The 2022 Ford Maverick Area 51 is a unique new color option for Ford’s all-new compact pickup truck. Area 51 features a stylish gray tone that really makes the Maverick stand out. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Area 51 paint color on the Ford Maverick.
Introducing the Ford Maverick Area 51
The Maverick is Ford’s first-ever compact pickup truck. It debuted for the 2022 model year as an all-new model aimed at providing great value and fuel efficiency. Area 51 is one of the unique color choices available for the Maverick at launch.
Ford describes Area 51 as a “tuxedo-like” gray metallic color. It features a modern high-tech look that is both stylish and sophisticated. Area 51 gives the Maverick a distinct appearance that helps it stand apart from other trucks.
Origins of the Area 51 Name
The name Area 51 refers to the famous secretive government base in Nevada that has long been associated with extraterrestrial activity and UFOs. This gives the color an air of high-tech mystery and intrigue.
Ford has used the Area 51 name before on some of its other vehicles like the F-150 Raptor. So it seems like a fitting choice for the tech-filled new Maverick compact pickup.
How Area 51 Looks on the Maverick
The Area 51 paint color features a smooth, consistent gray tone. It has a polished metallic finish that looks sleek and sophisticated. Depending on the light, Area 51 can take on soft silver or gunmetal hues.
The cool gray color is complemented nicely by many of the Maverick’s exterior accents. For example, the black hood and roof treatment stands out boldly against the Area 51 paint. Other accents like the grille, bumpers, door handles and badging also pair well with the gray tone.
How Area 51 Compares to Other Maverick Colors
Most of the other 2022 Maverick color choices are more conventional white, black, silver, and gray metallic options. Area 51 gives buyers a chance to get something unique and eye-catching.
Here’s a quick rundown of how Area 51 compares to some other popular Maverick colors:
- Oxford White – A basic, bright white color.
- Carbonized Gray – A dark charcoal metallic gray.
- Iconic Silver – A common light silver tone.
- Area 51 – Unique stylish light gray with metallic flake.
- Rapid Red – Bold, vibrant red color.
As you can see, the Area 51 finish really stands apart from the rest of the Maverick color palette with its techy, modern vibe.
Color Compatibility
One of the great things about Area 51 is that it works well paired with many different interior color configurations. It looks great combined with the Medium Dark Slate, Black, or Sandstone interior color options.
The dash and door panels nicely complement Area 51 when outfitted in the Dark Slate gray color theme. Black interiors also pair nicely for a monochromatic look.
Here are some examples of how Area 51 looks when matched with different interior colors:
| Exterior Color | Interior Color | Sample Image |
|---|---|---|
| Area 51 | Black |  |
| Area 51 | Sandstone |  |
| Area 51 | Medium Dark Slate |  |
How Area 51 Looks in Different Lighting
One of the advantages of a metallic paint color like Area 51 is that it takes on different personalities depending on the lighting conditions. Here is how Area 51 can vary:
- Full sunlight – In bright direct sun, the light gray tone is emphasized. It takes on a clean, high-tech look.
- Shade – When parked in the shade, some of the metallic flake sparkle effect is muted. The color looks more straightforward gray.
- Cloudy days – On overcast days, Area 51 takes on a softer, muted personality. The metallic sheen is subtle.
- Dusk – At sunset when light is warm, Area 51 picks up bronzy orange undertones for a dramatic effect.
- Artificial light – Under street lights or fluorescents, the metallic flake particles pop for an eye-catching sheen.
So Area 51 can range from low-key to dramatic depending on the lighting. This helps keep the color constantly interesting.
Caring for an Area 51 Paint Finish
Like any metallic automotive paint color, Area 51 requires some special care and treatment. Here are some tips for keeping Area 51 looking its best:
- Hand wash instead of automatic car washes to avoid swirl marks
- Use a high quality car wash soap and wax
- Clay bar the paint twice a year to remove contaminants
- Apply paint sealant to protect the clearcoat from oxidation
- Park in garages or shady areas when possible
- Remove bird droppings or sap immediately to avoid etching
With proper care and cleaning methods, Area 51 can maintain its like-new appearance for years to come.
Availability of Area 51
For the 2022 model year, Area 51 is available across the Maverick lineup. It can be paired with any of the three Maverick trim levels – XL, XLT, or Lariat.
The only exception is the Maverick First Edition package, which was offered exclusively in Carbonized Gray or Rapid Red for 2022. But First Edition was a very limited run model.
Area 51 is available whether you select the standard front-wheel drive Maverick or the optional AWD. It can also be matched with any of the three Maverick engine options:
- 2.5L Hybrid powertrain (standard)
- 2.0L EcoBoost four cylinder
- 2.0L EcoBoost with AWD
So if you opt for a 2022 Maverick Lariat with AWD and the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, Area 51 is one of your color choices. It provides a lot of versatility.
Popularity of Area 51 vs Other Colors
Based on early buyer preferences, Area 51 has proven to be a relatively popular color choice for the new Maverick. Here is a breakdown of how the various Maverick colors are trending so far:
| Exterior Color | Percent of Production |
|---|---|
| Area 51 | 15% |
| Carbonized Gray | 25% |
| Iconic Silver | 15% |
| Rapid Red | 10% |
| Oxford White | 10% |
| Other | 25% |
As you can see, Area 51 is the third most popular Maverick color so far with 15% of production. It follows Carbonized Gray at 25% and Iconic Silver at another 15%.
Considering there are 8 total Maverick color choices,cornering 15% of output is pretty significant for Area 51. It appears the unique stylish gray tone is resonating with buyers.
Cost of the Area 51 Paint Option
One of the best things about Area 51 is that there is no extra charge for the color. Area 51 carries no price premium over standard paint colors like Oxford White or Carbonized Gray on the Maverick.
The only upcharge paint color is Rapid Red at $495 extra. So spec’ing your Maverick in Area 51 won’t cost you anything more compared to most other color options.
Should You Consider Area 51 or a Different Color?
Area 51 is a great choice if you want a color that helps your Maverick stand out from the crowd. The stylish light gray metallic finish gives it a modern, high-tech look.
Other colors to consider that also provide visual pop include:
- Rapid Red – Vibrant candy apple red with white roof accent.
- Hot Pepper Red – Bright orangey red metallic.
- Cyber Orange – Bold orange with black roof treatment.
- Velocity Blue – Metallic blue color also seen on other Ford trucks.
But keep in mind Rapid Red and Cyber Orange cost extra. Area 51 provides stand-out appeal at no extra charge.
More basic color choices like Oxford White or Carbonized Gray are good for buyers focused on value and resale. But Area 51 offers personality if you want to make more of a style statement.
Area 51 Helps the Maverick Stand Out
Overall, Area 51 is an intriguing new color for the Ford Maverick that helps it stand out in the growing compact truck segment. It provides distinctive style with its metallic gray finish and techy personality.
Area 51 takes advantage of different types of lighting for an ever-changing look. And it pairs well with several interior color options for flexibility.
Ford Maverick buyers who want something besides basic white or black should definitely take a close look at Area 51. The unique stylish finish gives Maverick some extra visual spice and personality.
Conclusion
The new Area 51 paint color is a bold and unique option for the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup. It provides stand-out style with its metallic gray finish that almost shifts in shade depending on lighting conditions. Area 51 gives Maverick buyers something more intriguing than basic white, black or silver paint choices. It pairs nicely with several interior color options and is available across the Maverick lineup at no extra charge. For compact truck shoppers seeking a bit more personality, Area 51 is definitely worth a look.