Will Ford Maverick's Dominance Get Beaten by Other Compact Pickup Truck Models?

Ford has conquered the small truck segment with its Maverick. The compact truck has garnered significant attention for its versatility, affordability, and remarkable features. But can it go against other compact truck models in the USA? Let's see how the Ford Maverick stacks up against its competition.

Small truck wars

The Maverick boasts a hybrid powertrain option—a first for its class. It delivers commendable fuel efficiency as a nod to the rising trend towards more eco-friendly vehicles. Maverick’s contender in the compact truck segment is Hyundai Santa Cruz. It drives like a car but has the truck's appearance and some capabilities. It has an impressive cabin and comes with a new XRT trim that adds a hint of a rugged approach to the small pickup.

The Santa Cruz seems like an urban pickup with head-turning looks. The exterior components, such as grilles, wheels, and lighting systems, were designed with a modern style. Due to its small body, it is easier to drive and park with a bed sized to handle small jobs and big outdoor adventures.

Maverick’s features

The Ford Maverick is often hailed as a game-changer in the small truck segment, making quite the splash since its debut. With its modern and sleek design, hard to believe this vehicle falls within the category of compact trucks. Here are the features:

Functional bed: The FlexBed system is one of the standout features of Maverick that addresses practical hauling needs. This innovative truck bed feature has customizable storage options, ensuring your items stay secure and organized during your journey. Moreover, the vehicle has a 4.5-foot bed extension, which helps accommodate larger items and improve cargo capacity.

Fuel-efficient: One of the selling points of compact trucks is their improved fuel efficiency compared to their larger counterparts. The Ford Maverick shines in this category because its hybrid powertrain option boasts impressive miles per gallon (MPG) figures. The hybrid engine has a distinctive edge as it delivers excellent city and highway MPG, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers and eco-conscious drivers alike.

Affordability: Price is a critical factor for many buyers in the compact pickup truck market. While the Maverick may not excel in every aspect, it offers a compelling combination of features catering to a broad range of drivers. The truck’s affordability places it within reach of a wider audience, making it an attractive choice for those wanting a compact pickup truck without breaking the bank. Ford Maverick’s compelling starting price makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Towing and payload capacity: When it comes to the practicality of a pickup truck, the towing and payload capacity play a crucial role. The Ford Maverick can carry moderate loads in the truck bed. It can also tow smaller trailers.

Tech: The Maverick has the latest infotainment system, such as smartphone integration, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and available driver-assistance features.

Upcoming contenders

Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are the two contenders in the compact truck market. But other automakers like Toyota, Ram, and Mitsubishi are gearing towards entering the compact truck segment. Let's look at how the Ford Maverick measures up against some of the other rivals in the compact truck segment, aside from Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Ram Rampage

The Rampage is a truck made by Ram for the Argentinian and Brazilian markets. According to The Drive, a well-informed source from Stellantis claims that the Rampage will be introduced in the United States and possibly including Canada. However, no official information regarding Ram’s unibody truck has been released.

There were speculations that as soon as 2024, the all-wheel-drive Rampage could appear in the United States. Despite the economy packaging, Ram’s small truck does not skimp on the luxurious features we often find in a full-size truck. Like other compact pickups, it is designed with unibody construction, possibly the same platform used for Alfa Romeo and Tonale Dodge Hornet.

The Rampage model is currently sold in Brazil. This little Ram truck could share the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine from the Hornet GT, spewing 268 horsepower. Only the diesel powertrain is available in Brazil. However, using a few truck parts from the plug-in-hybrid components from the Hornet can improve the American version. Ram may create a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor to produce a 288-hp PHEV powertrain with a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four. It sounds like an alluring sport truck with that setup, right?

Toyota Stout

The Stout, the light-duty vehicle that put Toyota on the map of the truck scene in 1964, is making a comeback. Rumors say that it has the potential to redefine the small pickup segment. Back then, the Stout's reputation for reliability and toughness could resolve the market's desire for a compact truck that balances city-friendly maneuverability (like a fuel-efficient car) and ruggedness.

According to Automotive News, Toyota may base the new compact pickup on the Corolla combined with features from other models. Although it is not yet confirmed, a hybrid option may be available to gear up for the ban on gasoline vehicle production. Moreover, the executives plan to use the TNGA unibody platform for the small truck.

Stout’s proposed TNGA platform is used in various Toyota releases like the Camry, Lexus, RAV4, RX, and more. It has a rock-solid yet light monocoque structure with steadfast powertrains to provide a better driving experience. Some of the platform's advantages include excellent handling, a lower gravity center, improved fuel economy, and remarkable performance metrics.

Mitsubishi L200/Triton

Mitsubishi is developing a vehicle that may join the profitable truck market based on some reports. Nissan may not be a famous pickup truck brand in the United States. Its truck sales may not be as huge as Toyota's despite having a similar Asian origin.

The Triton is famous in Australia and Southeast Asia because of its eminent appeal to customers. Outside North America, the automaker offers the truck as Forte (but called by other names, such as L200 in the UK, Triton in other nations, and Strada in certain Asian countries). Even though the sales may not be as high compared to American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram—Mitsubishi sold thousands of vehicles.

The Triton can carry a ton of cargo since the 4×4 version became the basis for Mitsubishi’s SUVs in the lineup. Dodge and Plymouth have sold the trucks made by Mitsubishi. Most have been used for fleets and other commercial vehicles, while others use them for personal and recreational purposes. Because of the 4x4 capability, Triton is a reliable off-roading rig, incredibly if you upgrade the truck off-road tires, suspension, wheels, and more.

Verdict

In the end, other upcoming pickup truck models can make or break Ford Maverick's dominance, depending on individual priorities. When looking for a well-rounded compact truck that offers versatility, fuel efficiency, and affordability—the answer you may be looking for is the Maverick.

But if you have the time, the compact truck segment will heat up with added competition from various automakers. The more compact truck models, the better options are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the consumers.