2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 GMC Canyon

The 2022 Ford Maverick embraced a conventional pickup aesthetic, differentiating itself from alternatives like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. While most of its styling cues drew inspiration from larger Ford trucks, reminiscent of models like the F-150 and Ranger, the Maverick's front end stood out. Its large headlights and distinct grille crossbar deviated from the familiar Ford truck blueprint, though they didn't make a particularly bold styling statement. Compact compared to the midsize Ford Ranger, the Maverick was nearly a foot shorter and 4.6 inches lower, largely due to its shorter bed. Unlike Ford’s traditional body-on-frame trucks, the Maverick utilized a unibody platform similar to the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport crossover SUVs.

The base Maverick XL sported 17-inch steel wheels, with higher trims offering 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. For the 2022 model year, a Maverick First Edition package available on the Lariat trim introduced black graphics, a soft tonneau cover, and specialized wheels and paint colors. Luxury packages for the XLT and Lariat trims added amenities like leather-wrapped heated steering wheels and heated seats.

Internally, even the base model Maverick showcased an innovative design. Heavy on plastic, the interior was multicolored, incorporating speckled plastic that evoked children’s playground equipment. Exposed fasteners and minimalist door cards contributed to its unique character. The seats, even at the base level, featured an attractive weave pattern, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. Ford’s design team managed to create an appealing interior without compromising affordability, proving that entry-level vehicles can still be stylish and functional.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon, in its current generation since the 2015 model year, exuded a premium look and feel, particularly noticeable in its Denali trim. The Denali boasted a unique chrome grille, 20-inch diamond-cut machined alloy wheels, five-inch chrome assist steps, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated perforated front leather seats, open-pore Ash wood trim, and a Bose premium audio system.

Even the off-road focused AT4 version retained a luxurious edge with features such as a black chrome grille, LED signature lighting, unique 17-inch wheels, premium heated leather front seats with Kalahari accents, and available Bose audio. The AT4's rugged exterior was complemented by an inviting and plush interior. Meanwhile, lower trims like the Elevation and base Elevation Standard offered more standard materials and switchgear but still maintained a level of quality above the class norm.

For performance, the 2022 Ford Maverick offered two distinct powertrains. Its standard hybrid powertrain consisted of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine combined with a single electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), totaling 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, an optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Maverick hybrid was available solely with front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas the EcoBoost version offered standard FWD and optional all-wheel drive (AWD).

An FX4 off-road package for AWD XLT and Lariat trims added off-road capabilities like special suspension tuning, extra underbody protection, hill-descent control, and specific drive modes for Mud/Rut and Sand. Our test of the Maverick FX4 showcased its ability to handle challenging terrains, making it more off-road capable than most crossover SUVs at that price point. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform allowed it to drive more like a small car or crossover, with a smooth ride quality.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered three powertrains, covering a range of performance needs. Customers could choose from a 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6, or a 181-hp 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with a robust 369 lb-ft of torque. The latter two engines, when equipped with the Trailering package, boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard while four-wheel drive (4WD) was available across all trims. The base four-cylinder and diesel engines were coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 utilized an eight-speed automatic.

Driving the V6 AT4 4WD, we found the V6's power abundant, seamlessly managed by the eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel previously tested also proved robust in towing and fuel economy. The off-road tires on the AT4, though noisier at highway speeds, offered stable on-road performance. Off-road, the AT4 with the Off-Road Performance Edition package performed admirably with its specialized suspension, transfer case shield, and additional protections.

The 2022 Ford Maverick only came in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more front legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and front and rear legroom compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz in its 2.0-liter EcoBoost form. However, Hyundai's Santa Cruz provided superior headroom and shoulder room in both rows. The Maverick's interior storage was exceptional, with multiple cubbies around the cabin, under-seat storage, and a versatile door-card design with clips for large bottles.

The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed, though shorter than that of the crew-cab Ranger, managed a substantial 1,500 pounds of payload capacity. The bed also included features like an in-bed power outlet, tailgate tiedowns doubling as bottle openers, and a FlexBed system with tiedown cleats and customizable dividers or false floors. The Maverick offered a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds with the EcoBoost engine (2,000 pounds for the hybrid), less than some crossover SUVs but adequate for many uses.

The Canyon, available as an extended cab with a 6'2" bed or a crew cab with either a 5'2" or 6'2" bed, provided significant interior space in the crew cab form, comfortably accommodating rear-seat passengers. Extended cab models, however, were less spacious in the back seat. The Canyon featured rear bench seats that could fold to store items underneath, with entry and exit made easy due to its SUV-like seat height.

The Canyon's cargo bed with two-tier loading and 13 tie-down points simplified securing loads, and the integrated corner step bumper was a practical addition for easy access. The Canyon's higher payload and towing capabilities, particularly in V6 and turbodiesel forms, made it a formidable choice for those needing substantial utility.

The technology offerings in the 2022 Ford Maverick reflected its entry-level positioning. It housed the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering eight inches of screen, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to 10 devices. Though basic, the infotainment was functional and included practical features like a large phone slot with wireless charging and a stand-up slot with USB port access. Hybrid models also included a brake-coaching feature to optimize the use of regenerative braking.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Canyon provided more sophisticated tech, starting with a standard 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim, expanding to an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The AT4 added a wireless charging pad, while the Denali received navigation, a high-definition rearview camera, and several driver-assist features. Available tech included Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, and OnStar telematics. The GMC system, equipped with navigation and premium audio on the AT4 tested, facilitated user-friendly smartphone pairing and delivered excellent audio quality.

Like many new models, the 2022 Ford Maverick's crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending. It included Ford Co-Pilot360 standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist were available as options.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Canyon offered a more tiered approach to safety. Base models included useful tools like tire-fill alert and Teen Driver system. Higher trims came equipped with the Driver Alert package, featuring forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear parking assistance. However, advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance were notably absent.

The Canyon scored four out of five stars in NHTSA's overall crash protection, with strong side protection but lower ratings in rollover resistance. IIHS tests awarded the Canyon top ratings in most crash categories but lower scores in front passenger-side small overlap and crash avoidance.