The Ford Maverick wants to capture crossover fans

The Ford Maverick probably wants to rain on the crossover parade in the USA. This compact pickup truck has hybrid power and a comfortable cabin, which many crossovers also feature, but adds the capacity of a pickup bed. 

Just how compact is the Maverick? Ford said this new truck is 11 inches shorter in length and three inches shorter in height than the US-spec Ranger. When compared to the F-150, the Maverick has 32 and seven inches less width and height, respectively. 

Ford's first compact truck is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers 191hp, when combined with the electric motor, and 210Nm of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels.

Ford said the truck's estimated fuel consumption is rated at 18kpl, while the range is at 800 kilometers. 

Another engine option is a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine delivering 250hp and 375Nm of pull. Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, this Maverick variety can be front- or all-wheel driven. 

Ford also claimed that the Maverick has enough muscle to pull ATVs, small boats, or camper trailers. 

The Maverick's interior is designed to be more car-like with the expected touchscreen infotainment, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. With FordPass and its modem, up to 10 devices can connect to Wi-Fi

Ford also highlighted the storage bins and cubby holes around the cabin. Out back, Ford has fitted the Maverick with what it called a Flexbed. 

"People can create segmented storage, elevated floors, bike and kayak racks and more by sliding 2x4s or 2x6s  (pieces of wood) into slots stamped into the side of the bed," Ford explained. 

"There are two tie-downs, four D-rings and built-in threaded holes in the sides" to bolt in cargo, it added. 

The Maverick's Flexbed also has 110V/400W outlets, similar to the one inside the cabin, It can charge phones and laptops, power small TVs, a cordless tool battery charger, or a small corded tool like a jigsaw, Ford said.

There’s also a storage cubby built into the side of the bed (depending on the variant), which is perfect for keeping a ball hitch or air pump.

Ford claimed that the Maverick can carry long and wide items with its multi-position tailgate. It opens normally, but also has a halfway-open position, to 18 sheets of plywood without needing to angle the panels, Ford explained.

The tailgate features tie-down clamps that double as bottle openers, and is rated to hold 200 kilograms of people sitting on the tailgate. With the bed floor and sides placed low, almost any size of adult can reach over and grab items off the bed floor.

“The Maverick product proposition is like nothing else out there," Ford truck group marketing manager Todd Eckert said. "It’s a great-looking truck featuring four doors with room for five adults, a standard full-hybrid engine" and fuel economy that can rival a compact car's. 

In the US, Ford will offer the Maverick in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat. An FX4 package available for all-wheel-drive XLT and Lariat trucks adds more off-road capability with rugged all-terrain tires and suspension tuning, additional underbody protection, and Hill Descent Control. 

Photos from Ford

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