1 Crucial Ford Maverick Decision Is Finally Paying off
It’s not like the Ford Maverick needs more to celebrate. It debuted with overwhelming demands and earned a slew of awards, causing rivals to scramble. We still don’t have a Maverick competitor aside from the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but that doesn’t mean improvements can’t be made. One 2023 Ford Maverick decision is paying off.
2023 Ford Maverick availability is increasing
When the Ford Maverick debuted back in 2021, drivers went crazy. There was a shocking demand for the little truck that couldn’t be filled. In fact, the order book in 2023 closed after six days.
The 2022 models were sold out before the first model reached the dealership. It might be easier to get Taylor Swift tickets than this truck.
This was creating mayhem as trucks weren’t being fast enough. Also, there weren’t enough models available to fill existing orders. But Ford knew something had to be done, and Maverick production was boosted.
Production was increased by over 80,000 units at the Hermosillo plant in Mexico. Therefore, the United Auto Workers strike didn’t impact the factory, and more trucks continue rolling off the line. As a result, people are finding more Maverick trucks at local dealerships and online.
Roughly 24,000 Maverick models were sold during the third quarter of 2023, which is an 83% increase over the second quarter. More happy drivers are getting behind the wheel!
But increasing Maverick production still isn’t enough
While more people are stoked to be finding their perfect 2023 Ford Maverick model, there are still a lot of drivers out of luck. They’re still waiting to fulfill their tiny truck dreams in ways that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t seem to satisfy.
Ford admits that increasing production by over 80,000 units still isn’t enough to fill rampant demand. Adding extra shifts at the production plant has helped, but there is more work to be done.
Enthusiasm for the Ford Maverick continues into 2024. In an attempt to slow things down a little, the hybrid engine isn’t standard anymore. It’s by far the more popular option. The 2024 Maverick starts with the gas-powered model, and you can upgrade to the hybrid unit for $1,500.
The gas-powered engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway.
With the Maverick Hybrid, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor and a battery pack to generate 191 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway.
Is the Maverick better than the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Just because the 2023 Ford Maverick is more popular than the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t mean it’s better. Both of these tiny trucks have unique advantages to consider.
For example, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while the Maverick maxes out at 4,000 lbs. But the Santa Cruz doesn’t have an integrated brake controller. Also, AWD can be paired with both of the Santa Cruz’s engines, but the Maverick Hybrid can’t be paired with AWD.
The Maverick Tremor serves as an off-roading model, but the Santa Cruz doesn’t have significant off-roading upgrades yet. Also, the Santa Cruz is sportier, more comfortable, and has more advanced tech.
The two main Maverick advantages could be related to its available hybrid engine and lower starting price. The 2024 Maverick starts at $23,400, and the 2024 Santa Cruz starts at $26,650.
But if you don’t want to wait for Maverick production to continue improving, you can get behind the wheel of a Santa Cruz. Stay tuned for production and new model year updates.
