Over the last several months, we’ve spotted a number of 2022 Ford Maverick prototypes driving around with less and less camouflage as we inch close to the compact pickup’s reveal, which should be happening soon as the Maverick is expected to enter production at the Ford Hermosillo Assembly Plant in July. Now, however, we’ve spied something that a lot of people will likely be very interested in – a 2022 Ford Maverick Base prototype.
This 2022 Ford Maverick Base prototype has all of the entry-level features we’d expect to see – incandescent exterior lighting, steelie-style wheels, a lower-cost, twist-beam rear suspension, and that same strange exhaust setup we spied on another prototype several months ago.
Those seeking nothing more than a basic pickup for as little money as possible will likely be very intrigued by the 2022 Ford Maverick Base model, which will feature a starting MSRP of less than $20k when it launches. That will make the Maverick the most affordable pickup in Ford’s lineup – roughly $4,000 less than the cheapest 2021 Ford Ranger, which is a SuperCab, not a SuperCrew like all Mavericks.
For that small outlay of cash, buyers will get a truly compact pickup, as we saw when we recently spotted a Maverick prototype parked next to a Ford Mustang. The 2022 Ford Maverick will be available with either Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost I-3 or an optional 2.0L EcoBoost I-4, both of which will be mated to FoMoCo’s eight-speed automatic transmission. A naturally aspirated four-cylinder remains a possibility for the entry-level model, while the Maverick will also come with a hybrid powertrain option.
The Maverick be built alongside the Ford Bronco Sport, with which it shares the Ford C2 Platform along with the Ford Escape. The pickup will be available in a front-wheel-drive configuration as seen here, or all-wheel-drive with an independent rear suspension. The Maverick will also be available in a more rugged, off-road-oriented trim that could be called Timberline.
We’ll have more on the new Maverick soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Maverick news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Guess I’ll wait until Chevy comes out with a 2 door small truck? Loved that red 2 door Maverick picture posted on initial proposal? Just gave my 1992 Ford ranger to my nephew! Had about 250,000 miles on the little 4 cylinder! Oh did I tell you it was a two door?
No manual?
4doors it sucks..
I don’t like the ‘nose down/tail up’ stance on this truck or the Ranger. What’s up with that?
This a truck for the ladies. They like to be nose down and tail up by nature.
Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Judging from the comments on this article (and previous articles),
it should sell about as well as the SportTrac of a decade ago.
I like the fact that ford is the learning edge. Let’s se the alse figures. I’m intrigued with what I have seen. Personally I would like to see a 4 cyl. Naturallay asperated motor in the base for fleet service
Say what you guys want,but I’m not paying 40, or even 30 grand for a pick up. This fits my budget, and offers all of the functionality I need as a guy with a normal job who does diy house fixer upping in my free time, while also allowing me to accomadate my family as it grows. This is exactly what I was looking for 2 years ago, and I am highly interested!
I would think that a bare bones fleet truck would have a large following. Single cab, two door, maybe a naturally aspirated 2.3 engine with a modest radio, simple auto tranny and AC would really appeal to fleet applications such as utilities, nationwide service fleets, parts stores, etc. probably limit colors to just Oxford White with rubber interior floor. If the price was right, i’d think that Ford could get multiple large national businesses to make reasonable purchase options. Virtually all of the components (excepting the cab) could be from current or older models, thus eliminating a lot of R&D. A good way to cover a lot of manufacturing overhead. Some bargain entry level retail buyers could be very interested as well .
Interesting, it looks like the front wheels(17 inch steel) are bigger than rear wheels(15?), on this tester. I would prefer the 15’s for winter use. I hope it has a non-turbo engine option, and will come in a two-door with a bench seat. And a “Key-in” old-school ignition switch like the F-150 work trucks.