Ford Maverick Prototype Spied Alongside Ford Ranger, Providing A Perfect Size Comparison

We’ve caught the Ford Maverick prototype out testing multiple times in recent weeks, revealing all sorts of interesting details about the forthcoming compact pickup. That includes some Bronco Sport-like styling and underpinnings, strange exhaust routing, and confirmation that the Maverick is indeed a pickup, even though the prototype is is made to look like an SUV/crossover via a bed cap and some clever camo. And, as Ford Authority exclusively reported, it will also come equipped with a sliding rear window. Now, our latest spy photos give us a great look at the actual proportions of the new Maverick as they compare to the mid-size Ford Ranger.

At first glance, it’s easy to see that there’s a pretty big difference in size between the Ranger and the Ford Maverick prototype. The Maverick is far smaller and narrower, and it sits much lower to the ground than the FX4 package-equipped Ranger. The Maverick is also shorter than the Ranger, but not by a significant amount, at least.

All of this was expected, given the fact that the Maverick will slot below the midsize, body-on-frame Ranger in The Blue Oval’s growing pickup lineup. Compared to the Ranger, the unibody pickup will have a smaller footprint, less off-road prowess, and less towing and payload capability. However, it will also be more affordable.

The Maverick will ride on a variant of the Ford C2 platform, which also underpins the Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, Ford Focus, Ford Escape, and the Escape’s upcoming seven-seat variant. It’s expected to be offered with either Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost Dragon three-cylinder or an optional 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four, both of which are expected to be paired with FoMoCo’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. There might also be a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder offered in the Maverick. That’s currently unclear, but it’s possible. Front-wheel-drive will be standard, and all-wheel-drive will be optional.

The Maverick will be offered as a four-door / Super Crew body style out of the gate. Maverick production will take place at the Ford Hermosillo plant in Mexico, which also happens to be the birthplace of the new Bronco Sport. Expect a launch in mid-2021 as a 2022 model.

SOURCE: FORD AUTHORITY