There’s a new Ford pickup coming, and the automotive community is buzzing with speculation. The 2022 Ford Maverick is a unibody truck slated to be smaller than Ford’s Ranger. Some of the latest chatter regarding potential engine size variations and power has some people wondering if this new pickup will be too weak. Based on details so far, the 2022 Ford Maverick might be weaker than you’d expect.

Anticipation for this truck’s potential strength

The 2022 Ford Maverick will slide in under the midsize Ranger, but it likely won’t share the mechanics. The Maverick is going to ride on the same chassis as the Bronco Sport SUV instead. This could point to a host of engine possibilities, including a turbocharged four-cylinder automatic with an all-wheel-drive capability. Some of the leaked images according to Ford Authority show a crew cab, but there has been no confirmation of a two-door variation.

The rumors suggest that the new Ford Maverick might share similar engines with the Escape and Bronco Sport as well. That would mean a potential 2.0-liter inline-four capable of harnessing 250 hp or a turbocharged I-3 with 181 hp. Some speculate it might be simpler to incorporate the 2.0-liter four-cylinder already present in the Ford Transit Connect, capable of 162 hp. These engines would liken the Maverick to the power of a Honda Ridgeline or Chevy Colorado.

But will it be enough power to be competitive?

Sure, the Ford Maverick will be a small pickup. But will those horsepower variations be enough to sway consumers? MotorTrend suggests the Maverick won’t top the Ranger’s max towing capacity and maximum payload of 7,500 pounds and 1,860 pounds, respectively.

They believe the power potential for this little pickup will be more in line with the Transit Connect van, capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds and hauling a max of 1,550 pounds. While those specs may not be overly impressive, for its size, the 2022 Ford Maverick may have just the right amount of muscle.

What else are critics expecting with the Ford Maverick?

Based on what has been released so far, the 2022 Ford Maverick is expected to offer a smaller bed size. But there could be room for nifty under-floor trunks or cargo boxes. It will look and feel like a standard truck, more than likely offering a large grille, square style lines, and prominent headlights.

Inside, the reviews are speculating much of the same exterior hard-line designs, including large knobs and sharp angles. And while it may look and feel like a truck throughout, there will probably be a robust roster of comfort and convenience amenities to soften the interior experience. Many are anticipating some bucket and bench seat options, but seating capacity is yet to be confirmed.

When consumers can expect to see the Ford Maverick on the road

Official pricing has not been released, but Car and Driver is guessing pricing and trim levels will follow those of the Ford Ranger. Estimates suggest a base MSRP of $25,000, but it’s hard to say when you might start seeing these pickups on the road. Some of the leaked photos indicate the Maverick is already in production, and it could debut sometime this year as a 2022 model.

Ford has always been a reliable automaker, and most critics are expecting big things from this little truck. The 2022 Ford Maverick may not be over-the-top with powerful engine options, but knowing Ford, it’ll do precisely what you need a small pickup to do. And you’ll likely have available packages to add in those features you like, without driving the cost through the roof. But again, we’re all just speculating for now. Only time will tell if the Maverick will deliver as expected.