2022 Ford Maverick EcoBoost FWD Review and 1,000-lbs Payload Test

We check out all the features on the new Ford Maverick Ecoboost Front-wheel drive XLT and then load it up with 1,000-lbs of rock to see how it performs.
#ford #fordmaverick #newtruck
CONTENT
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Features
06:42 - Driving Impressions (no load)
09:03 - 1,000-lbs Payload Test
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[@bradsechrist9746]

Just want to say your production quality is GREAT. you guys do great camera angles and a ton of editing. Can't imagine how long it takes to shoot and edit some of these reviews. Keep pumping out great content @Driving Sports TV Much appreciated

[@carlostavaresjr958]

I would still get this in awd. I'm hoping to see an awd hybrid soon before I pull the trigger on the 2.0. Great video as always!

[@ashhiro8179]

love your quality of videos and video quality. 4k goodness is very nice and I'm very grateful for your extra time you take to process that size of video and also the smooth cuts and transitions between you hoping in an out of the truck and different angles! Thank you for your great channel!

[@kevinblock2307]

Can’t beat a Saturday watching a video from driving sports tv…along with a cold brew of course 😉

[@zackdemundo]

High quality videos, very informational, and great hosts. Very glad I found this channel.

[@zackdemundo]

Ah. A little research showed me why. Impressive, Ryan. Will check out your other media “avenues.”

[@DarkStarX]

Ryan I really appreciate your perspective on what you find important to review about a modern car. Find your approach honest and trusting, situation after situation in fact in some ways your style reminds me of the way that motorweek first started out. Then all the sponsors kicked in and every car was wonderful and perfect and that hasn’t changed since then. Lol Once again I really appreciate it the way you review the way you say well that’s the way I would use it and nine times out of 10 it’s exactly the way I would use it too so thank you. 👍🏻

[@albertatundra]

If you're not getting the AWD version you are better off with the hybrid motor.

[@gregoryfaulkner5345]

Unless you hate CVTs and don't want or need AWD like me.

[@justinhappel5633]

@@gregoryfaulkner5345 Except it isn't a traditional CVT. It's an eCVT. They are completely different.

[@SpecRB]

Depends on your needs, doesn’t snow where I live and barely rains

[@jaredjared8347]

That’s your opinion. I don’t agree.

[@dainemiller2347]

Not really the hybrid 2.5l is super under powered you have a 60 hp gain and double the torque with 2.0 ecoboost wich is a big deal with passing cars on the highway

[@rik999]

Old FWD trick for slippery hills. Turn around and back up the hill. Weight transfer to the drive wheels will be your friend now.

[@drewelliott9062]

I'm a big guy and was concerned I wouldn't fit in the maverick comfortably but I was pleasantly surprised that the interior was very spacious. It has quite a bit more space than the ranger.

[@greenthumb8170]

Really? How?

[@drewelliott9062]

@@greenthumb8170 I think its because the ranger is body on frame and the maverick is a unibody so that allows for more interior space on a smaller vehicle.

[@Santi-pp7zs]

How big are you? I’m pretty big myself and haven’t had a chance to drive one.

[@drewelliott9062]

@@Santi-pp7zs 6'4" 240lbs

[@mmiller1188]

One of the things I like about these is the FWD models - hybrid or ecoboost - get the same 2'' receiver hitch. The 1-1/4 hitches are terrible for bike racks, carriers, etc.

[@codeninja1823]

True

[@legostarwarsrulez]

You should load up the FX4 lariat with 1000lb of rocks and see how far up the rural road it goes compared to the FWD

[@atmartens]

Great review. I could see a lot of these FWD as fleet trucks or first time car buyers.

[@jimnevin763]

Another very good review and hard work to boot. Although somewhat challenging due to the load shift it would have been much more informative to see your braking test with and without the load. As you said, who on their right mind would be concerned with 0-60 with a pile of rocks in the bed but braking ability can be a serious issue as you well kmow.

[@mrmrlee]

Just got my 2024 XL, so fun to drive, already brought home a load of pellets- 800lbs...Drove fine, I'll haul over 1000 lbs once it logs it's 1000 mile break-in :)

[@Silverback_GMT410]

Let’s goooo! More Maverick content!

[@saturnfire]

Very nice review. I think the Maverick will be, if not already, a smash hit. Ford does one this well, and that is: make trucks. I was very skeptical 9 years ago when I purchased my first ford ever (F150). My F150 has been great, and the next truck I will be getting is an F350.

[@benhaze1010]

Another great and informative video!

[@mikesawyer1336]

This is really awesome.. Exactly what people need to see. A front drive truck is just fine with a load. People are so scared of it and should not be. But the point about front wheel drive off road, yea no way around it - this is a street only truck.

[@Glokens]

Do you ever introduce yourself like "Hi I'm Ryan. 6'-1" legs torso proportionate" All kidding aside I really do like the Maverick and great video as always.

[@WorldofTanksVideo]

While this FWD ecoboost clearly has wheel-hop/traction issues, just a reminder that with wider summer performance tires in the dry it should hook up much better and the lighter weight should make it a little rocket of a pickup, especially if you chip it down the road to get a bit more power.

[@ALMX5DP]

In my experience wheel hop is exacerbated by stickier/grippier tires, if one starts to lose traction. Still though I think that's a minor issue for most and these trucks will likely change the landscape of truck market once they become more commonplace.

[@WorldofTanksVideo]

@@ALMX5DP Generally what happens is you just don't get wheel hop because it hooks up better, especially if you're driving normally and not brake boosting which on the street you practically never do anyway. Now if you still overcame the traction, yeah it would still wheel hop, at which point you could look into poly mounts if the stockers are super squishy.

[@michtur6347]

I think you deserve way more subs.

[@robervin9107]

13:56 awesome you better sang it Ryan. Lol 😂 awesome note you hit Good job on the review. Nick you did spectacular as well you get 500 dollars for hazard pay for being in the rain.

[@ScottyBennitone]

Soon as my Wrangler is paid off Im buying one of these in the hybrid version as my daily. I hope 2 years from now these are still around 24k...

[@timgleason2527]

Yep, way better than my Subie for gas mileage, cheaper than a new Subie, and it has a bed. Why not?

[@CarnutMM]

Wish car companies would offer more of these lower priced pickups. Another great video.

[@NarySllim]

Great review. Waiting for my 2.0 awd.

[@rondail5675]

As a Honda Ridgeline owner, I find the Maverick to be very impressive. I have a Ridgeline, Civic, and Corvette. If picking today, I would get a Maverick, a luxury SUV, and of course a Corvette. I hardly ever need a truck.

[@TinLeadHammer]

First world problems.

[@jasper2771]

The colors in this video were so good

[@Jmamboman]

FWIW, I've hauled a similar load of decomposed granite in my hybrid FWD and had a similar experience. Also, I've learned that even though the maverick has less rotating ability, it has better payload than many other trucks, including full size trucks.

[@jorgesedeno5720]

I ordered mine with the fx4 and the tow package so that 1000 pounds shouldn’t be a problem,with the beefier suspension

[@TB-dj8kl]

This really is a cool little truck I d love to see other manufacturers compete with the maverick to see what they will come with. It looks like it could be fun to drive.

[@fordmaverickmaniac]

TB the Mav is cool. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD and a Mercedes. I have more fun driving my Maverick than any other vehicle I have owned. You can see videos on my channel of my driving experiences in Huntington Beach and all the snow in Park City.

[@SethPinnock]

How practical is it to add a swing gate for a regular size wheel on the rear?

[@jakechaffin3467]

I actually really like these little trucks. In my opinion Ford cut costs in really good places for them. Who cares if I have a manual key or manual rear window. And although the interior is plastic, I really enjoy how it looks

[@gwlane5509]

Great quality video and review as always Ryan!! QUICK question... How are the plastic's holding up in the foot area's front and back on the Maverick? I have Lariat Hybrid on order...some video's I've seen, they seem possibly scratch prone?

[@drivingsports]

Ours has mud marks on them. I kind of wish they held up better, but they're passable.

[@jacoblejeune4989]

Great and informative. Heads up, description has a mis-spelling. "preforms"

[@drivingsports]

Thanks, fixed!

[@b16crxt]

I'd love to see some videos on the hybrid model.

[@snoopaloop65]

is no one going to mention the guy sitting in the a lawn chair @ 13:16 in the pouring rain

[@justinhappel5633]

That's Nick lol

[@JRs-guitars]

The restriction on the bed size isn't so much the length as it's also more narrow. Weight isn't the problem...I've hauled plenty with my V6 Grand Cherokee so unibody construction is not a problem either. But I think FWD for hauling like that isn't a good idea. I'm more curious to see how your AWD model would handle it and see if the rear stays engaged longer..

[@HotHeadCJ]

Please retest the Honda Ridgeline and compare it to this and the Santa Cruz

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, I hope the Ford salespeople are as clear and forthright about the limitations of FWD in a 'work' vehicle as you were in this carefully crafted video but I have my doubts. The loss of traction seen here with the heavy load in the bed would be repeated on a steep, slippery boat ramp if the trailer was near the 2,000 lbs maximum capacity. All in all you vividly illustrated the contradictions in this specific model.

[@ironreed2654]

It would have to be the only model with a manual for me to want this in fwd, I can see a use case with the hybrid but I don't need that.

[@Ichibuns]

I rented a car out of Sea-Tac and the ability to manually change the gears was an absolute game changer. I spent a lot of time around St. Helen and Mt. Rainier. Moving down a gear or two was necessary on a lot of roads.

[@tommyfernandez6245]

Do you like the eco boost or the hybrid better? Are you gonna do another video of the ford maverick Fx4 eco boost ?

[@freedomstar3814]

Would be nice to see the same test but with dry pavement !

[@myimperfectdiary890]

This is a good option for me, and I never really wanted a truck.

[@JimSpence]

Always wanted to know if a pallet could fit flat in the bed.

[@jimh.412]

Is that hot pepper Red? Looks good. Good test 👍

[@matteugenio]

Would love to see you review the hybrid model.

[@drivingsports]

So would we. Can’t get one yet.

[@JamesD-HB]

It makes no sense to get the turbo engine without AWD and 4k tow, which makes the truck faster off the line without front wheel spin. AWD also upgrades to independent rear suspension for more control and a much better ride. I did not order FX4 on purpose because I did not want to lose eco and sport modes on a 250hp engine. This is no rock crawler, AWD will travel the dirt roads to the trailhead just fine.

[@Chilicharger665]

You can restore the eco and sport modes with Forscan on an FX4.

[@mikebettencourt5217]

i know absolutely nothing about filming, but i was wondering, if you cracked a window when you shut the door on camera, you might not get that deep audio thump because it would mitigate the sudden change in air pressure

[@gtrance3567]

You think it’s possible to haul camping gear and three bikes? I’m thinking bed extender and hutch rack….

[@levigato125]

I wouldn’t have the rocks stacked higher then the bed height. That one top rock will go right through the rear glass if you had to stop really fast.

[@Aikynbreusov]

In Europe, it's common to see a huge class A motorhome with front wheel drive...

[@staciecarverd8136]

I suspect the ability to deal with the mud indicates a little something about its ability to handle winter driving. Of course, 1000 lbs. of rocks in the back hampers it considerably, I wonder if its ability to navigate the mud would have been much better with a more aggressive tire. I suspect dedicated snows is also highly advisable for the FWD anywhere more than an inch or two tend to fall regularly in winter. If it weren't for the fact our snows often come by the foot, I'd still consider the FWD to save on the purchase price, but it looks like it's going to be AWD for my order. BTW, great review, not too many people are out there testing the FWD for real world chores, and your impressions seem to be straight up observations.

[@isaiasizquierdo3369]

Ryan rocks.

[@justindavis1546]

How I wish there was a Maverick in a dealer anywhere in the states of California, or Idaho that didn't have a dealer markup of $3-10,000.

[@sammcdaniel1564]

I'd love to see the fwd maverick vs the all wheel drive. Curious if off-road it really matters.

[@fordmaverickmaniac]

Sam, I own one of each I show on my channel. I posted a recent video in Park City of a fwd Explorer spinning the front wheels on the same slippery incline my Mav AWD made it up with ease on just the stock Continental street tires. I would never attempt trying to pull a truck weighing 3500 lbs up a slick hill with just the front wheels. They will spin out. The same will happen off road up a muddy hill or trying to pull a boat up a wet boat ramp.

[@wildbill23c]

When you did the 0-60 test with the load in the bed, now you understand why the FWD model only gets a 2,000lb towing capacity, where the AWD model gets a 4,000lb towing capacity....all your traction is up front, with FWD, and a load in the bed you are pulling weight off the front wheels giving you less traction and not so good handling characteristics. With the AWD it has the capability to transfer power around to maintain traction and stability.

[@greenthumb8170]

I drove my Jeep Compass to look at Mavericks at different Ford dealers. I can’t get over the fact that the interior is narrower and more cramped. I’m torn on what to do…

[@justinhappel5633]

Lariat AWD, check. XLT FWD, check. Hybrid hands on next? I know they are somewhat of a unicorn nowadays.

[@normandacosta9718]

This video would have ended awesome if you loaded the stones into your all wheel drive Maverick to show it can get through that mud loaded.

[@dave3682]

Impressive... sags less than the new Tundra with a load

[@jimh.412]

Probably has a higher payload too then the Tundra.

[@drausiohermannpachecoleal1135]

Hi there. As a former owner of 4Runner and now a Maverick would like to ask you which one would you choose for everything use.

[@drivingsports]

I think the question depends on whether or not you have a use for a truck bed. If you don’t, it’s 4runner all the way. If you can use the bed then you have to consider if the Offroad capabilities of an F4X Maverick are going to be good enough for your lifestyle. In many cases they are. Of course the fuel economy improvements of the Maverick are a win overall.

[@drausiohermannpachecoleal1135]

@@drivingsports thanks Ryan. I've been in love with the 4Runner for a while but now with gas prices skyrocketing have to considerer replace my full time 4wd 2008 Highlander v6 for something either way useful and more efficient.

[@drivingsports]

@@drausiohermannpachecoleal1135 The AWD system in the Maverick will be better than the one in your Highlander.

[@DWH300]

You mentioned minor interior fit issues and some plastic parts on the XLT test vehicle. Looking at your issues and comparing them to some new Tesla models I've seen like putting a wrong tire on one of the sides of the car which could be a hazard issue or trim parts coming lose in different areas. Even my 2018 Chrysler 300C Hemi came with gaps where the wood matches up and interior plastic. This from a sedan that's been built the same for a decade. Considering the Maverick MSRP and Tesla MSRP which I'm guessing is at least three times the cost of the Maverick XLT. A low $20,000 MSRP small Fwd truck that will likely never be used on a muddy country path. Your getting an attractive, great looking truck with decent interior room, comfort and Practicality. The perfect primary or second vehicle for hauling landscaping items, lumber or what ever along with a base trailer hitch for hauling small 2000 lb loads. I am considering adding a 2.0 Maverick Lariat Awd as a second vehicle. Having only set in one. I was completely impressed with what you get with the Maverick truck from the base work truck to the Lariat with some comfort options. A home run from Ford.

[@robertgraham5486]

I know I am going to be raked over the coals for this question but when you say the engine compression is helping you to slow down isn’t really the transmission dropping into a lower gear that’s slowing you down ?

[@drivingsports]

…with powertrain resistance caused by engine compression

[@robertgraham5486]

@@drivingsports T Y

[@w5glsgary919]

Great , where can I buy one and when can I have it delivered?

[@fourdoorexpeditioner1570]

Woohoo first to view, like and comment.

[@tahoetwin]

Part of the info about this truck is you can get the 2.5 hybrid engine and 40mpg with front wheel drive. But with AWD you get about half the MPG and only comes with the 2.0 eco-boost and cost more $$$. So for 27000.00 and 22MPG where's the advantage to buying this truck if you need AWD, its just like any other small truck.

[@drivingsports]

The price of a fully loaded AWD 2.0T Maverick equals the entry-level price for a normal midsize truck. The Maverick also has much better daily driving dynamics.

[@JamesD-HB]

It's not 1/2 the mpg as a road trip vehicle. Only about 3mpg hwy less for way more passing power and towing capability. And safer to drive in snow and bad weather. If it's a commuter get the hybrid. For trips and light off roading get the turbo. My Mav is turbo AWD 360 lux 4k, msrp 30,710 plus an $85 doc fee. A mid size with luxury upgrades would be closer to 50k.

[@Xerthedragon]

In Canada you can't even get a FWD Ecoboost, which is for the better I think

[@BoopSnoot]

Maverick reminds me of the Russians with their T-34s vs the Germans with their Tiger tanks. Everything on the T-34s was cheap, the welds sloppy, sometimes you could even see slivers of light from inside the tank due to gaps, but overall the design was excellent and they could make tons of them cheap. Then you had the Tiger tanks were even just little things like comparing the chains on the side that are so immaculately designed and precise each link identical to the next but ultimately they were so expensive and low production with some bad design choices like unangled armor plating that overall the simple T-34 just ended up being better for the job.

[@TinLeadHammer]

T-34 was a Soviet tank, not Russian. It was designed under the leadership of Mikhail Koshkin in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

[@BoopSnoot]

@@TinLeadHammer wait a few months, it'll be part of Russia again and I'll be right.

[@hongshi8251]

The FWD is fine. If the driver carried some speed or just reversed up this mud I can’t see a problem. Spending every the money for the xlt for me isn’t worth it. I have a F150 XLT that works for everything but the Maverick is just for the every day stuff unless is snowing hard or blowing hard.

[@imranabbasi7871]

👍

[@mikefoehr235]

When I put a 1000 pounds or 450 kg in my Tundra, ride quality is even better. FWD on a pickup is a bad idea. AWD Is much better.

[@ALMX5DP]

Still useful though. I think vehicles like the Ram Promaster have shown even a FWD platform can be very beneficial even if loaded with a lot of weight out back (USPS, Amazon and a bunch of other businesses/contractors can likely attest, quality/reliability notwithstanding).

[@gregoryfaulkner5345]

Thanks for the review. "Just 7 grand more" for a more upscale and electronical truck that is the same dang truck. Did you go back and listen to yourself say that 🙂?

[@drivingsports]

The addition of AWD and adaptive cruise control are not small upgrades.

[@Budrick3Gaming]

0 to 60 in the rain lol. You gotta make due with what nature throws at you, but i wouldnt take those numbers to be fact.

[@dwheeler016]

You failed to mention it is made in Mexico.

[@mikefoehr235]

Does come with a sombrero

[@dwheeler016]

@@mikefoehr235 And a tow truck

[@mikefoehr235]

@dwheeler016 You feel that MADE IN MEXICO is 2nd rate quality? From my experience, doesn't matter where FORD builds, it is mostly all junk.

[@ceezy585]

@@mikefoehr235 yet here you are. Still the maverick IS def at least a little impressive/cool

[@katmanjenks1961]

Whoopie

[@JamesD-HB]

I would not pay $7,000 extra for a loaded Lariat mostly because the blue and brown interior look awful together. I don't think anyone would paint their bedroom those colors.

[@jamesm568]

Yea, the Maverick hybrid is a waste of time unless have a dozen stop lights between your house and Home Depot. EcoBoost is the way to go if you plan on using it as a truck a little more often.

[@2ChukBuk]

Do I like this truck? Absolutely. Would I buy one? Sadly, no. It will never be offered as an xcab or standard cab. And that is a damn shame.

[@7171-Ws6]

After living with damped tailgates I don’t like them anymore!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

"Ecoboost FWD" Wait you're not supposed to spec that.

[@drivingsports]

Right?!

[@jonzaremba]

Would have guessed you for 185 lbs. Not over 200!

[@drivingsports]

I was 179 in high school. And I was a string bean back then. 6’1”

[@S-SH.]

1

[@Mike-er4fo]

Wtf are you doing at 1:30 lmfao?

[@jackies35]

😢😢😢Wait! No push to start on the XLT? This truck is so outdated! Hahahaha! But I like the mpg. Second, the back seat is TIGHT as Hell! I am shorter than you and it's not comfortable. Please be honest. You would not go on a road trip sitting in the back. It's not for adults.

[@mrmrlee]

Funny thing is with the now outdated keyed entry and ignition, today's car thieves probably have no clue how to steal it!

[@infernoking7504]

Thats it? Hahaha my 1988 Lincoln town car can tow more than it😂

[@toddheidenreich3866]

Your 1988 Lincoln Town Car also isn’t going to get 40 mpg, either. Trade-offs.

[@DM-hw4cr]

That pile will find itself in a used car lot sooner than later.

[@specialtyasm]

Way too expensive for such a small truck.

[@chrisanderson7516]

Eco boost engine has to go! Junk, junk, junk

[@index6738]

FWD….cheap and nasty for hauling especially in wet and slippery conditions.

[@bdawg8907]

IMO, This one ugly little truck. I’ve never liked the unibody style trucks.