Ford is pushing back deliveries of the hybrid version of its new Maverick pickup until January, the automaker said — though customers may take solace in the fact that the compact truck will get better fuel economy than the automaker originally had promised.
According to the EPA, the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid will get 42 miles per gallon in the city test cycle, with a combined fuel economy rating of 37 mpg. That will make it the most fuel-efficient pickup on the market.
“Our team set out to redefine what a truck could be with Maverick, and we’ve done that with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city,” said Chris Mazur, Ford Maverick chief engineer, in a statement released Thursday morning.
Mileage upgraded
When Ford announced plans to build the Maverick last June, it estimated the compact pickup would yield 40 mpg in the city. Hybrids generally do better in stop-and-go driving because they’re able to recapture energy lost during braking and coasting.
In a surprise move, Ford also revealed that it would make the hybrid its base model, with a starting price of just $19,995. That will make it not only one of the cheapest hybrids on the market but also the lowest-priced Ford vehicle offered in the U.S.
The hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle gas engine with a 94 kilowatt electric motor. Together, they produce 191 horsepower. The package will handle up to 1,500 pounds of cargo in Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed. Buyers will have a second powertrain option, however, with an upgrade to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-4 making 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The gas-only’s tow rating jumps to 4,000 pounds, though the maximum cargo load remains the same.
(Click Here for our review of the 2022 Ford Maverick.)
Ford launched the EcoBoost version of the Maverick first, with a handful of customers taking delivery last month. It is in the midst of a full, nationwide rollout.
Launch delayed
The original plan called for the Maverick Hybrid to follow before year-end. Ford is not disclosing why the gas-electric model was delayed, though speculation centers around the ongoing shortage of semiconductors. That has forced the second-largest Detroit automaker to repeatedly cut production of many product lines, including its bigger Ranger and F-Series pickups.
According to Ford’s statement, “The first Maverick Hybrid pickups are (now) expected to start shipping in December, with customer deliveries expected to start in January.”
Due to the increase in the EPA’s mileage rating, the hybrid model will have an estimated range of “more than 500 miles” on a tank of gas.
Challenging the status quo
Maverick’s fuel economy could be a big selling point, but the automaker is pitching other selling points, including the functionality of the truck — and its ability to be heavily customized by do-it-yourselfers. There even are strategically placed QR codes on the truck that an owner could use to learn how to divide up the cargo bed, for example, or 3D print things like storage bins for the cabin.
“Maverick challenges the status quo and the stereotypes of what a pickup truck can be,” Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager, said when the truck was first unveiled. “We believe it will be compelling to a lot of people who never before considered a truck.”
The Maverick is actually one of two trucks entering the long-moribund compact pickup market, along with the new Hyundai Santa Cruz. The segment was popular with then-young Baby Boomers in the 1960s and 1970s but faded away as those buyers shifted to larger — and most profitable — trucks.
Both Ford and Hyundai are reporting strong initial orders for their new models, and some analysts believe that could encourage other manufacturers to enter the compact pickup segment, as well.
Reminds me of a story. Woman is at Sam’s Vegi stand and complains to Sam, “Your potatoes are $1 a pound, Meijer has them for only 50 cents.” Sam says, “so go buy them at Meijers.” Woman says “they’re out of potatoes today.” Sam says “when I’m out of potatoes, they only cost 25 cents.”
Never gonna buy another Ford EVER!!! You ask your customer to trust you and order something sight unseen that you will deliver and then you pull this nonsense. I am going to sue you for my money back and the cost of replacing the vehicle that you promised would be in my driveway by this month.
Hi, Scott, Not to blindly defend Ford, do be aware that your dealer and the automaker likely did have reason to assume the vehicle would be ready for you by now. Ford has not explained what the delay is for but the ongoing shortage of semiconductors is believed to be responsible. It has impacted the entire industry and delayed production of almost every vehicle out there. Subaru has a 2-day supply of vehicles, Toyota just 6. (A 60-75-day supply is the industry norm.) There have been numerous delays in the launch of 2022 models because of this. The situation is totally out of the norm and I’d personally be a lot less harsh on Ford. There’s a chance that any all-new 2022 model you were to have ordered could have been set back.
Paul A. Eisenstein
Publisher, TheDetroitBureau.com
I was born into an all Ford family and am thoroughly disgusted with where they are headed. A 4 door Mustang, a truck using the same name as previous car. Most people do not remember the old Maverick as I’m sure the new blood at Ford do not either. The Mach E is an absolute abomination of the Mustang namesake and what it has always been. Remember the Probe? It was to be the new Mustang until the idiots realized what a mistake it would be to call it a Mustang. I’m ready to unload all of my Ford products. My blood used to run blue, but I am truly done with Ford due to their lack of recognizing their own heritage. I’m sure they leave the Ford design studios in their Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords these days. Good job guys.
Bottom line on the Maverick? It’s a truly well executed product.
Paul E.
True that!!
All of the manufacturers are fools for not having backup suppliers. This is the #1 rule of an intelligent production team. Don’t stick up for Ford or the others, it is all their fault for their shortcomings.
John, Were it not for the fact that EVERY automaker has faced chip shortages — even those who initially bragged about having backup supplies — I would blame Ford. You need to actually research what’s happening to understand the unusual nature of this issue. Paul E.
I placed my order in June of 2021 the first month that you could do so and the hybrid xl I ordered had only the dropin bedliner everything else stock. I thought it would be first come first serve but it’s February 2022 and both the dealer and Ford have no info for me other than my order has been placed. I don’t expect my truck till after it’s one year anniversary order date. I believe Ford owes us more than the 3D printed back seat stuff. I think if it takes Ford a year to make my truck that the exorbitant transportation cost and all other dealer costs other than tax and license be waved. I’m not financing my truck I have the money in the bank gathering no interest and the dealer has my $500.00 in their bank.