• Ark's Newsletter
  • Posts
  • The #1 Reason Why The New Mazda Pickup Makes Ford Maverick Look OLD

The #1 Reason Why The New Mazda Pickup Makes Ford Maverick Look OLD

Mazda’s Compact Truck Revolution: A Bold Challenge to Ford’s Maverick

Author

Ark
June 08, 2025

A Market Shaken by Ford’s Maverick

When Ford introduced the Maverick, it wasn’t just another vehicle launch—it was a market shakeup. The compact pickup, priced under $25,000, offered fuel efficiency, affordability, and impressive utility, appealing to urban drivers, first-time truck owners, and budget-conscious consumers. The Maverick carved out a new segment: the compact unibody pickup, designed for real-world use rather than heavy towing or off-road adventures. Its success caught many by surprise, but one automaker was quietly taking notes, preparing a response. That automaker is Mazda, and its return to the compact truck market is set to ignite a full-blown compact truck war.

Mazda’s Forgotten Truck Legacy

Mazda isn’t new to trucks, though modern consumers might associate the brand with sleek sedans like the Mazda 3, agile crossovers like the CX-5, or the iconic MX-5 Miata. Rewind to 1961, and Mazda built its first truck. Through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Mazda’s B-Series pickups were known for durability and practicality. Fun fact: the original Ford Courier was a rebadged Mazda. Globally, especially in Asia, Australia, and Africa, Mazda trucks were reliable workhorses in tough environments. While Mazda stepped back from the U.S. truck market in the early 2000s, it continued developing trucks like the BT-50 abroad, often in partnership with Isuzu for rugged body-on-frame platforms. Mazda never forgot how to build a truck—it was simply waiting for the right moment to return.

Mazda’s Unique Approach

Unlike automotive giants like Ford or GM, Mazda operates as a smaller, nimble company that takes risks and delivers unexpected, effective solutions. From pioneering the rotary engine to the Skyactiv suite of technologies—reimagining engines, transmissions, and chassis design for efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure—Mazda avoids the mainstream. This philosophy guides its compact truck development, aiming to break the mold set by the Maverick and push the segment forward.

Platform and Construction: Built Like a Real Truck

The Maverick, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, uses a unibody platform—essentially a crossover SUV with a bed. This design is lightweight and cost-effective but compromises on towing, payload, and off-road capability. Mazda’s upcoming compact truck is expected to take a different route, likely adopting a body-on-frame platform derived from the international BT-50, which shares underpinnings with the Isuzu D-Max. This construction, common in traditional midsize and full-size trucks, offers

  • Higher towing capacity

  • Superior payload limits

  • Better structural durability

  • Improved off-road capability

  • Longer lifespan under rugged conditions

Mazda’s truck will be a compact pickup with the backbone for hauling and trail duty, not just city cruising.

Powertrain Options: More Than Just Numbers

The Maverick offers a 2.5L hybrid or a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo. Mazda is expected to bring more powerful and flexible options, including

  • 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 (sourced from the CX-5 and CX-9): Up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

  • 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (found in the Mazda 3 Turbo and CX-30 Turbo): 227 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

These engines outperform the Maverick, especially in torque, which is critical for towing and climbing. Mazda is also likely to offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options to rival the Maverick Hybrid’s 42 MPG city fuel economy. The 2.5L hybrid powertrain, seen in the Mazda 3 Hybrid and CX-90 PHEV, delivers around 219 horsepower with efficiency close to 40 MPG.

The Rotary Surprise

Mazda is pioneering a rotary engine as a range extender for plug-in hybrids, as seen in the MX-30 R-EV. In a compact truck, this could create a unique plug-in hybrid model offering:

  • Electric-only driving for short trips

  • Gas-powered recharging for extended range

  • Compact packaging and quiet operation

  • No towing or payload limitations from EV weight penalties

No other automaker offers this in a truck, potentially revolutionizing compact utility vehicles with the first-ever rotary-electric pickup.

Utility, Towing, and Off-Road Chops

Mazda’s truck isn’t just for looks or commuting. Early reports suggest

  • Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs

  • Payload rating higher than the Maverick’s

  • Increased ground clearance for trail riding

  • Available four-wheel drive with off-road-focused modes

  • Durable construction for tough conditions

While the Maverick appeals to suburban buyers, Mazda targets those who need a true truck in a smaller footprint—capable of towing motorcycles, hauling gravel, or tackling fire roads.

Launch Timing: A Strategic Move

Mazda is reportedly aiming for a late 2025 or early 2026 launch. This timing is strategic, as the Maverick faces supply issues, long wait times, and dealer markups pushing prices far above the promised $25,000. Mazda could capitalize on this by offering consistent availability, transparent pricing, and a more capable truck, luring frustrated Maverick shoppers.

Pricing: Value Over Cost

The Maverick technically starts under $25,000, but base models are hard to find. Mazda’s truck is expected to start in the $25,000–$28,000 range, offering

  • A stronger, more durable chassis

  • Higher towing and payload capacity

  • More powerful engines

  • Potential hybrid or rotary-electric tech

  • Better standard equipment and interior quality

Mazda’s focus is on delivering real value, not just a lower price.

Resale Value: A Hidden Advantage

Unibody trucks like the Maverick are unproven in long-term durability, especially for work use, which could impact resale value. Mazda, known for building durable vehicles, is likely to offer a body-on-frame truck with lasting components, potentially leading to better resale value and lower total ownership costs after 5–7 years.

Conclusion: Redefining the Compact Truck

Ford deserves credit for opening the compact truck segment with the Maverick, but Mazda is poised to redefine it. With body-on-frame construction, turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, rotary-electric innovation, and superior utility, Mazda’s truck is tougher, smarter, and more innovative. It’s not about imitating the Maverick—it’s about offering a vehicle designed for real truck tasks. Ford started the conversation, but Mazda is about to dominate it.

What do you think? Would you consider switching from the Maverick to Mazda’s new compact truck if it delivers on these promises? Are you excited for Mazda’s return to the truck market? Let us know your thoughts!

#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork

From Rent to Freedom: How to Build Your Tiny Home & Live Off-Grid, Paperback, Large Print, March 14, 2025

Looking for the perfect gifts or a little something special for yourself this season? Discover amazing products that will make your holidays unforgettable! Click here to explore now!

Your Closet Might Be Holding You Back—Fix It Now, Hardcover, Large Print, March 13, 2025

Affiliate Disclaimer:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe will add value to your holiday season. Your support helps me continue to create helpful content—thank you!