Maverick Van prototype shown to Ford dealers (for 2025?)

[commadorebob]

Old news; same answer. I see no point. Minivans have a specific customer base and even that customer base barely supports the ones that exist. Most of that market has flipped over to SUVs with the Ford Explorer alone having more than double the sales in 2023 than the highest selling minivan.

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[1929]

Maverick Van

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Old news; same answer. I see no point. Minivans have a specific customer base and even that customer base barely supports the ones that exist. Most of that market has flipped over to SUVs with the Ford Explorer alone having more than double the sales in 2023 than the highest selling minivan.

Nicely put and exactly on point.

 

[colinl]

I see no point.

I think they could sell to fleets for building trades and similar, but I would agree that the consumer appeal is very low for a compact van.

 

[ThisWas]

The Maverick compact pickup has a starting price in the 20s, provides up to 40MPG in hybrid models with 0-60 acceleration under 8 seconds, handles well, and is a sales success.

The Ford Transit Connect had none of the attributes above - it wasn't inexpensive, economical, or quick - and it was not a sales success.

Therefore we conclude that no one wants a compact minivan?

 

[colinl]

The Maverick compact pickup has a starting price in the 20s, provides up to 40MPG in hybrid models with 0-60 acceleration under 8 seconds, handles well, and is a sales success.

The Ford Transit Connect had none of the attributes above - it wasn't inexpensive, economical, or quick - and it was not a sales success.

Therefore we conclude that no one wants a compact minivan?

in Europe, there is a new Transit Connect hybrid that uses the 1.5L 3 cylinder ecoboost that is used in the Bronco Sport (all trims except Badlands and First Edition). if they make a Bronco Sport with that powertrain, which is rumored but not yet confirmed, I am certain it will significantly outsell a Transit Connect with the same drivetrain.

 

[slashsnake]

in Europe, there is a new Transit Connect hybrid that uses the 1.5L 3 cylinder ecoboost that is used in the Bronco Sport (all trims except Badlands and First Edition). if they make a Bronco Sport with that powertrain, which is rumored but not yet confirmed, I am certain it will significantly outsell a Transit Connect with the same drivetrain.

Agree... there are minivans that are sub 8 second, good handling, better/quieter ride, and with hybrid engines. That's not why the minivan market has crashed the last 10 years. No one is saying "man I wish they made a new minivan option with X" like people were saying they wanted a compact truck option.

Add that minivan weight to the mav hybrid and I bet you are right in that 9-10 second range the connect was. I've looked at those transit connects thinking one might someday make a cool camper van conversion. 0-60 times was not on my list. But low floor/high ceiling, low entry point, large door opening, sliding doors so your kids aren't hitting the car next to you.... All the reasons minivans tend to be purpose built. And with that... well the idea of let's try this with 80% of the parts being from something we already make/sell is out.

But IF they could get those things in a cheaper package, basically a lower cost transit connect... well... not for me, maybe in 10 years when they are used for $10k but that might be fun to convert.

 

[slashsnake]

Quick little stab at it while I'm on a phone call...I don't hate it.

First off great work and it looks neat for the view...

But wow, I really don't like it... The entire purpose of a van as I put elsewhere is in it's practicality. Big room in the back seats, able to walk between the 2nd row to the back for kids. Sliding doors so you can get big things in and out and so kids aren't banging the vehicle next to you when they open the door, low entry for your little ones to get in and out in the school pickup line without you helping. Back end low to the ground to get stuff in and that low floor, higher ceiling for the extra interior headroom so you can actually move deep in there if you don't have seats like the bottom picture. Could you imagine having your tools and equipment in that last one, and every day having to crawl into that?

Neat concept drawing there, but it seems like a Bronco Sport XL. Just another one of those 3 row midsize SUVs where the 3rd row is more kid only. And I guess I'd go a purpose built one of them because they probably are using the interior space better likely.

 

[PedalParty]

I wonder if it could look a bit more like this. Maverick in front and Connect in back.

 

[LSchicago]

I think they could sell to fleets for building trades and similar, but I would agree that the consumer appeal is very low for a compact van.

I believe the market would be great if made in a cargo and passenger model with a higher roof and Hybrid starting near $30k. The only Hybrid Minivan that's been available is the Sienna. Those start at $40k, and dealers can't keep them in stock. Used is more than new for a couple years with low mileage too. I will buy one if Ford builds the Hybrid van. This is why I haven't replaced the 23 Mav that I sold yet. Hoping for an update soon.

 

[Darnon]

The only Hybrid Minivan that's been available is the Sienna.

Chrysler Pacifica.

 

[LSchicago]

Chrysler Pacifica.

Phev. Not the same thing, and gets horrible mpg.

 

[commadorebob]

Phev. Not the same thing, and gets horrible mpg.

Not to defend Stellantis, but 32 miles of EV-only and roughly 30MPG on fuel. Considering the standard Pacifica gets a combined 22MPG, that's a pretty good increase.

 

[LSchicago]

Not to defend Stellantis, but 32 miles of EV-only and roughly 30MPG on fuel. Considering the standard Pacifica gets a combined 22MPG, that's a pretty good increase.

Still 10 whole mpg short of the HEV hybrid sienna. PHEV are not great, unless used only for short daily commutes and plugged in daily. HEV is a much better option.

 

[commadorebob]

Still 10 whole mpg short of the HEV hybrid sienna. PHEV are not great, unless used only for short daily commutes and plugged in daily. HEV is a much better option.

Look at the market for a PHEV Minivan: moms. Unless they also commute for work, 90% of their daily driving would be within the range of the EV. So, they only need the gas engine for long trips. In my area, the cost of electricity per mile is a lot less than gas, even at current fuel prices.

That's the benefit of a PHEV. Use EV for 90% of your driving but still be able to use ICE when you need the extended range.

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