We’ve caught the Ford Maverick prototype out testing multiple times in recent weeks, revealing all sorts of interesting details about the forthcoming compact pickup. That includes some Bronco Sport-like styling and underpinnings, strange exhaust routing, and confirmation that the Maverick is indeed a pickup, even though the prototype is is made to look like an SUV/crossover via a bed cap and some clever camo. And, as Ford Authority exclusively reported, it will also come equipped with a sliding rear window. Now, our latest spy photos give us a great look at the actual proportions of the new Maverick as they compare to the mid-size Ford Ranger.
At first glance, it’s easy to see that there’s a pretty big difference in size between the Ranger and the Ford Maverick prototype. The Maverick is far smaller and narrower, and it sits much lower to the ground than the FX4 package-equipped Ranger. The Maverick is also shorter than the Ranger, but not by a significant amount, at least.
All of this was expected, given the fact that the Maverick will slot below the midsize, body-on-frame Ranger in The Blue Oval’s growing pickup lineup. Compared to the Ranger, the unibody pickup will have a smaller footprint, less off-road prowess, and less towing and payload capability. However, it will also be more affordable.
The Maverick will ride on a variant of the Ford C2 platform, which also underpins the Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, Ford Focus, Ford Escape, and the Escape’s upcoming seven-seat variant. It’s expected to be offered with either Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost Dragon three-cylinder or an optional 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four, both of which are expected to be paired with FoMoCo’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. There might also be a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder offered in the Maverick. That’s currently unclear, but it’s possible. Front-wheel-drive will be standard, and all-wheel-drive will be optional.
The Maverick will be offered as a four-door / Super Crew body style out of the gate. Maverick production will take place at the Ford Hermosillo plant in Mexico, which also happens to be the birthplace of the new Bronco Sport. Expect a launch in mid-2021 as a 2022 model.
We’ll have much more on the future Ford Maverick soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Maverick news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
I owed a 1976 Ford Maverick. Great muscle car. It´s a shame seeing it converted into a truck and even worse, a boring SUV. I hope Ford stops with this only SUV´s nonsense policy asap and starts producing great cars again as they once did.
Don’t let the camo fool you – the Maverick will not be an SUV. It will be a unibody pickup, slotting under the Ranger.
As for the name, Maverick never really developed legendary status or a following, hence it will get reused. There are only a few of us who remember what a Maverick was, and we’re the exception, not the norm.
Agreed!
I agree, like we need another truck. My first car was a 70 Maverick Grabber
Yes, the market is asking for another pickup – one that’s smaller and more approachable than the Ranger. Pickups / pickup trucks are a growth segment. Cars are not.
More made in Mexico rubbish.
I thought at first this Maverick might be a good daily driver until they said Hermosillo, no thanks I only buy Union made cars.
It has been my opinion for many years that Ford messed up when they discontinued the small Ranger in favor of bigger trucks. I had hopes that the new Ranger would be more like the original Ranger was size wise but it was not to be. The new Ranger is the same size as the 1979 F-150 that I had back in the day. I had hopes when I read about this new model but now I have my doubts. The two major turn offs came when I read that it would be crew cab only and built in Mexico. US or Canada would have been better in my mind.
I like it. The Ranger is too big, I can’t get into it and I want a pickup so this should work. I’d rather it be made here but between Union crap and bs regulations, there’s no room for profit here. Besides, Ford sells a lot vehicles in Mexico and if they have some skin in the game, they’ll buy more and maybe keep some workers there. Thankfully it’s not built in China tho I’m sure a lot of the parts are. So long as I can put 500 lbs in the bed and tow a few thousand, this will work fine.
I agree with Mike. I’m looking to get into a truck nowadays. I need a crew cab to fit infant car seats And I only plan on using the bed for DIY projects; basement remodel, landscaping and more. I’m hoping this looks like a mini f150 or bronco. Us DIYers don’t need a “big” F150 that costs 40k or a tricked out Ranger at the same price. We want; decent price, decent tech and decent power. And as far as the complaints about it being unibody… not every truck needs to be made for off-road. Buy one of the hundreds of trucks available for that.
What size engine will it have? I do not want a 3 cylinder and can anyone tell me if those are any good? Should I waste my money on an Escape with a 3 and hope I can get across Tx safely without the motor burning up?