The 2022 Ford Maverick pickup truck is perfect for buyers looking for a smaller, more affordable model. For instance, this truck offers utility and practicality without the negatives of owning a mid or full-size pickup. Avoid poor fuel economy, a stiff ride, and other downsides of larger models with a small one like the Maverick. Recently, Consumer Reports got its hands on the new pickup truck, and there was plenty to like; however, there were a few things it doesn’t like about the 2022 Ford Maverick.

Consumer Reports doesn’t like the Ford Maverick’s noise

According to a Consumer Reports tester, “the budget for noise, vibration, and harshness seems to be a lot lower than other engineering areas.” For instance, the tester noted that the engine sound isn’t just bad; it’s “a bit wheezy and industrial.” Although the engine’s noise isn’t loud or abnormal, it just doesn’t sound good. Drivers, especially pickup truck owners, usually enjoy hearing the power of their vehicle as it accelerates down the highway.

With the 2022 Ford Maverick, owners won’t get that experience. That is a side effect of excellent gas mileage, which the Maverick provides with its hybrid powertrain. Unfortunately, the same hybrid engine is compared to a turbocharged blender under the hood. Additionally, the noise created by wind is a problem. While driving at high speeds on highways, the front roof pillars and windshield tend to produce many sounds.

The 2022 Ford Maverick uses lackluster materials inside

Perfectly describing how the automaker can get away with such a low price tag, CR pointed out poor quality materials on the interior. Every Ford Maverick model costs less than $30,000 without adding extras. At the starting price of around $22,000, what did you expect? There’s a bunch of hard and hollow plastic throughout the interior cabin. In addition, many of the plastic pieces don’t feel sturdy or could easily be accidentally knocked out of place by a passenger.

Time will tell how the interior of the Maverick holds up, but CR isn’t hopeful. The reviewer pointed out that the space between the steering wheel and instrument panel feels “flimsy and poorly attached.” While the truck’s interior looks good, it doesn’t feel good when in use. Even the optional XLT Luxury package didn’t improve the interior.

Consumer Reports doesn’t like the heavy tailgate

In 2022, tailgates are becoming fancier and fancier and tech-filled. This is part of what makes the Ford Maverick tailgate look, well, bad. Specifically, the weight of the tailgate with no form of assistance. One of the most basic features many truck tailgates have is an assist feature to make opening easier. Especially with one hand, it can be challenging to drop the tailgate down without slamming it and causing damage.

The only assistance you can get on a 2022 Ford Maverick is a $50 assist strut. Owners can purchase this accessory from the parts department at their local dealership and perform self-installation. Although we’re sure if you asked a dealership service member, they’d gladly install it for a small fee.

The small pickup truck does not have a rear defroster

A rear defroster falls under the category of “you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” While it doesn’t seem too important, it will be one day. Ever get in your car, and the rear window is frosted over, and you quickly melt the substance off the window and back out of the parking spot? When you’re the owner of a Ford Maverick, you can’t do that.

While it isn’t a bad thing for everyone, specifically those who live in a 12-months-of-summer location, it’ll prove problematic for some. The ability to use a rear defroster is important and seems like it should be standard on most vehicles. This is another feature Ford left out to keep the price low for the new model.

Should you buy a 2022 Ford Maverick?

If you need a small pickup truck with some capability and no big truck problems, the Maverick is perfect. Especially with its hybrid engine, it gets excellent gas mileage not found in any other truck. As pointed out by Consumer Reports, its most significant issues aren’t dealbreakers. Mostly, they’re minor inconveniences that may be troublesome in rare cases. Regardless, the 2022 Ford Maverick is an excellent overall pickup truck, but there are some things Consumer Reports doesn’t like about it.