Small Maverick gripes, and why the dial shifter exists.

[Mite-o-Dan]

When it comes to what you get for the money (if you paid MSRP) and how well designed the Maverick is, I could not be more impressed. These are just 2 minor things I would have changed and some possible clarification on why something exist.

A lot of people don't like the dial shifter, but it took me one day driving the Maverick to figure out why Ford went with that.

A normal shifter on the steering wheel would have been too close to the infotainment screen. Like literally an inch or two. Which means you would hit the screen and potentially damage it if it was on the steering wheel. Or at the very least, keep annoyingly hit a buttom on it. The other option would be the second most normal shifter option...in the center console area. It wasn't put THERE because it would block the pathway to all the storage area in front of it. It would probably only be marginal, but still be a nuisance. The option Ford went with takes up the least amount of space. And overall, the Maverick does a great job utilizing space. There is nothing bulky or protruding in or around the Maverick and I have never seen such a small vehicle feel so roomy and have so much storage.

But, one way they could have fixed this and the biggest change I would have made...get rid of that center cubby next to the screen and move the screen right 3-4 inches. That way, you could either put a normal shifter on the steering wheel, or move the middle air vents to each side of the screen instead of keeping them down low and harder to reach the back.

Also, I would have made the cubby hole behind the screen deeper and have a lip on it so a phone could be placed there for GPS purposes. Having something like that on the bottom doesn't make much sense since it's unsafe to look all the way down there while driving.

But that's it. I still can't explain not being able to keep the car in Eco mode always and during start up. I assume there's a reason for it. I would hope.

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[Darnon]

That way, you could either put a normal shifter on the steering wheel, or move the middle air vents to each side of the screen instead of keeping them down low and harder to reach the back.

I actually like having the middle vent lower. Better angle for getting some A/C to one's lap.

 

[FriscoTXJoe]

I think the reason for the cubby in the dash is because they designed it for a larger touchscreen but couldn't source them. Imagine when they can it will be a "new feature" on Maverick trucks.

 

[Bob The Builder]

I think the reason for the cubby in the dash is because they designed it for a larger touchscreen but couldn't source them. Imagine when they can it will be a "new feature" on Maverick trucks.

Well, I'm not sure if the situation is "couldn't" or "wouldn't. A 10" screen would be perfect for my liking though. I also wish it gave more information about the vehicle itself, but maybe it does on the SYNC3, I dunno.

As to the OP, I really like the looks and idea of the dial shifter. With that said, I have never driven a Maverick so I cannot speak for that.

 

[ITSATRUCK]

Old school shifters are no longer needed. Its all electric. So just need a way for the driver to select what there doing. I'm getting use to the dial and don't mind it. Jumped into wife's crv and initially put my hand down looking for the dial.

People just don't like change.

Not that anyone reading this post will do it. Read this great book called the Design Of Everything. Cognitive science and how to design for people. I'm guessing the author would have been upset with dial shifter. LoL

 

[marpolsdofer]

The dial shifter is going to be on almost every vehicle around 2024. New safety laws coming out then. So it will makes more sense to use them.

I am ok with them but I can see why some don't like them. Know a guy who uses a Ram 2500 for snowplowing. He has it on the truck and does not like it.

 

[L Martin]

I like the fact that I can push the engine cutoff button in Drive and it shifts straight into Park. I don’t see how you can do that with a lever.

 

[The64]

I like the dial but wish it was on the dash. I had a bottle hit it and shift to reverse while driving on the highway and the system was smart enough not to do that.

 

[MichaelG]

I like the fact that I can push the engine cutoff button in Drive and it shifts straight into Park. I don’t see how you can do that with a lever.

How it is done in an F-150.

 

[L Martin]

How it is done in a F-150.

i see. more than one way to do it. Thanks

 

[bbhaag]

Not to argue with you about why the rotary dials exists but in this months issue of C&D they had an article about the aging population of the US and how auto manufacturers are responding to it.

The article mentioned that Ford is moving to the rotary dials for ease of use and putting them within easy reaching distance . Not sure if you're aware but as of 2018 there were 45 million licensed drivers over the age of 65 in the US and it's projected that by 2030 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older.

As these numbers grow automobile manufacturers will have to account for this trend by making their vehicles easier to operate for an aging population.

 

[bgn]

I don't mind the shifter, but the wobble between the dial and the main part of the shifter is annoying as hell.

The reality is everything is electric these days, so there's no point in making it mechanical. On top of that, it's way easier to package in multiple vehicles and it's certainly cheaper to make.

 

[JBnorthTX]

I like the dial but wish it was on the dash. I had a bottle hit it and shift to reverse while driving on the highway and the system was smart enough not to do that.

I wish the dial was on the dash to avoid looking down to find it. Most console auto shift levers I can see in my peripheral vision while looking ahead and grab them without looking down.

 

[bcmav]

Here's my 2 1/2 cents (inflation) on a few gripes: I can live with the rotary dial, but the continuous spin drives me crazy. A biggie gripe: After picking up the MAV from the dealer, I noticed the really limited view from the rear window especially with the auto slide feature. I decided to remove the rear head rests and store them under the seat which make a great improvement. Note to FORD: Jeep Wrangler had this same problem for years, with the 2019 model some really smart engineer decided to make the head rest fold forward until needed. Just saying...... Other than that after 4 weeks of ownership and 1000 miles the MAV is still a winner.

 

[SM2535]

Here's my 2 1/2 cents (inflation) on a few gripes: I can live with the rotary dial, but the continuous spin drives me crazy. A biggie gripe: After picking up the MAV from the dealer, I noticed the really limited view from the rear window especially with the auto slide feature. I decided to remove the rear head rests and store them under the seat which make a great improvement. Note to FORD: Jeep Wrangler had this same problem for years, with the 2019 model some really smart engineer decided to make the head rest fold forward until needed. Just saying...... Other than that after 4 weeks of ownership and 1000 miles the MAV is still a winner.

Did the exact same thing with the rear head rests. Granted, I don't often have people sitting in the back, but no one has even seemed to notice they aren't there.

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