The Rise of Pickup Trucks: Ford Maverick and the Changing Landscape
The Evolution of Pickup Truck Sizes
Pickup trucks are larger than ever these days. Strolling through any parking lot, it’s apparent that these vehicles now test the boundaries of standard parking spaces. What were once considered "full-size" trucks have ballooned in dimensions. Today, the midsize Ford Ranger is approximately the same size as the Ford F-150 from decades past. Even the compact 2022 Ford Maverick has outgrown older generations of vehicles like the previous Ford Ranger. That said, the Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz still rank among the smallest trucks available today.
Is the Ford Maverick a True Truck?
The arrival of the Ford Maverick for an extended test drive posed a vital question: can it genuinely be classified as a truck? Despite having a pickup truck bed, its design is more akin to a compact SUV with a four-door cab. The bed is notably small—just over 4.5 feet long and nearly 4.5 feet wide. Unlike the older Rangers, which boasted 6- and 7-foot-long beds, the Maverick’s bed falls short in terms of length. The capability to haul large items is similarly limited. My own experience with old Chevy S10s, which had 7.5-foot boxes, came in handy for transporting a crated, double-door, 7-foot-tall Sub-Zero refrigerator—a feat the Maverick might struggle to achieve.
Practicality and Functionality
Despite these limitations, the Maverick does offer some solutions with its Flexbed system. This inventive system incorporates numerous tie-downs, cleats, and the ability to partially open the tailgate to support horizontally placed plywood. The bed may be short, but it is thoughtfully designed.
One aspect of the Maverick’s utility worth examining is its cargo capacity. Given a payload rating of 33.3 cubic feet, it theoretically should handle a full cubic yard of material, although real-world usage and the willingness of material yard operators to load it remain in question. A half-yard load proved more practical but highlighted potential issues with weight, especially when dealing with wet compost in Seattle’s spring weather.
Comfort and Interior Features
Beyond cargo capabilities, the Maverick EcoBoost XLT impresses with its comfort and aesthetic appeal. The interior showcases a variety of materials and textures, including pleasing cloth seats. The design is simple yet modern, with plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a hidden storage bin under the rear seat. Front legroom is ample for a 6-foot driver, and rear legroom is surprisingly decent. While the XLT trim retains an ignition key, a start button is reserved for higher trims like the Lariat.
Performance and Ride Quality
The Ford Maverick’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine delivers substantial power, paired with a well-functioning transmission. Traditionalists might prefer a manual transmission, but the unibody construction provides a firm, connected ride. Plus, it’s an attractive, compact vehicle with a familial feel. The tested FWD Maverick XLT EcoBoost in Hot Pepper Red Metallic includes a Luxury Package, featuring a trailering kit, spray-in bedliner, and an eight-way driver’s seat, priced at an MSRP of $28,540.
Final Thoughts
Exceeding in a smaller footprint, the Ford Maverick offers practicality for everyday tasks while ensuring easy parking in tight spaces. With impressive fuel economy ratings—23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined—this vehicle is economically friendly, even in times of rising gas prices. While it might not be built for hauling oversized loads, it performs admirably for most suburban homeowners’ needs. If the Honda Ridgeline is adequate for 90% of typical tasks, the Maverick covers roughly 75%, making it suitable for many users.
In summary, the Ford Maverick may not redefine what it means to be a truck, but it carves out a compelling niche in the modern vehicle landscape. With its balance of utility, comfort, and efficiency, it remains a viable choice for those seeking a smaller, more practical truck without compromising too much on capability.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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