Spy Shots: Ford Maverick Might Get Horsepower Bump From the Bronco
Ford has blown the small pickup truck world to pieces. It is so popular now that Ford had to stop orders because they were afraid of being too backed up. Between the hybrid powertrain and unique styling, the Maverick is one of the best vehicles to hit the market this year. New spy shots suggest the Ford Maverick Might get even more popular with a bump in power thanks to the Ford Bronco.
What engine does the Maverick have?
So far, the 2022 Ford Maverick is offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine (250 hp) and a hybrid 2.5-liter (191 hp) paired with an eight-speed automatic or CVT, respectively.
If these two powertrains drove this much demand for the small pickup truck, imagine what will happen if the rumors of a bigger, stronger powertrain prove to be true.
Is there a new Maverick pickup truck?
According to Gear Patrol, the rumors suggest that the Maverick may get a new trim called the Maverick ST, possibly powered by the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost. Recently some spy shots published by Motor 1 seem to show what could well be the Maverick ST.
The shots show beefed-up cooling equipment upfront, pointing to a hotter engine. There are also two openings in the rear, suggesting a dual exhaust system. And, beneath the camouflage hides a more aggressively flared fenders.
Gear Patrol notes that Ford has not confirmed the Maverick ST. As we know, this means nothing. I could mean that is one or there isn’t one. Either way, Ford won’t stop journalists from speculating and keeping the Maverick’s name in “print.”
But if the Ford Maverick ST is real, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost is no pipe dream; it is a clear choice. The EcoBoost has been used in everything from the Mustang to the Bronco. It is typical to see that powerplant making 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. However, the Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost has been tuned up to as much as 350 hp when it powered the sorely-missed Ford Focus RS.
When is the Ford Maverick going to be available?
Customers are having a hard enough time as it is getting their hands on a Maverick order. Since Ford has closed Maverick ordering, for the time being, many customers are waiting for when they can get their place in the cue or a Maverick in the driveway. While Ford has mentioned a few tentative dates for reopening orders for late summer of 2022, the Maverick ST rumor won’t make the next batch of orders come any quicker.
Even if Ford does make the Maverick ST, the other versions won’t be cast aside. Ford has done a great job with its last few models (Ranger, Bronco, Maverick, etc.) of giving them powerful powertrains while still being smaller and more fuel-efficient. The hybrid Maverick will remain one of the market’s smartest and most efficient pickup trucks. And that, my friends, is no small accolade.
