Despite its prototypes being clad in heavy camo, we’ve managed to discover several key details about the forthcoming Ford Maverick compact pickup in recent weeks. That includes some components present in the Ford Maverick suspension system, which are on display in these recent spy photos. They also confirm what we already knew – that the Maverick utilizes a front-wheel-drive configuration, though all-wheel-drive will also be available.
The lack of driveline components in the rear portion of this prototype signals that it is indeed front-wheel-drive. Other close up shots give us a good look at the rest of the Ford Maverick suspension, including the coil springs, shock placement, and structural components, as well as a connecting rod between the wheels. The exhaust routing, which we reported on recently, is quite strange and could simply be a place-holder configuration.
This coil-sprung, twist-beam configuration is quite typical of a front-wheel-drive, low-cost platform such as the Maverick’s. 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 will slot below the Ford Ranger in The Blue Oval’s expanding truck lineup, and is visibly smaller than the mid-size pickup.
The Maverick is 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. It’s currently unclear, but a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder is also a possibility.
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 Assembly 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 doubt that will be the final exhaust routing. It’s probably out of the way so they can change out springs and make other adjustments more easily
Really hope they don’t fluff the introduction price of around 20k. I know it’s a dream but is it unrealistic to expect an AWD Maverick to be $22k? I hope they gear towards DIY families with this truck. Let’s get around 26mpg(30 would be phenomenal of course) be able to tow mini camper, fill the bed with the occasional small lumber trip and have a decent infotainment system.
For a small lumber trip you’d be better off in a van or wagon. I once fit a 10-foot piece of downspout in my Protege5. That thing would also haul 7 bags of leaves in the fall. This… I’m just hoping there’s enough room in the bed for a recliner or stove.