Ford Has Officially Run Out of Maverick Pickups

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Word on the street is that Ford’s new “compact” pickup has been such as smashing success that the automaker is fresh out of product — at least in hybrid guise.

While the 2.0-liter turbo offers substantially more power and towing capability, the default 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder gasoline engine with a hybrid electric motor still produces an agreeable 191 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Mated to Ford’s e-CVT gearbox, the Environmental Protection Agency suggest the pickup delivers 42 mpg around town and 33 mpg on the highway. Considering that the vehicle retails just below $20,000 (before you account for taxes and dealer fees), offers a conservatively sized truck bed, and seats five, it’s little wonder that Ford’s tapped out in an era where people are being forced to tighten their belts.

Granted, those interested in more routine work would be better suited in a Ranger (which is what the Maverick should have been called) or F-150 and there are plenty of competitive models coming from other brands. But the Maverick seems to have hit the market at the right time and basically has the entire baby truck segment to itself — save for the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is more Ford Ranchero than vintage Ranger anyway.

CarBuzz confirmed the situation with Mike Levine, head of Ford North American Product Communications, following news on multiple automotive forums that the automaker had reached its production cap for the Maverick.

“That’s correct,” he replied. “Due to high demand, we are now fully reserved on Maverick Hybrid. Ordering will reopen next summer.”

Having considered scooping up a modest pickup as a secondary vehicle myself, even I’m a little disappointed to learn that the Maverick will be out of the running. Then again, my natural aversion to the introductory model year probably would have gotten the better of me.

For those less paranoid about getting a lemon, the EcoBoost version of the pickup is still available. Its 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque also allow it to bring the maximum towing capacity to 4,000 pounds (which is double that of the hybrid) when equipped with the necessary towing package. While that also swaps front-wheel drive for all-wheel drive (and a CVT for an 8-speed automatic), customers effectively have to shell out the kind of money required to get into a bare-bones Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado — both of which offer a base towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (which is upgradable to over 7,000) and substantially larger truck bed for around $26,000.

[Image: Ford Motor Co.]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Arthur Dailey Arthur Dailey on Dec 03, 2021

    When the Maverick was first announced, I was intrigued. After reading reviews and checking out the specs, I decided that a Maverick would be our next vehicle acquisition. Then I recently priced one on the Ford Canada website. I wanted a 'lower end' model with the hybrid engine and FWD. My better half insists on heated seats and blind spot monitoring. The MSRP for a base Maverick in Canada is $26k. However in order to get a Maverick with the options we 'need', the total cost including tax, prep/delivery charges is just under $40k Cdn. That sort of takes it out of my desired price point. As Hyundai is only currently offering a 'top end' Santa Cruz in Canada the starting MSRP is $39k Cdn. Ridgelines in Canada have an MSRP of just under $46k. And for comparison, Ram 1500 Classics have a base MSRP of under $29k Cdn.

    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Dec 06, 2021

      I've looked at prices of the Maverick, Ranger, and F150. There's price overlap across the line. Once "pandemic" price gouging settles down we'll most likely go back to the pattern of year end deep discounts on less popular pickups like fleet spec regular cabs and extended cabs. I like the looks of the Santa Cruz. It's much better looking than the Maverick. I've seen one of each in the wild. Both were being driven by elderly people. That's a plus. Appeal to the young but attract all buyers.

  • Sobhuza Trooper Sobhuza Trooper on Dec 10, 2021

    "Granted, those interested in more routine work would be better suited in a Ranger (which is what the Maverick should have been called)" Ford already had a small pickup name, COURIER. It would have worked. Also, it would have freed up the "Maverick" name to use on the Bronco Sport.

  • AZFelix Hilux technical, preferably with a swivel mount.
  • ToolGuy This is the kind of thing you get when you give people faster internet.
  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
  • Carson D The UAW has succeeded in organizing a US VW plant before. There's a reason they don't teach history in the schools any longer. People wouldn't make the same mistakes.
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