Automotive News reported last year that Ford dealers got a sneak peek at a potentially groundbreaking new variant of the Maverick: a van. Shown at a national dealer event in Las Vegas in August 2024, the vehicle is slated for a U.S. release, possibly this year.
The timing of the van’s launch could be impacted by a proposed tariff on vehicle imports, which would impact any derivatives of the Maverick, all of which are slated to be built in Hermosillo, Mexico. Regardless, Ford is expected to release the Maverick van in the U.S., replacing the now-discontinued Transit Connect.
Design Expectations
We anticipate the Maverick van to feature a functional design to keep costs down. The van will retain the compact, unibody pickup style, extended into an enclosed, van-like form. Expect to see the Maverick’s boxy, utilitarian front end, complete with a rugged grille and those signature C-shaped lights.
Beyond the B-Pillar, the roofline is expected to be raised, maximizing cargo area. Sliding doors, similar to the old Transit Connect’s design, seem like a practical choice. Barn doors at the rear, vertically stacked taillights, and 17-inch steel wheels are all possibilities for the hybrid van.
Interior and Features
Expect the Maverick van’s cabin to carry over from the 2025 Maverick model. The base version will likely use cloth seats, while higher trim levels should offer a 13.2-inch touchscreen operating SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 360-degree camera as standard. Other carry-over features might include USB Type-C ports, a wireless charging pad, an 8-inch instrument cluster, a 110V/400W power outlet, and heated seats.
The seating is expected to provide the same comfort and space as those of the Maverick truck. It’s worth noting that the truck offers good visibility. At six feet tall, the reviewer found ample legroom and headroom, even with a sunroof.
Specifications and Powertrain
With 52% of the Maverick’s sales last year being the hybrid model, the move towards electrification in this segment makes sense. The Maverick hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined output of 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Maverick’s 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid system is expected to power the hybrid van, calibrated differently to suit the cargo application. Taking a hint from the Automotive News report, that system should carry over, with front-wheel drive as standard.
Targeted specifications include a payload capacity of 1,500-1,600 pounds and fuel efficiency around 35-40 mpg (combined).
Price and Release
Given the Maverick van’s compact size and shared platform, a starting price under $30,000 for the base hybrid model is anticipated, with upgrades like XLT or Lariat trims reaching $35,000. Ford has offered various van configurations worldwide, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and all-electric models. A strong-hybrid van is an exciting development.
Tariffs on vehicles from Mexico could impact the rollout of the Maverick van in the U.S. Additional details on Ford’s plans for this unique variant are expected later this year.
