The all-new Ford Maverick pre-order count continues to increase for numerous good reasons. Not only is Ford tapping into a segment that rivals (including Ford for several years) wrote off for as good as dead, but it's doing so with amazing packaging. The Maverick carries a starting price of just $19,995 for the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid. On top of that, it can deliver 40 mpg in the city. That's all highly desirable especially for those on a budget and don't intend to do serious off-roading.
However, if you want one then you'll have to place a special order for one. A Ford dealership posted on the Mavericktruckclub.com forum that 100 percent of hybrid variants will go to customer orders.
In other words, there won't be any Maverick Hybrids sitting on dealer lots as part of the regular inventory. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it's just how it'll be, at least for the upcoming 2022 model year. Ford predicts about 35-40 percent of Mavericks will be hybrids, which isn't a huge number. The last thing it wants is to have unsold examples sitting around collecting dust. If Ford determines there's a greater than expected hybrid demand, then it can adjust the production rate accordingly.
But it clearly appears the company expects a majority of buyers to opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder with a healthier 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque over the hybrid's 191 hp.
Plus, all-wheel drive is not available on the hybrid - a key factor to obtaining that high MPG figure. Looking further ahead into the Maverick's life, Ford says we can expect to see additional accessories introduced like storage dividers, tonneau covers, and cargo nets. The Maverick is expected to attract crossover and non-truck buyers seeking something different than what their neighbors have.
Having a full accessories catalog, a hybrid option, and the FX4 off-road-focused version places the Maverick in an ideal market position Ford's competitors are bound to copy sooner or later. Expect to see the 2022 Maverick in dealerships this fall.