Rumor: Ford Maverick returns as a tiny truck

After fifteen years out of production, Ford has reclaimed trademark rights for its crossover SUV Maverick. However, according to a source claiming inside knowledge of the company’s affairs, the new Maverick is not an off-roader, but rather a compact-sized pickup truck.

The newcomer will allegedly utilize the Ford C2 platform of the fourth-gen Focus and Bronco Sport. It will ship with a four-door cab and sport a truck bed two feet shorter than that of the Ranger, which in turn varies between five and six feet long.

It is also being reported that Ford is reluctant to invest much into this new truck model due to its uncertain market prospects. To this end, the car will allegedly borrow the low-end Transit Connect engine (2.0L, four cylinders, 165 hp, manual or 8-speed auto). It may also ship with the 1.5-liter, 184-hp three-cylinder turbo of the new Bronco Sport.

Ford hopes to produce 100,000 Maverick pickups within the first full production year after its launch in 2021, the anonymous source claims.