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.]
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