beefdaddy

Took another look at Doug's video, and it does appear that the "non-SYNC" XLTs with the XLT Luxury Package DO have voice accessibility if this build combo is to believed. The truck in Doug's video is an XLT Hybrid with the XLT Luxury Package (heated seats, leather wheel, etc) but without the upgraded instrument panel/productivity screen in the IP. So, it looks like the "standard" 8" infotainment system is a flavor/re-skin of SYNC without nav, SiriusXM, and probably a lower grade processor/SOC and cheaper capacitive touchscreen as there won't be a need for pinch-to-zoom or map-related graphics processing.

Right? I thought the same thing after watching Daddy Doug's walk-around—the UX/UI is a dead ringer for SYNC 3. My initial thought was that the Lariat package upgrade is to "SYNC 3 WITH NAVIGATION" similar to the packaging/a la cart option available for the Ranger, F-150 and several other vehicles. Oof. I suspect that this may be the case then, and if so, I really hope it doesn't eliminate voice control. I need to take another look through the videos/real life still images of the XLT to see what buttons are on that steering wheel ?

I don't think this has yet been covered (or maybe I missed it): There seems to be some sneaky decontenting going on here. SYNC 3 is optional and only available via the Lariat Luxury Package, yet every trim includes the 8" touchscreen. Ford's Maverick microsite (and associated marketing materials) do a non-existent job of delineating the difference between these infotainment setups. I browsed other vehicles on Ford's site and—across the board—all the other vehicles with the 8" touchscreen have SYNC 3. All the vehicles running smaller screens utilize the more basic "productivity screen" interface So...just what is this 8" non-SYNC infotainment system? Obviously it's lacking SYNC 3 features such as voice control...or is it? Original SYNC/SYNC 2 was deprecated 5+ years ago when the Microsoft system was canned in favor of the QNX-based system that comprises SYNC 3. Seems ass backwards in 2021/2022 to offer CarPlay/Android Auto capability without the ability to input commands with Hey Siri or Hey Google. Is this a one-off system running Ford software or is it just neutered SYNC3 software? Inquiring minds, etc.

+1 I grow ever more attracted to the idea of being able to run to the hardware store, to pick up dinner or to go run a quick errand around town under full electric power without having to sacrifice overall power output or range. In a more utilitarian vehicle? Sign me up!

For sure. My expectations are entirely realistic: I want something that I can throw muddy gear in after a bike race or bring home a few hundred pounds of flagstone without beating up my hatch or needing to spend two hours cleaning out the back of my CX-5 after doing so. We all operate under this "but I need to carry sheet goods!!" concern where the full size capacity is needed, but the reality is that those occasions pale in comparison to what a lot of us are currently using a crossover or SUV for (if we're not towing or off-roading).

Oh dang. This thing looks like it's gonna be sharp. Pleasant surprised at the apparent roominess of the bed.

For sure. The surprise was pleasant, in that Ford Truck is the sacred cow and the new truck has been deemed worthy of that family. I think we all remember the F-100 rumors over the years, and now here we are.

I am personally somewhat happy that they are not bringing it in under the Bronco brand, and especially happy that it is not a reincarnation of the SportTrac name. As evidenced by nearly all of the spy shots so far, it is decidedly NOT an off-road oriented vehicle. Which is fine. The upshot is that from our initial glances, it does seem like it will be more capable than the other impending street trucklet, the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup. What I am somewhat surprised about, however, is that the rumblings are that it will be sorted into the Ford Truck family and share the XL/XLT/Lariat trims with the Ranger and F-Series. Upon further thought, the expected "lifestyle truck" slant of the Maverick does mesh pretty well with current marketing for the Ranger, and its inclusion under the Ford Truck umbrella (a pretty big deal) gives me hope for its potential capability. I will say that I'm getting a little anxious to see it revealed. I don't need a Ranger or F-150, but I'm in the market for a truck for around town uses/home improvement/cycling/sports (errrr...lifestyle purposes) that can fit down my driveway, into my garage, and isn't a Honda Ridgeline. This is exactly what I've been waiting for...so here's hoping for some movement in the near future.