The 2022 Ford Maverick Base Model Stretches Pretty Thin
It looks like Ford may be delivering upon their goal to start the 2022 Ford Maverick under $20,000. On the one hand, this provides a great economical option. But on the other hand, wow, they really stripped the Ford Maverick base model down.
The 2022 Ford Maverick base model might be basic
According to Driving.CA, spy shots of the 2022 Ford Maverick have been captured, and the truck looks pretty barebones. Ford might be stretching the Maverick as far as possible to offer a base model for under $20,000.
The photos of the lightly camouflaged truck that’s assumed to be the entry-level Ford Maverick were caught in Michigan, just outside the Ford product development center. While you can see a pretty awesome-looking black grille, you’ll also notice that the Ford Maverick model doesn’t have any hub caps!
Driving.CA mentioned that it looks like the suspension looks like it’s comprised of cheaper parts and that the towing gear has been deleted. The sliding rear window is missing too. So what can this truck do?
What to expect with the Ford Maverick?
To provide an economical option, it isn’t crazy to think that the entry-level 2022 Ford Maverick will come with front-wheel drive. However, it would be a lot more exciting if all-wheel drive came standard.
Ford’s cheapest vehicle is the Ecosport, which starts at about $19.995. You can upgrade to a higher trim that includes all-wheel drive. So, the Maverick is expected to have better-equipped trim models at a higher price.
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But the base model might be a little weak. The Maverick is rumored to share a lot of components with the Ford Escape, including the platform and possible engine options. The Escape has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
This is a solid amount of power for a compact truck, but the Escape begins at about $24,885. What if Ford goes with a weaker option to save even more? The EcoSport has a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 123-hp, which would be pretty depressing in the Maverick.
According to Car and Driver, the Maverick could get the more potent engine that’s found in the Escape. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine provides 250-hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. But that would up the price.
How nice is the Ford Maverick interior?
According to Ford Authority, spy shots indicate that the 2022 Ford Maverick will have an interior that’s similar to the Ford Bronco Sport. However, the Bronco Sport begins at about $26,820, so the base model Maverick could be watered down.
Higher trim levels could come with an 8-inch infotainment center, but there’s no telling how Ford will cut costs to save on tech. The entry-level Maverick could have a much smaller screen and have an interior that’s filled with hard plastics.
For example, the entry-level Ford EcoSport comes with a basic display with Bluetooth connectivity. It doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto unless you upgrade to a higher trim level. To save even more, it might not come with many standard safety features either.
