Expanding upon the Maverick/Bronco Sport/Escape platform

[ClintonDix]

So this is something I have been hoping to see from the auto industry for ages and maybe it'll happen or maybe it won't. My guess is likely not but here we go.

After seeing some Mavericks equipped with bed toppers, what would your interest be in something Maverick sized but as a fully enclosed SUV/wagon. More rear seat room but same overall length. I ask this because Subaru has had firm grip on this category for ages, I would include Volvo, Mercedes and Volkswagen but they all pale in comparison to Outback numbers. Personally, I would love to see Ford take a stab into that market and provide more options for people that want vehicles like that.

If you don't think it would work well, take the Bronco for example and it going head to head with the Wrangler. Another car that has been largely unopposed for years.

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[atomguy245]

So a Ford Flex then

 

[jsus]

C2 is the same platform as Focus, we just don't get that in North America. NA mk4 Focus production was tentatively moved from Michigan to a new plant in Mexico that was never finished, then to Hermosillo (home of Maverick and Bronco Sport), then to China, then axed altogether "because tariff". Elsewhere in the world, Focus has long been offered as a station wagon in addition to a hatchback and sedan.

The Chinese import Focus was supposed to be a Focus Active spec, basically a lifted hatchback to compete with a Subaru Crosstrek.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-cutting-car-lineup-two-vehicles-north-america/

 

[ClintonDix]

Flex was a 3 row SUV Outback is 2 Row.

I know thatother countries got the focus Active. In the UK they have the focus estate as well which is a longer wheelbase version and kind of fills the gap. But that leaves the outback in its own category still

the outback and forester share roundabout the same amount of interior space, but since the outback is longer and shorter it has more square footage in terms of cargo and overall interior space. So I don’t see how Ford wouldn’t be able to enclose the maverick and provide a station wagon-esque SUV beyond the requirements for production

 

[Saul T Knutz]

I mean, isn't the Escape and Baby Bronco essentially the same as a Maverick with a bed topper and no back wall with a shorter bed?

 

[DentedFrood]

C2 is the same platform as Focus, we just don't get that in North America. NA mk4 Focus production was tentatively moved from Michigan to a new plant in Mexico that was never finished, then to Hermosillo (home of Maverick and Bronco Sport), then to China, then axed altogether "because tariff". Elsewhere in the world, Focus has long been offered as a station wagon in addition to a hatchback and sedan.

The Chinese import Focus was supposed to be a Focus Active spec, basically a lifted hatchback to compete with a Subaru Crosstrek.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-cutting-car-lineup-two-vehicles-north-america/

I believe Ford just announced they are discontinuing the Focus by 2025 in UK and Europe as well due to a combination of buyers moving to larger vehicles and Ford shifting direction to EV production

 

[jsus]

Bronco Sport 172.7”
Escape 180.5”
Maverick 199.7”

 

[DentedFrood]

I mean, isn't the Escape and Baby Bronco essentially the same as a Maverick with a bed topper and no back wall with a shorter bed?

I agree, they are already that. At best it feels like OP is suggesting a longer wheelbase version of the Escape or Bronco Sport

 

[jsus]

I believe Ford just announced they are discontinuing the Focus by 2025 in UK and Europe as well due to a combination of buyers moving to larger vehicles and Ford shifting direction to EV production

Correct, that was announced earlier this year.

The party is over with Fiesta‘s discontinuation as well.

 

[Saul T Knutz]

I agree, they are already that. At best it feels like OP is suggesting a longer wheelbase version of the Escape or Bronco Sport

The OP said "no" to the Flex, but if s/he folded the 3rd row down, and added a 2 inch lift, that'd be almost the same as the Escape L/BS L. Probably be kinda cool going that route tbh

 

[ClintonDix]

The OP said "no" to the Flex, but if s/he folded the 3rd row down, and added a 2 inch lift, that'd be almost the same as the Escape L/BS L. Probably be kinda cool going that route tbh

Yeah you could certainly do that, and it would be a neat option especially with the 3.5 eco boost as well! I’m just going off of new car production with this discussion

 

[DentedFrood]

The OP said "no" to the Flex, but if s/he folded the 3rd row down, and added a 2 inch lift, that'd be almost the same as the Escape L/BS L. Probably be kinda cool going that route tbh

I mean they said they didn't want a Flex, yet described an enclosed C2 platform SUV the size of the Maverick, which is pretty much the same length as a Flex. They also mentioned an Outback which is about midway between the length of an Escape and a Maverick

 

[Darnon]

Also the Ford Edge exists.

Or should Ford go down the rabbit-hole of GM and have a zillion crossovers in 4" longer increments?

 

[Saul T Knutz]

I mean they said they didn't want a Flex, yet described an enclosed C2 platform SUV the size of the Maverick, which is pretty much the same length as a Flex. They also mentioned an Outback which is about midway between the length of an Escape and a Maverick

Yeah, I think the OP is wanting something with higher ground clearance than the Flex, possibly with some off-roading capabilities

 

[jsus]

Also the Ford Edge exists.

Or should Ford go down the rabbit-hole of GM and have a zillion crossovers in 4" longer increments?

Not for much longer, though. Edge is a relic of the past after MY 2023.

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