Production of the 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup is set to begin this July at the Ford Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico.
General Motors’ Dearborn-based rival actually started building the first examples of its new compact pickup truck back in February, however those were only pre-production meant for development and testing purposes. The vehicles that will roll off the assembly line in Mexico this summer will be production-ready and will be distributed to Ford dealerships across North America.
The 2022 Ford Maverick will be positioned beneath the Ford Ranger in the automaker’s truck lineup and will start at under $20,000. The truck shares the unibody Ford C2 platform with the Ford Bronco Sport and will come standard with front-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive will also be available as an option, with these models integrating an independent rear suspension system in place of the FWD model’s twist beam setup. Power will come from either a turbocharged 1.5L I-3 or a turbocharged 2.0L I-4, both of which will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A naturally aspirated 2.0L I4 is a possibility for entry-level variants, while an eco-friendly hybrid model is set to arrive at some point as well.
Ford is also hoping to appease budget-friendly off-road enthusiasts with the 2022 Maverick and is rumored to be plotting a more capable model called the Maverick Timberline.
As we noted previously, General Motors does not currently have a direct rival to the 2022 Ford Maverick. Chevy is planning a compact unibody pickup based on the GM GEM (Global Emerging Markets) platform, however it doesn’t seem as though it will be offered in North America. The smallest trucks in GM’s portfolio are the mid-size Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, which compete with the Ford Ranger.
We’ll be sure to drop more information on the 2022 Ford Maverick as it becomes available, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GM-related Ford news, GM competition news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
This story was written in collaboration with our sister site, Ford Authority.
Comments
Ford bet on the right vehicles. This truck is ugly, but will sell well. The Bronco Sport is terrible, but offers what people want: a rugged-look affordable vehicle. Mach E looks like a nice EV, not a toy box like the Bolt. GM looks to a distant EV future but has his eyes clouded over to the ICE vehicles that make money today.
Actually, the Bronco Sport has been getting very good reviews, particularly the Badlands trim, which can go toe-to-toe with the Cherokee Trailhawk. On-highway, it’s probably not going to win many fans, and there are weird options which Ford didn’t include (such as a powered liftgate, etc.). But off-highway, it seems to have checked all the right boxes.
Terrible speaking about the design. The new Fords are the ugliest I’ve seen in a while, but they are delivering what people wants. Explorer is a hit too.
I hear what you’re saying, but considering that the Cherokee is not exactly a looker, Ford probably thinks it hit the bullseye. Totally with you on the Explorer, by the way. I’ve always thought it was ass ugly.
Design and looks are all subjective – in the eye of the beholder. Personally I think the new Bronco Sport is smart looking, looks like it fits into the Range Rover/Land Rover family. With the exception of the Blazer, GM’s SUV’s/CUV’s blend into the crowd of nondescript vehicles.
The Bronco is killer, hands down. The Bronco Sport design is not that good but it’s for women. It’s like all the smaller derivatives of the Range Rover, like the evoque etc. This maverick isn’t ugly but Ford made a smart move for this segment and the Bronco’s. Where is GM?
This size truck would be a good application of a mid gate like what the Avalanche had
This is the kind of entry i’m interested in. With a 100 mile round trip to work combined with the need to haul hunting and fishing gear, small utility trailers etc this might be the perfect compromise vehicle. I had a silverado which is a great truck but horrible for the drive to work. Replaced it with a terrain that gets great MPG and provides alot of the utility I need but not as much as a truck. Really miss having a truck.
@ JWL
Agreed. I may consider buying a Maverick.
Best to wait to check price and MPG. It may not be much different than the Ranger. You may get a better car like ride.
That is certainly true. I’m assuming since its smaller and most likely lighter than the ranger it will get better fuel mileage. I think price would have to be quite a bit lower, Rangers have a crazy high MSRP.
This is going to be more than a Escape and about Bronco priced.
$25k- $36k is my expectation.
Funny how there is such a lack of G͟e͟n͟e͟r͟a͟l͟ ͟M͟o͟t͟o͟r͟s͟ stories where this article belongs. They (you) didn’t even include the fact and associated photos (we wouldn’t want to promote G͟e͟n͟e͟r͟a͟l͟ ͟M͟o͟t͟o͟r͟s͟ over there would we) that “GM has no direct rival for the compact Maverick at this point in time”😲 in that sites version of this article (not by Sam).
here’s a good one, gmauthority.com has no direct rival from “General Motors’ Dearborn-based rival” sister site. 😢
From a viewer participation perspective, good thing there isn’t a hit counter over there.
I’d say that at least 80% of the stories here are specific to GM models and services. Personally, I’d rather see stories about Ford vehicles than those silly renderings that are posted here. All in all I think gmauthority is a great resource for GM news. I just skip the articles i’m not interested. in.
“Personally, I’d rather see stories about Ford vehicles” You came to the wrong site, go to a Ford site if you want Ford news.
There are plenty of automotive news websites that cover “AUTOMOTIVE NEWS”. I don’t go an iphone website to read about Android phones nor do I go to Harbor Freight tools website to read about Snap-On Tools.
My point was and is jwl that there are too many articles about (Ford’s) as well as other brands then need be, with or even without the comparison to “General Motors’ Dearborn-based rival” sister site. Especially when certain writers (S)eem (M)ore con(cE)rned with smearing General Motors.
You (Dig)?
You paraphrased my sentence to fit whatever statement you are trying to make. I said I would rather read about Ford vehicles rather than the renderings. That’s a far cry from saying I want to read about ford vehicles on a GM focused website. I’m not sure why you care so much. If you don’t want to read about non-GM vehicles then don’t read them. I don’t bother reading the articles about “GM sales decline in Brazil” stories either, but it doesn’t distract me or make me become irate because GM authority decides to publish them. Get a grip dude.
I’ve got a grip, on the fact that Ford news need not be here but it is when Alex hosts another website for those articles (even this one).
Again, you don’t see GM articles polluting fordauthority, see for your self you may enjoy it there.
Again, my point was and is jwl if a journalist, if that’s what you would call him. Wants to dig on a particular manufacturer they shouldn’t be doing it on a website that is supposed to be it’s “authority”.
This website is becoming a tabloid, Sam should take his shovel elsewhere.
You grip dude?
Just find it odd that you would get so worked up over a ford article here on gm authority. Is it really that important?
Not worked up, just over the continuous pokes towards GM with articles painting other brands as better or smarter then GM here on a “GM website”
This is not “the big three” or “American car” authority nor is it motrolix
This is GMAuthority which has the statement
“GM Authority is a must-read for GM news, GM rumors, GM reviews, and information about General Motors vehicles.” (Self-explanatory)
There are many car companies I care nothing about so I don’t visit their websites (fordauthority) looking for GM articles. I come here (and a few other GM (some model specific) sites.
If I wanted to read about Ford’s, I would go to fordauthority!
If you want to eat steak do you make a steak casserole, do you start at the front page of the paper just to get to the crossword puzzle or funny page’s?
Quote ” just over the continuous pokes towards GM with articles painting other brands as better or smarter then GM here on a “GM website”. Totally agree with you on this one.
Well said , i am a GM/ Chevy guys since i was a kid in the 60’s.
i come to this site as my sole interest is Chevy/ GM.
i think there must be more news on GM than is covered here.
At the top of the article it suggested GM has a unibody truck in the works for other markets , why not give write an article on that and let us know what may be out there ?
There will always be a Chevy/ GM in my driveway, and i want to read a site that devotes there full attention to all things GM
Hey Fastyle, nobody is forcing you at gunpoint to come to this site. Don’t go away mad, just go away.
makes sense? where have I seen this before?
No, that’s not it, No, not there either?
Nope, never, Sam, that you? Nooo couldn’t be?
Ooh yeah, “makes sense”, hard to keep coming up with fictitious name to ghost viewer comments. Always toward others comments never about the article!
Who said anything about being mad 🤣 or going away! 🤣🤣🤣
When does 2¢ have more power then the rest of the dollar? When it’s coming out of the business end of a howitzer
make sense?
👋
🎤
I guess this site is not allowed to be critical of GM products by publishing other articles according to you? I guess you’re the senior editor?
Same here. I agree with JWL. As long as the competitor’s articles don’t take over the GM articles. I would much rather see a few ford or dodge articles than some of the useless renderings. Don’t mean to offend anyone but some of the renderings are just out of touch. Really enjoy reading about the history and older cars. Going back in time to remember the good old days always brings a smile to my face. I was fortunate enough to have grown up during those times. Like JWL stated, I have the option to skip over anything I’m not interested in.
The real trouble is GM has clamped down on new product in ways that very little info escapes unless it is intended.
Many of my old leaks no longer hint or speak of anything new anymore. Much of the info I get is often from people working at suppliers.
To be fair there is just so little lead news it is tough to writer about it anymore. There was a time we knew what GM was doing 4 years out but no longer.
Just take a look at the Hummer EV for proof of this.
Ford can’t keep something a secret if their life depended on it. GM, meanwhile, kept the Hummer totally secret up until 3 weeks before the official announcement, when they talked to the WSJ. And the actual truck didn’t leak until 2 hours before the October reveal.
Kudos to Ford for bringing a true smaller truck to market. I think this will sell very well and I’m actually interested in a base model when they come out. Let’s just hope they don’t give it the huge i-pad glued to the dash look of the Explorer.
GM and Dodge, you paying attention?
This is far from a slam dunk. This segment is one that has never done well. FWD based truck have always struggled even the Ridgeline.
I read a story with the lead Ford engineer over this program and he spoke of the risks and challenges.
He said trucks like the Ranger cost nearly as much as a full size to build. They are not based on any other platform and there are limits to what they can charge and the profits are limited. I can see what he means as the S10 used some of the parts and engineering from the A body GM cars.
The unibody FWD based trucks can use the CUV platforms like Ford is using the C2 platform. The Ford Engineer pointed out that most Unibody trucks have suffered as they only offered one body style. I think this hints that Ford not only made it look like a truck but will offer more than one configuration.
The real question is just how much will it cost and will people still accept the FWD based drivetrain. These two points will be what determine if it succeeds or not.
The problem is most people went to trucks when the cars all went FWD. Many will not migrate over. Now they need to draw buyers from the CUV segment as they don’t have an issue with FWD baed platforms.
The Ridgeline garnered many headlines and reviews but in the end it has fallen short of much dominance. Hyundai is coming with their unibody truck to suck up more of a small segment of sales. Will they be able to grow this segment or will it be a small segment buyers that three brands have to fight over and will there be enough sales?
GM is watching. The fact is they have a number of platforms they could easily convert if needed. Ford at this point had little to lose as they are hurting and this could really help if it works. On the other hand GM will cover these sales with CUV models at much lower risk. Let’s face it when your stock is in the tank Ford had to do something. The Aluminum trucks never paid off as today no one cares. They even cut into profits with increased aluminum prices.
I hope this works as I would love to see GM jump back in to a small truck but only if they can make money with them. I have a Canyon now that I dearly love. Even if a FWD based truck came I would remain in the Canyon but I still would like to see GM all in if there is money there. I just see a narrow price range here as the Honda is still not cheap. Also I don’t see them wanting to rob Ranger sales too at a similar price.
So let’s sit back and just see what happens. This could be fun or very educational.
The sport trac was a very popular truck but again price is difficult. If they can do that with bed options and cab options at a profit they will win.
I thought I read (or perhaps a youtube video) that the Maverick will only come in the crew cab config, same as ranger. An extended cab version would be great for some fleet sales.
The engineer spoke of plans to do more than one. Keep in mind engineers and product plans can change. His intention was not to just do one.
I expect a soft start with one version and if sales take off more will be added if not it could be a short run.
That could be. I found the article over on Motortrend and tried to post the link but it says my comment is waiting moderation. It says crew cab only for the maverick. But like you said, that could change as well because the ranger was only available in the crew cab config and now you can get one in extended cab.
Remember in the past Ford said no Ranger here and no Raptor version once it came here too.
What’s up with the way they ran that tail pipe?
Many will compare these to the Honda Ridgeline, but those are bigger and much more expensive than the Maverick. New Ridgelines start at over $35K these days, way more than one of these.
I can see Ford doing very well with these not just here, but in other markets around the world.
I was to mention that, the Ridgeline is expensive for what it dose. The surprise is how long Detroit responded to the Ridgeline, unlike the total blindness of having the Outback unchallenged since the ’90s.
The Maverick will definitely have a place in the market but I’m not sure why manufacturers have ignored the small truck market. Just a good basic small truck like the old Toyota and Nissan trucks would sell well today. Even a regular cab would sell.
Toyota Tacoma still a great truck to buy even at the base level with base engine. Plus the resale value of Tacoma highest in industry.
Rich nearly all stopped building the small trucks due to no 9be buying them. GM was seen as crazy doing the Colorado.
With the Ridgeline selling half what the Colorado is there was no rush. This is a very small unknown market. Ford is taking a calculated risk. This could be a big deal or it could be a one gen and done. Being on the C2 platform made it affordable to try the risk.
Like so many other vehicles people on the forums say build it but in the end few buy. Time will tell here.
Also this truck is not that much different in size and will not be that much less in price. Also the mpg will not be that much better.
My Canyon gets 21 City.
Who is going to be the first to complain it is built in Mexico?
Fwd stinks on anything but in a truck is stupid. I miss my Sonoma extended cab ZQ8.
I have had six new ZQ8’s and still have my 2007 as a daily driver ! Four Sonoma’s and two Colorado’s.
Hate what I am about to say but Ford has some hits on hand and on the way.
Obviously F-150 (I am not a fab but)
Ranger
Escape
Bronco Sport
Bronco
Maverick (I think this will sell very well)
And the upcoming Fusion ( People that have seen it say it is amazing)
And the nice Mustang Mach-E
I’d replace the Escape with the Explorer.
Yeah you might be correct.
We saw a lonely looking Mach E sitting up front by itself at my local Ford dealer that nobody even seemed to notice. It was even uglier and more nondescript looking than in pictures. Everything else Ford makes is better looking than this turd. Even my two Mustang lover friends who are both in their 30’s hate it.
I don’t understand the “ugly” comments. It has a very clean, tasteful, though squarish look perfectly suited to a small truck. I would even call it elegant and much prefer this to the overwrought sweeps, slashes, gigantic headlamps and clutter of many modern vehicles and especially CUVs.
I predict it to be hugely successful for Ford. It’s a modern Courier or first gen Ranger that should be very appealing to the youngest and oldest buyers. For those bookend buyers on a budget who only need a light duty truck, it should totally suit their needs. I suspect the middle-aged truck buyers will stay with the heavier duty options but I can see 20 year old students and 75 year old retirees finding this Maverick to be just perfect.
2002 Chevy TrailBlazer + Honda Ridgeline = Ford Maverick
Not quite. The Trailblazer was RWD based and pretty large.
Yes quite when you compare both front end designs.
whyd they name it maverick though? i instantly thing of smaller 70’s car
That one would need work to be accepted here. That is really a third world offering.
Note even the Holden version of the Colorado had to be reworked.
As like Chevy did on the Blazer. Ford owned the name and had marketing people that are not enthusiast.
Funny how Ranchero would have really fit this one well.
The Maverick name long forgotten and unknown to the consumers who wiil buy this truck.
Chevy makes a small pickup in Mexico with a 1.5L engine called the Tornado. They could easily adapt this versatile small truck for the North American market. Should have done this years ago.
Nice little truck in my opinion. Are you paying attention GM and Dodge? Alot of folks could use a little reasonably priced beater truck if you will. For me, don’t need all the bell’s and whistles just a basics reliable tuff little truck.
A basic, ELectric El Camino (maybe something based on the Bolt EV platform) seems like it would be a great response. Affordable, aerodynamic, and low enough to put things in the bed without a stepladder. Work a deal with Stihl or Bosch for a co-branded line of electric lawn maintenance equipment that can recharge from the vehicle and you’d have a smash hit.