean? Customers with 3D printers will be able to use the geometry to create accessories of their own, which means the possibilities are endless for how you can customize the Maverick.

FLEXBED

With the Maverick’s interior offering plenty of versatility thanks to the tethering system, Ford turned its attention to the rear of the truck to extend the Maverick’s capability. The all-new FLEXBED is unique to the Maverick and transforms the cargo bed into a DIY-er’s paradise. How so?
After studying how people use their trucks, Ford created a cargo system that’s customizable to the situation at hand, whether you’re hauling furniture, camping gear, mulch, heavy tools, luggage, etc. The FLEXBED makes all this possible with its design and integrated features. The slots stamped into the side of the bed can be used to create segmented storage or rack systems for bikes, kayaks, and tools. The tie-downs and built-in D rings make it easy to secure bulky cargo, while the pre-wired 12-volt electric outlet allows you to add lighting or install your own. You’ll even find two 400-watt 110-volt outlets that can power your tools, charge your phone, and more when you’re on the road and away from home.

Multi-Position Tailgate

The Maverick’s functionality extends even further to the multiposition tailgate that makes it easier to access the bed of the truck. Lowering the tailgate to the open position gives you a flat space that you can use for a workbench or sitting area, with the tie-downs functioning as bottle openers, which is ideal for tailgate parties and campouts. You can adjust the tailgate’s retention cords to the mid-position, which closes the tailgate halfway and keeps longer items from sliding out of the bed. In the closed position, you can secure your items with the optional Theft Protection Hinge and add convenience with the available power lock feature that allows you to lock the gate with the touch of a button.

FordPass

The Maverick’s functionality extends beyond its rear-seat tethering system, FLEXBED, and multiposition tailgate to the palm of your hand, courtesy of the FordPass app. Through the app, you’ll have more control over the truck wherever you are. You can start and stop the Maverick’s engine, lock and unlock the doors, monitor the Maverick’s fuel and oil levels, and access Ford’s roadside assistance with the touch of a button. You can even stay connected wherever the road leads since the app gives you access to the available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

Breaking the Mold

The all-new Maverick is evidence that Ford did its homework before designing a truck that would revolutionize the industry. Ford studied how people use their trucks whether they’re navigating their daily commute in the city, cruising down the highway on a family vacation, or towing a heavy load with a trailer or in the bed. These needs are as diverse as Ford’s customer base, which is why Ford prioritized function and versatility on the Maverick.

The Maverick embodies the reality that every driver uses a truck differently. Instead of targeting one demographic of customers, the Maverick breaks the mold and proves that a truck can answer many demands. Its standard full-hybrid powertrain isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Ford knows it, which is why you can equip the truck with Ford’s proven gas powertrain. Unique features like the FITS, FLEXBED, and multiposition tailgate extend this versatility and offer an endless array of possibilities for the Maverick and how it can best serve you.