Here’s an AWD 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat with the 2.0L EcoBoost and some optional cargo-carrying gear. (Image/Ford)

When Ford hinted that it was bringing a compact unibody pickup truck to America that would slot under the still-relatively-new Ranger, it was big news.

Now the Maverick is here. And the even bigger news is that the compact pickup comes standard with a hybrid gas-electric drivetrain that delivers an eye-opening 40 mpg fuel economy and estimated 500-mile range.

The 40 mpg hybrid configuration boasts a 2.5L gas engine coupled to an electric motor that combine to make 191 horsepower and 155 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is fed into a CVT. The hybrid version of the 2022 Maverick will have a 1,500 pound payload capacity and a 2,000 pound tow rating.

Not enough oomph? You can opt for Ford’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine that makes an impressive 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic and you can get it with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. When equipped with the Maverick’s 4K tow package, you’ve got a 4,000 pound tow rating.

Ford isn’t messing around when it comes to the Maverick’s towing capability. Properly configured, it’ll pull 4,000 pounds. (Image/Ford)

OK, but what about the bed.

For starters, it’s got a 4.5 foot floor that increases to six feet with the tailgate down. Ford says it’ll fit an ATV. The Maverick also features what Ford is calling a FLEXBED system—which is a fancy way of saving its got a multi-position tailgate (that can hold 500 pounds), plenty of anchor points, and other customizable mounting and storage accommodations. The Maverick’s bed also comes with a pair of 20 amp 12 volt DC power outlets, with 110 volt, 400 watt household AC outlets available too. That should be enough juice to power a modest campground, jobsite, or tailgate party.

So how “compact” is the Maverick? Ford gave us this handy size comparison chart. (Image/Ford)

For now, the 2022 Ford Maverick will come in three flavors: XL, XLT, and Lariat. Ford also indicates that the familiar FX4 off-road package will be available for the all-wheel drive XLT and Lariat trims. The MSRP of the base model is expected to be under $20,000.

Ford says the earliest Mavericks will be hitting dealer lots as a special “Maverick First Edition” package by the fall of 2021. You can reserve one right now at Ford’s website.

Though smaller and boasting unibody construction, the Maverick’s design language echoes its bigger Ford truck stablemates. (Image/Ford)
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