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FORD MAVERICK MAY FEATURE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION

It Could Also Be Two Feet Shorter Than The Mid-Size Ranger Pickup

New Ford Truck
Ford Courier

The upcoming Ford Maverick small pickup truck is steadily building its own wave of hype just as the tsunami of Bronco news is beginning to (slowly) recede. It’s the “white space” pickup truck America didn’t know it needed, and has singlehandedly piqued the interest of anybody who just thinks that today’s trucks are simply too big.

Details that can so far be pieced together about the Ford Maverick pickup truck include that it will launch next year, and that it will be built alongside the Bronco Sport in Mexico. Leaked images of the Maverick’s tailgate with its name clearly stamped into the sheetmetal further solidify that the little ute is indeed on the way. And now, according to a post from somebody alleging to be an insider on the Maverick Chat forum, we may have a clearer picture still.

Ford Maverick
Ford Maverick teaser

According to the thread, Ford is preparing for an estimated sales volume of around 100,000 units within its first model year, which will either as a 2021 or 2022 vehicle. When it launches, the Ford Maverick will come in one body style, a four-door, and will have a lot of mechanical similarities with the Ford Transit Connect van. It’s even being described as a “Transit Connect pickup” in the thread. However, unlike the utilitarian Transit Connect, the Ford Maverick will have features that could attract the active lifestyle crowd. Perhaps like the Bronco Sport.

Proportionally, the Ford Maverick could be a full 2 feet shorter in length than the mid-size Ranger, pointing to a stocky truck bed. If you haven’t guessed by now, it’s also going to be a unibody truck. Such vehicles are sold all over around the world, and a recent example is the Fiat Strada, which is expected to be the Ram 700. An older example is the Ford Courier, pictured far up top and below. It would be FWD-based, as well.

Under the hood, the Maverick is said to have a 2.0L four-cylinder engine right from the Transit Connect, with just 162 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque, potentially paired with a manual transmission. Soon after, a 1.5L EcoBoost three cylinder with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque from the Bronco Sport will be offered.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of this white space model coming from Ford Motor Company, and if it’s going to be just enough to satisfy your needs for a new little truck.

Ford Courier.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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