The 2022 Ford Maverick top engine option is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder. In the Maverick we have here, it comes mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is optioned with AWD and the Trailer Tow Package.

As such, the engine is rated at 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and has an EPA rated fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. While the published horsepower is based on premium gasoline, the EPA rating shows recommended fuel to be regular.

Built in either Cleveland, OH or Valencia, Spain depending on stateside demand and production capacity, the EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine is in its second generation and features direct fuel injection, twin independent cam timing for its 16 valves and is of course turbocharged and intercooled.

One look at the engine compartment shows familiarity with both the contemporary Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engineas they share a common platform architecture and thus many underhood components.

Following the airflow, the intake charge starts at the top of the radiator and travels through a plastic duct to the air-filter box at the driver side of the engine bay. Changing the filter appears to be easy, needing only to pop a couple clips to access the element.

Intake air travels from there through another duct to the turbocharger which is at the rear of the engine and out of sight from above. The turbocharger is mounted directly to the aluminum head which has an integral exhaust manifold for better thermal efficiency.

The intake charge then travels through ducting to the air-to-air intercooler mounted behind the front bumper and then back up to the throttle body located at the bottom of the composite intake manifold. From there it travels into the head and to the cylinders.

On the top of the head you can see all four spark plug coil packs. The direct fuel injection system is mostly hidden away however under the composite valve cover with only a couple components visible such as the high-pressure fuel volume regulator seen with the black foam “hat” cover.

In spite of being tightly packaged, doing your own service and maintenance is relatively straight forward. The oil dipstick and filler cap are easy to find at the top of the engine in plain sight. Changing the oil filter requires access underneath.

Windshield washer fluid is at the passenger side fender with a bright blue cap. Next to it is the main engine coolant reservoir. Checking the brake fluid is done at the driver-side firewall. You will note here is an electric motor computer controlled booster master cylinder ABS combination unit.

The 12-volt battery is located just to the side of the brake fluid reservoir and easy to access. While the main breaker fuses are under the hood, most accessory fuses are located under the glovebox at the consumer grade access block.

Because the Maverick has standard LED headlamp assemblies, only the turn signal and parking lamp bulbs are user serviceable.

Of note, on Maverick the dual horns can be seen under the leading edge of the driver-side fender. Also, replacing struts will require the removal of small plastic covers at the tops of the strut towers.