The Ford Maverick XL (top) and Lariat.
Ford’s new Maverick is a smash hit, and its success proves that buyers are hungry for smaller, cheaper trucks.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
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Launched last year, the pint-sized pickup slots below Ford’s Ranger and even larger F-Series models.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
Tim Levin/Insider
Of course, a Maverick can cost almost double that for buyers who choose a fancier trim and pile on the options.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
But what are the biggest differences between the cheapest and most expensive models? I drove the bargain-bin Maverick XL and pricier Maverick Lariat to find out.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
The Maverick Lariat starts at roughly $26,000, but the one Ford lent me cost right around $35,000, including some options and a destination fee.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
From the outside, a few key differences between the XL and Lariat stand out.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
Tim Levin/Insider
The XL gets basic steel wheels, a black grille, and black side-view mirrors.
Tim Levin/Insider
The Lariat comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels (optional 18-inch ones on my tester), silver trim across the grille, and body-colored mirrors.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
I find the XL’s stripped-down look charming …
Tim Levin/Insider
… but there’s no question the Lariat looks less like a work truck.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
One of the best things about the Maverick is that it comes with a hybrid engine as standard, giving it an EPA-rated 37 mpg combined.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
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But if you want all-wheel drive and a bit more grunt, there’s also a turbocharged four-cylinder available.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
The hybrid Maverick XL droned loudly at high speeds and struggled to make highway passes.
Tim Levin/Insider
The XL’s cab is basic and gets the job done.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
Tim Levin/Insider
It even has thoughtful touches like interesting patterns and textures that keep things from feeling cheap.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
Tim Levin/Insider
It has funky door handles and door pockets designed to fit a large water bottle.The 2022 Ford Maverick.
Tim Levin/Insider
And the center console is packed with little nooks and crannies for your phone and other odds and ends.The 2022 Ford Maverick.
Tim Levin/Insider
The Lariat has all those fun and useful qualities, but features higher-end materials and is more comfortable overall.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
Both have handy under-seat storage.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
My tester with the optional $3,750 Lariat Luxury Package had heated faux-leather seats, an upgraded stereo system, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless phone charger, among other upgrades.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
The Lariat also adds fairly basic conveniences the XL doesn’t have, like push-button start, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
Blind-spot monitoring is a welcome addition.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
Now onto the heart of the Maverick and the reason most people will buy one: Its bed.
Tim Levin/Insider
It has stamped slots that let owners use 2X4s as shelves and dividers.The 2022 Ford Maverick.
Tim Levin
It offers threaded holes so owners can mount their own accessories.The 2022 Ford Maverick.
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And it offers access to 12-volt power, so owners can wire in lighting.The 2022 Ford Maverick.
Tim Levin
The Lariat I tested had a bed liner, which made it less slippery to stand on and more durable.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
It also came with a handy folding tonneau cover, LED lights, and sliding tie-down points.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
The left side came with a power outlet.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
The right came with a cubby.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
Both trucks bring a lot to the table. The XL is a great budget option that’s bare-bones without feeling cheap.2022 Ford Maverick XL.
Tim Levin/Insider
The Lariat adds on useful capabilities and extra comforts for people who can afford to spend a bit more. And if you can’t choose, there’s always the XLT trim, which fits right in the middle.The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat.
Tim Levin/Insider
