The Ford Maverick is arriving quickly and with it comes one of the better names we’ve seen in years. Though the automaker used to have a model called the Maverick, it certainly wasn’t a hybrid pickup truck. Did Ford name its new protege after that old car model? Most people would be surprised to learn that the new truck is not named after the old Maverick at all. The Ford Maverick marketing manager, Trevor Scott, shared the reasoning behind the name with Ford Authority.

Why is it called the Ford Maverick?

In an interview with Ford Authority, Trevor Scott shared the reasoning behind naming the new hybrid truck the “Maverick”: “When we were looking at this white space, we have to do a lot of research and there were many names that we were entertaining, we knew very well that this customer was a younger customer, they’re very much after a more active lifestyle, and affordability is also strong with those customers. So the Maverick name resonated very strongly with those customers. We put different options in front of them, and it was Maverick almost unilaterally. They identified their lifestyle, the way they live their lives, with the name and define those expectations. And that is also what Maverick does because it’s a pickup that delivers 40 miles per gallon.”

Scott explains that there were multiple options and the young demographic Ford is targeting resonated most with the Maverick title. The Ford Maverick does seem like something special, and the right name is necessary. A fuel-efficient Ford pickup truck has been on many people’s want-list for years. The most popular pickup truck manufacturer in America has a lot of customers who would love to save on fuel.

What does Maverick mean?

Ford chose the Maverick name to come across as more appealing to potential customers. Trevor Scott said that the name will “define those expectations” of people’s lifestyles and the way they live their lives. So what exactly does the name mean that so clearly defines those expectations? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Maverick means “an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party”.

Standing out from the crowd, but most importantly, doing what’s best for yourself instead of going along with others. An admirable trait and a fitting name for those willing to leave standard pickup trucks behind. If not for the environment, then at least for their wallet.

Why isn’t it named after the 1970s sedan?

The Ford Maverick sedan from the 1970s seems like the logical reason for giving this truck the name. Trevor Scott says this isn’t the case. He told Ford Authority, “We know that there are a lot of customers who are saying that they associate Maverick with the 1970s sedan, but the reality is that we’re talking about 25 to 35-year-olds that we’re targeting with this vehicle, and they don’t recognize the Maverick name at all. They see Maverick as a really bold, creative name that reflects the character of the truck.”

Basically, naming the truck after the old sedan would be logical if Ford was targeting people who grew up in the ’70s or earlier as Maverick customers. Instead, Ford is counting on young customers to have no idea the Maverick sedan ever existed.

Ford Maverick availability

The Ford Maverick will be available more closely to the end of 2021. Two massive reasons it already received over 100,000 reservations are the Maverick’s phenomenal price point and incredible gas mileage. A large portion of these reportedly come from California. We recommend reserving a Maverick as soon as possible, if interested. With all the reservations and automaker’s struggling to manufacture vehicles, you never know when any new model will become unavailable.

The Ford Maverick name captures the lifestyle of the demographic. Younger, active people want something that resonates with them. The Maverick name gives that feeling and establishes itself as unique, and more dynamic than the competition.