The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy estimates have been announced and it is now the most efficient hybrid pickup on the market. According to the EPA, the compact truck is good for 42/33/37 mpg city/highway/combined, which puts it on par with many compact crossovers. With its 13.8-gallon fuel tank, the Maverick Hybrid is good for over 500 miles, giving it an excellent driving range.
Powering the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder coupled to an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a planetary gear set. The total system output is 191 hp, which is down 9 hp from the mechanically-related Escape Hybrid and PHEV. Currently, the most powerful version of this powertrain is found in the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring where it makes 266 hp. That model is also unique because it comes standard with an e-AWD system instead of a mechanical one found in the Escape. At least in the meantime, the Maverick Hybrid is available only in FWD configuration.
When compared to hybrid compact crossovers, the Maverick Hybrid matches most of them in the fuel economy department. The most efficient model is its platform-mate, the Escape Hybrid, which is rated at 44/37/41 mpg in FWD guise or 43/37/40 mpg with AWD. Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid checks in at 41/38/40 mpg but you get more power at 219 hp combined, 28 mpg more than the Maverick Hybrid. Honda’s CR-V Hybrid is good for 40/35/38 mpg, which is right on par with the Maverick Hybrid but gets AWD standard. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is rated at 38 mpg across the board in the base trim and 37/36/37 mpg in the SEL Convenience and Limited grades, putting it in line with the Maverick Hybrid. However, the Tucson also has AWD standard and has more power at 226 hp combined.
The Maverick Hybrid, however, offers the utility of a 4.5-foot bed that can accommodate 8×4 pieces of plywood. It also has a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds, enabling you to easily haul heavier items. The tailgate is also part of the practicality equation because it has three different levels to help you haul long items on the bed. If you’re looking to tow, the Maverick Hybrid can pull up to 2,000 pounds. Unfortunately, it’s not available with the Towing package, which increases the capacity to 4,000 pounds.
Currently, the closest competitor to the Maverick is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, that model isn’t available with a hybrid powertrain yet. Although Hyundai’s platform can accept electrified powertrains as evidenced in the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata, it hasn’t decided to put its turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid system in the Santa Cruz. Should it decide to, it’s likely going to be the more powerful plug-in version with the 99-hp electric motor and 13.8-kWh battery, resulting in 261 hp combined. For now, the Maverick Hybrid is the only compact truck on the market with an electrified powertrain. In larger segments, the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra both offer a hybrid option.
The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid goes on sale by December. Ford has revealed that due to high demand for the electrified powertrain, the 2022 order books are expected to close in November. Consumers interested in the Maverick Hybrid won’t be able to order the truck until the summer of 2022. By then, the new set of orders will likely be for 2023 model year trucks.
