The Ford Maverick is the smallest bakkie offered by the Blue Oval brand and after months of teasers and spy shots, we finally get a proper look.

Interestingly, Ford says the Maverick is “the truck for people who never knew they wanted a truck”. Given the recent reveal of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, are we seeing a resurgence in the compact bakkie segment? Like you, we’d also like to see the Volkswagen Saveiro here, but that’s never going to happen.A locally-built Volkswagen electric bakkie does tickle our fancy though. Also, have you seen the new Fiat Toro?

Anyways, the Ford Maverick is a 5-person, 4-door bakkie and it features a full-hybrid powertrain.“The Maverick product proposition is like nothing else out there. It’s a great-looking truck featuring four doors with room for five adults, a standard full-hybrid engine with city fuel economy that beats a Honda Civic, plenty of towing and hauling for weekend trips or do-it-yourself projects, and it starts under $20,000,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Maverick challenges the status quo and the stereotypes of what a pickup truck can be. We believe it will be compelling to a lot of people who never before considered a truck.”

Ford Maverick Engines

As far as engines go, the Ford Maverick features a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine which produces 186 kW and 375 Nm. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic, and customers can choose from front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There’s also a 2.5-litre hybrid engine delivering 143kW combined output thanks to a 120 kW / 210 petrol engine and a94 kW / 235 Nm electric motor. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT and has a range claim of 805 km.

For those who like to carry things and tow, the Ford Maverick has a payload of 680 kg and a tow rating of 907 kg. A Tow Package is available, boosting the tow rating to 1 814 kg.

The Ford Maverick will be offered in XL, XLT and Lariat trim. There’s also an FX4 package featuringall-terrain tires and suspension tuning, additional underbody protection, and off-road-focused drive modes like Mud/Rut and Sand, as well as the addition of Hill Descent Control.

The 2022 Ford Maverick goes on sale Fall 2021 and at this stage, it’s highly unlikely to make it to South Africa as production is left-hand drive only.

Further Reading

Ford EcoSport review

Ford Everest Sport Launch review

Ford Ranger Thunder vs Wildtrak