Update: Introduction, ‘Design,’ and ‘Price & Release Date’ sections revised.
Automotive News reported that Ford dealers, in August 2024, were briefed about an interesting future Maverick van variant. The national dealer event was held in Las Vegas, and retail partners were reportedly shown a mock-up. Ford is expected to release the unique Maverick variant in the U.S. in 2028 as a replacement for the Transit Connect which was discontinued after the 2023 model year.
These are our expectations for the Ford Maverick Van which Automotive News says is expected in both gas and hybrid versions.
Design
The Maverick van will retain the compact, unibody pickup we know, stretched into an enclosed, van-like shape. The Maverick’s boxy, utilitarian front with the rugged grille and C-shaped lights is expected to continue.
Beyond the B-Pillar, the roofline is expected to be raised slightly, as shown in our illustrations, maximizing the cargo area. The dimensions could be a perfect match for businesses that deliver primarily in urban areas.
Sliding doors seem like a no-brainer, similar to the playbook of the old Transit Connect, for easy loading and unloading. We imagine the rear with barn doors, vertically stacked taillights, and the hybrid van to be hoisted on 17-inch steel wheels.
Interior
We’re not expecting the cabin to have big changes compared to the Maverick. The base variant should stick to cloth seats, but higher up the range, the 13.2-inch touchscreen operating SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 360-degree camera should be standard. Other features that I expect to be downloaded from the truck include USB Type-C ports, wireless charging pad, 8-inch instrument cluster, 110V/400W power outlet, and heated seats.
During my review of the truck, I found that seating felt like a compact crossover, and the square windows and the upright windshield provided good outward visibility. At six feet tall, I had plenty of legroom and decent headroom, even in the variant equipped with a sunroof. Thigh support was better than expected for a compact truck, and I think that the same traits would help sell the Maverick van.
Specifications
Ford has been pushing efficiency with the Maverick pickup, and 52% of total sales last year were from the electrified model. We see small vans as a worthy candidate for the same treatment. The Maverick hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with an electric motor, generating 191 horsepower (combined) and 155 lb-ft of torque, paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Taking a hint from the Automotive News report, that system should carry over, with front-wheel drive as standard. We expect a payload capacity of 1,500-1,600 pounds and fuel efficiency of 35-40 mpg (combined). Buyers in this segment tend to prioritize cost, fuel efficiency, and cargo area flexibility over towing, and it remains to be seen if Ford extends the Maverick’s 2,000-pound towing capability to the electrified van.
Price & Release Date
Given the Maverick van’s compact size and shared platform, I’d assume a starting price of around $30,000 for the base hybrid model, with higher trim levels like XLT or Lariat reaching $35,000.
In a report published in August 2025, Automotive News learned that the Maverick-based van, codenamed Ford V758, is expected to enter production in Hermosillo, Mexico, alongside the compact truck, in 2028.
Ford and Volkswagen share platforms in Europe for vans, but the U.S. is a different story. Even if it comes later, a Transit Connect engineered for North America would carry far more appeal than a rebranded import.
Ford could be in a unique position with the Maverick Van, as there are no clear direct rivals. If Ram relaunches the ProMaster City, it might compete. I suspect that the Hyundai-GM vans announced for 2028 U.S. production could be larger, leaving Ford an opening to repeat what it did with the Maverick pickup, and gain share rapidly in a market segment with little to no competition.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of a Maverick-based Hybrid van.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
