With the 2022 Ford Maverick proving to be a massive hit with shoppers over the past several months, the new compact pickup has already earned “icon” status within FoMoCo’s ranks, which means that new variants are likely on the way. Ford previously refused to rule out a high-performance ST-like variant or an off-road focused version of the Ford Maverick, and Ford Authority spies have spotted a few very interesting prototypes in recent months, too. That includes this past week, when those spies stumbled across a very unusual Ford Maverick prototype that could be an all-wheel drive Hybrid model, as well as this strange pickup that was just spotted driving around, too.
Though it has a different front end with various parts – like the grille – missing, like that previously-spied prototype, this particular model also has a box attached to the rear driver’s side door with hoses/cables running from it to the underside of the vehicle. Thus, it’s possible that this is indeed another all-wheel drive Maverick Hybrid prototype, though it also shares a few similarities to a prototype that was spied last August, too.
The other notable feature present on this pickup lies in the rear, where it’s equipped with a false roof section over the bed area designed to look like a cap, which was used on early Maverick prototypes to fool onlookers into thinking that it was a crossover or SUV of some sort and not a pickup. The fake roof section is surrounded by a cover, which conceals anything that might be lying in the bed, though the rear is open to the elements.
In the rear, a portion of this prototype’s bumper is missing, showing off the exhaust and rear suspension, as well as some wiring. It’s a strange, cobbled-together creation for certain, and bears many similarities to the Maverick prototype spotted last week, as well as the black model spied months ago. But for now, what it is, exactly, remains unclear.
We’ll have more on the Maverick soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Maverick news and ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
There are rumours that that Maverick is a PHEV/AWD test vehicle, and the object on the side of the door is a battery cooler.
While I’m not certain what the device on the previously featured vehicle is this one is an EVAP canister. It follows the basic form of other Ford EVAP canisters with two hoses, of different sizes on one side and the purge valve on the other. Further it has a single mounting hole on the hose end placed between the two nipples and the purge valve and two mounts on the other side, again like other Ford EVAP canisters.
I want to buy a 2022 or 2023 hybrid Maverick with a full size bed to haul our recumbent bikes. Need 4 seats for when grandkids join us. Max budget is $29K.