Is the Ford Maverick built on an Escape chassis?
Yes, the Ford Maverick is built on the same platform as the Ford Escape, a compact crossover SUV. The Maverick shares its unibody chassis and many other components with the Escape, making it a close relative in Ford's lineup.
Detailed Explanation
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was introduced in 2021 as a 2022 model year vehicle. It is built on the same C2 platform as the Ford Escape, which is a compact crossover SUV. This means the Maverick and Escape share the same underlying chassis and many other structural and mechanical components.
The use of the Escape's platform for the Maverick is a strategic move by Ford to leverage existing engineering and manufacturing investments. By basing the Maverick on an existing vehicle architecture, Ford was able to bring the new pickup truck to market more quickly and cost-effectively. This also allows the Maverick to benefit from the Escape's proven reliability and safety performance.
Key Similarities Between the Maverick and Escape
- Unibody chassis construction
- Suspension components, including front MacPherson struts and rear independent suspension
- Powertrain options, including a hybrid variant
- Electrical architecture and many interior/exterior parts
While the Maverick and Escape share a common platform, Ford has differentiated the two vehicles in several ways. The Maverick features a pickup truck body style, a shorter wheelbase, and unique styling cues to give it a distinct identity from the Escape crossover.