In recent years there’s been a distinct shift toward bigger and more expensive models across every segment in the automotive industry. And as a result, the new BMW 3-Series is about the size of a 5-Series from not so long ago, and average price for a new car has climbed to more than $40,000.

Taking its name from a compact coupe that originally debuted back in 1970, the all-new Ford Maverick pickup comprehensively bucks these trends. Starting at just $ $19,995 before destination, the Maverick is now both the least expensive truck and the least expensive hybrid available in America. Even in base form it’s far from bare-bones, sporting an impressive array of technology as standard as well the best fuel economy of any truck on sale today.

Ford knew that it would be tough to gauge the dimensions of the new Maverick just by eyeballing photos of it, so they included this handy chart that compares its size with other trucks in the Blue Oval’s portfolio.

And as Ford explains it, the Maverick is “the truck for people who never knew they wanted a truck.” Rather than competing against trucks like the Nissan Frontier and Honda Ridgeline, the Maverick’s genuinely diminutive size places it in a re-emerging mini-truck class alongside the upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz; a segment that’s been dormant for decades here in the U.S. That essentially equates to truck versatility with compact maneuverability and practicality, a recipe that fans of the old Ford Ranger have been begging to see ever since that fan favorite went out of production back in 2011. Let’s take a closer look at what Blue Oval has in store here.

Chassis, Powertrains and Capability

The new Maverick is underpinned by Ford’s C2 platform, a unibody architecture shared by the Escape and Bronco Sport, and it will come in a four-door configuration across all trims with a 4.5 foot bed.

Dubbed the FlexBed, it extends out to six feet with the tailgate down and has been designed with versatility in mind, offering four D-rings, two tie-downs that double as bottle openers, and threaded mounting points for cargo management systems and the like. Capable of handling up to 1500 pounds of payload, the FlexBed also comes standard with 12-volt electrical power pre-wired to removable covers on either side of the back of the bed, and a 110-volt 400-watt outlet is also available.

The Maverick’s FlexBed is available with a spray-in bedliner, LED lighting, AC outlets, and tie-down rails. Threaded mounting points for cargo management systems also expand its versatility.

Base models will be motivated by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels by way of a continuously variable transmission. Ford says that combination should deliver an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and up to 500 miles of range on a single tank of gas while also offering 2000 pounds of towing capability.

Those who are looking for a bit more oomph can step up to the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four cylinder turbo mill, which kicks out 250hp and 277lb-ft. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can be optioned to send the power to all four corners with an available all-wheel drive system. Adding the optional 4K Tow Package to this powertrain bumps its max tow rating up to 4000 pounds.

Technology and Features

Although this Lariat trim is the most luxurious of bunch, all Mavericks come standard with air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, USB connectivity, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Considering its sub-$20K MSRP before destination, the base Maverick is a stunning value.

Despite its rock-bottom pricing, the Maverick comes with a surprising amount of tech. An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, as is FordPass Connect, which uses an embedded modem to provide Wi-Fi access for up to ten devices. FordPass also allows owners to locate the truck, check fuel levels, lock and unlock the doors, and start or turn off the vehicle from a mobile app.

Although the Maverick’s exterior dimensions are small, Ford assures us that the cabin is surprisingly roomy, with “excellent leg and headroom, shoulder and hip width, and a comfortable seating position for both rows.” And, like the bed, the truck’s interior was designed with versatility in the mind. Along with big door pockets an array of storage cubbies, the Maverick is equipped with a large storage bin under the rear seats where you can stash laptop bags, sports equipment, tools, and other gear.

This sizable storage area is hidden underneath the Maverick’s rear seats.

Also of note is the Ford Integrated Tether System, or FITS. A slot on the back of the front console is equipped to accommodate a range of accessories like phone mounts, additional cup holders, and bag hooks. Ford plans to publish digital schematics of the FITS system so that enterprising DIYers will have the option to 3D print their own accessories, too.

And in terms of safety tech, the Maverick will come standard with automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. Features like cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring are optionally available, as is adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability.

The Maverick also boasts five drive different modes as-standard (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul) in order to enhance the truck’s performance in various driving scenarios.

Trim Levels, Pricing and Availability

The truck’s small footprint should make it a viable option for urbanites who regularly have to contend with limited parking in the city, but need the utility of a pickup

The Maverick will be initially available in three trim levels:

• XL - Serving as the base trim and coming in at $19,995 ($21,490 with destination charge), the XL is low on frills, but still packs a surprising amount of content. XL models come standard with the aforementioned 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, CVT gearbox, and send power to the front wheels. Steel wheels and black plastic exterior trim define the work truck-like exterior aesthetic, but the standard equipment list is impressive. Along with power windows, automatic headlights, air conditioning, keyless entry, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the least expensive Maverick also comes with built-in WiFi, a six speaker sound system, a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a flip-up rear bench seat.

• XLT - Starting at $23,775, the XLT trim is where most Maverick buyers are likely to land. Changes versus the XL include 17-inch alloy wheels, additional FlexBed cubby storage, upgraded cloth upholstery, power mirrors, a power tailgate lock, SecuriCode (a feature which allows you to enter a code on an external keypad to unlock the doors), cruise control, and upgraded exterior trim. Springing for the XLT Luxury package ($2345) gets you heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated mirrors, a trailer hitch receiver and a four-pin wiring harness, a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting, bed tie-down rails, an AC outlet and USB ports for back seat passengers, an additional AC outlet in the bed, and replaces the standard compact spare wheel and tire with a full-sized one.

• Lariat - Sitting at the top of the Maverick range, the Lariat trim comes in at $26,085. The Lariat includes all of the XLT’s equipment and adds an upgraded digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control, ActiveX simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a power sliding rear window. A Luxury package is also available for the Lariat trim. Coming in at $3340, it includes all of the XLT Luxury package equipment as well as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, rear parking sensors, wireless charging, an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's Sync 3 software, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker B&O sound system.

Beyond that, a Lariat First Edition trim will also be available. The First Edition ($1495) adds to the roster of equipment that comes with the Lariat Luxury package by way of unique wheels, a black roof and mirror caps, a sunroof, and unique First Edition decals. The Maverick will be available in 11 exterior colors, but Cyber Red will be exclusive to the First Edition.

The FX4 Off-Road Package is also available on Maverick XLT and Lariat trim levels. For $800 the package scores you unique suspension tuning, two new off-road drive modes (Mud/Rut and Sand), hill descent control, all-terrain tires and unique 17-inch wheels, tow hooks up front, skid plates, and unique decals.

Other key options include the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine ($1085), the all-wheel drive system ($2220), and the 4K Towing package ($745).

The 2022 Ford Maverick will go on sale this fall. In the meantime, if you’re interested in securing a spot in line for one, Ford is taking reservations with a refundable $100 deposit right now.

Seen here in Lariat trim with the FX4 Off-Road package, the Maverick will be available exclusively as a four-door with a 4.5-foot bed when the new pickup hits showrooms this fall.