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The 2022 Ford Maverick has established itself as a successful small truck, but with a starting price of around $20,000, it makes sense that compromises had to be made somewhere. In the case of the base Maverick XL, there is one feature missing that can be especially annoying for daily use. Despite being around since the late 1940s, cruise control is not featured as standard on the Maverick pickup truck. 

Does the 2022 Ford Maverick have cruise control?

A white 2022 Ford Maverick XL has gardening soil loaded into its bed, showing its utility as a compact truck.
2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

Depending on trim and options, the new Maverick pickup truck can come equipped with cruise control. But it is worth noting that this feature is not standard fare on Ford’s new model. Unlike most modern vehicles, the 2022 Ford Maverick XL does not come automatically equipped with cruise control. And that may cause some headaches when driving long distances or on the highway.

It is likely that most buyers do expect new cars to come standard with cruise control, it is a feature that has been around since 1948. With the low cost of the new Ford Maverick truck, pricing may have something to do with the lack of speed setting. Still, we can’t help but feel disappointed that you have to pay extra for such a basic feature.

Can you enable cruise control on a Maverick pickup truck?

A blue 2022 Ford Maverick tows a small trailer on a waterfront road. The XL model lacks standard cruise control.
2022 Ford Maverick | Ford

According to Ford Authority, enabling factory cruise control is a possibility on Maverick trucks that do not have it. It is not as simple as making a simple software change. Those who want to undertake this task will need to get a Maverick steering wheel with cruise control or find one from a Ford Escape.

After you swap the steering wheel, some tinkering around with software can enable cruise control. It has been confirmed to work on Ford Maverick hybrid models as well as those equipped with the turbocharged engine.

Now, enabling cruise control and making these changes do have the potential to void any warranties. So, if you are interested in doing it, be sure to check your coverage.

Is the Ford Maverick XL a good truck?

Despite being the most basic Maverick model, the XL is not a bad truck. It comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and offers traditional truck styling. And that is something that many buyers are likely to appreciate. Better yet, this model has a starting price of $19,995, which places it in a price segment that is more like a compact car than a pickup truck. 
Additionally, buyers can opt to outfit their Maverick XL truck with the more powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Even with this upgrade, the XL will keep its old-school steel wheels which we feel add a good look to this truck.

When properly equipped, the Ford Maverick XL can tow up to 4,000 pounds and it offers Ford’s safety package. These show that even though this is a base model, it can still be good enough to handle most needs. All without having to break the bank, which some full-size trucks certainly do.