Ford has announced the Maverick, a tidily-designed compact pickup truck that appears set to reignite that market. While trucks have steadily gotten bigger and more bloated, Ford is betting—accurately, I believe—that there are plenty of folks who'd like the convenience of hauling stuff in an open bed, but don't need the monster-sized, gas-guzzling vehicle that comes with it.
Three shocking figures attached to the vehicle are the starting price of $19,995; the projected city mileage of 40 MPG; and the 500-mile range on a single tank of gas. The latter two figures are achieved by means of a hybrid powerplant (a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor); the low price is partially the result of the vehicle's reduced size and materials usage, I imagine, and the fact that it's front-wheel drive. (Those who want all-wheel drive will have to step up to a 2-liter gas engine, for which mileage figures have not been released.)
I think the Maverick is a smart move on Ford's part. I don't think it will cannibalize their existing full- and mid-size pickup market, as there are no shortage of Americans who feel they need a gigantic vehicle. The Maverick can carry five and is designed for "people who never knew they wanted a truck," according to the company, who adds it's "built for makers and doers." And it seems they've focused heavily on the UX for the interior:
"Creating clever storage and useful features fell to Daniel George, interior leader, who calls Maverick 'the ultimate first vehicle for my kids.'
"What's key, he said, was understanding how people actually use the stuff they bring in, rather than just expecting them to find places to stash it.
"Door armrests have a split design to allow a one-liter water bottle to sit upright in a bin rather than rolling around on the seats, while door pockets are huge and have lots of vertical clearance to store a tablet or notebooks.
"There's a spacious storage bin under the rear seats that fits a fully inflated volleyball, laptop bags, roller blades, tools and other gear.
"FITS – Ford Integrated Tether System – is a clever multitasking solution for rear seat passengers. There's a FITS slot at the back of the front console that accommodates different accessories for endless personalization. An available accessory package includes cupholders, a storage or trash bin, cord organizer, double hook for grocery bags and purses, and under-seat storage dividers. More FITS slot creations are in development and Ford is working to publish the slot geometry so people can 3D-print DIY solutions to further fit their lifestyle.
"Those accessories can be stored in multiple slots under the rear seats, which could also be used for novel applications on their own.
In the graphic below, which shows the Maverick's size relative to the other trucks in Ford's lineup, you can see that it looks as easy to climb into as a car:
The box seems positively tiny at 4.5 feet in length, but there is a ton of design that went into it. Enough that the bed is actually getting its own entry, up next.
The Maverick will hit the streets this fall.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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The New Ford Maverick: A $20,000 Compact Hybrid Pickup Truck That Gets 40 MPG
Some really nice detailing going on in there. Great to see an automaker recognize how much of a market there is for used smaller pickups and make one!
It's kinda of a strange world, when we herald, what we'd otherwise call common sense and actual usability, something which is sadly missing in contemporary car design. I like the concept, but I can't really get over how they messed up the front fascia. Rather than have a pair of focused eyes and a clear identity, it's all washed out and undefined.
I can't have a Focus, but I can get this? Thanks for nothing Ford...
Man, if it didn't have 4 doors I would be sold. I want a truck with a single cab. I never thought I would say this but I miss my little Chevy S-10.
Love the idea Ford! Wish it stayed a little more true to the concept renders - but that's typically the case.