A facelifted version of the Ford Maverick bakkie has been revealed, though a lack of right-hand-drive production means it remains off the cards for South Africa… for now?
Meet the facelifted Ford Maverick, which gains fresh exterior styling, added technology and the option of all-wheel drive for the hybrid powertrain. However, since the Dearborn-based firm is currently still building this sub-Ranger double-cab bakkie exclusively in left-hand drive for North America, it remains off the cards for South Africa.
While Ford doesn’t hold the rights to the Maverick badge in South Africa (with the nameplate instead reserved for an armoured personnel carrier built by the Paramount Group), the Blue Oval brand interestingly applied to trademark the “Maverick Thunder” name in Mzansi in July 2022, with the badge officially registered in March 2024.
Though a trademark filing is by no means a guarantee the automaker will use the badge in question, it at least gives us a glimmer of hope the Maverick could one day be produced in right-hooker guise. For the record, however, Ford North America has yet to announce a Thunder derivative of the Maverick (but does offer a Tremor trim level in that country).
Anyway, back to the refreshed Maverick. Compared with the original revealed back in June 2021, the facelifted unibody bakkie scores redesigned headlamps (higher trim levels feature LED projector headlights with LED accents) and an updated front bumper. The grille design now varies according to the grade, while the Lariat specification gains new 19-inch alloy wheels.
As before, the Maverick is offered in XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels, while the aforementioned “Tremor” is now a standalone flagship grade. Inside, Ford has added fresh trim colours and materials to the door panels, instrument panel, console and seats. There’s also a new “Black Package” that comprises a unique grille, a black roof, black “Ford” badges and gloss-black 19-inch wheels.
The refreshed Maverick upgrades from an 8-inch touchscreen to a 13.2-inch display (now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and running the Sync 4 system), paired with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster visible. There’s furthermore a new built-in 5G modem for over-the-air software updates.
Other firsts for the Maverick bakkie include a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, adaptive cruise control (with a stop-and-go function), lane centring and speed-sign recognition.
As before, the Maverick is offered in North America with a choice of 2 engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill (now with around 175 kW) that uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol hybrid system (making approximately 140 kW) linked to a continuously variable transmission. However, the hybrid – like the EcoBoost motor – is now available in all-wheel-drive flavour, too.
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