2022 Ford Maverick

Just like the original, this Maverick is also a terrific value. It touts the lowest base price of any new pickup in the country — regardless of whose badge it's wearing. Nevertheless, that's where the similarities end. This modern truck comes in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims, and this Maverick isn't some of those flashy compact pickups from rivals. Ford's designer created a handsome yet subtle truck with a no-frills, rectangular grille, and sleek flanks. Its styling is a bit boxy like its sibling, the 1990's F-150. It comes with loads of exterior amenities, like an entry keypad, power-locking tailgate, in-bed cargo compartment, and stunning 17-inch alloy wheels.

You have two choices when it comes to powering your Maverick. Both setups move this pickup swiftly around town and down dirt roads with ease. However, Ford upended the truck scene with the base XL's standard hybrid system and a continuously variable automatic transmission. This setup puts out 191 horsepower or you can get the optional turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine under the hood. It produces 250 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Maverick is a practical truck that drives like an SUV. Ford's unibody construction produced a pickup that is highly maneuverable and feels stable around turns. Its tight turning radius makes it easy to park and the steering is responsive with a nicely weighted feel. Don't let its low starting price fool you. It's a hard-working, versatile vehicle. With the available tow package, you get everything you need to pull a 4,000-pound trailer, like a hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, integrated trailer brake controller, and a beefier cooling system provide increased hauling capacity. The Maverick's 4-foot-6-inch bed can carry a 1,500-pound payload, too. If you spend your weekends playing in the mud, opt for the FX4 Off-Road package. It gives you everything you need to tackle the road less traveled, like skid plates, hill descent control, front tow hooks. Trail bosses will also appreciate driving modes like mud, rut, and sand.

While this might not be a vintage disco-era automobile, it is a refreshing revival of the compact truck that disappeared from Ford's showrooms in 2011. The four-door Maverick seats five passengers in its spacious cabin with plush, cloth upholstered seats and terrific outward visibility. There's plenty of head and legroom for taller occupants and its rear seat can even accommodate two adults.

The value-packed 2022 Maverick comes right from Ford completely decked out with high-tech safety features. Enjoy the added confidence of standard driver assistance tools like a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking. Add the Ford Co-Pilot360 package and get lane keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.