What About the Unibody Makes the Maverick so Unique?.jpg
The Maverick has only been around for a few years, but it’s already gained a devoted following in the car community. It’s a bit of an outlier in the Ford lineup, chiefly because it’s the only truck they make with unibody construction.

So, what makes unibody trucks so unique, and what are the advantages of them? We’re here to explore exactly that—read on to find out why the Ford Maverick is the best small truck for sale in Geneseo, IL.

Unibody vs. Body-on-Frame Trucks Explained

Unibody and body-on-frame (BOF) are the two main ways that car manufacturers make their vehicles.

Body-on-frame vehicles are made up of two parts. The body, which consists of the cabin, cargo area, and engine compartment, sits on top of a high-strength frame, which supports the body as well as other things like suspension and wheels. BOF construction is typically used for full-size trucks, large SUVs, and other heavier vehicles because it’s capable of holding more weight and is more structurally tough. The Ford Ranger and all F-Series trucks are made body-on-frame.

With unibody vehicles, the body and frame are a single cohesive unit that supports the weight of the entire vehicle. Unibody construction tends to be more common with lighter vehicles like cars and small crossover SUVs, but in the past several years, unibody trucks like the Maverick have become more common.

Pros and Cons of Unibody Trucks

Pros:

Cons:

  • Safer in general
  • Less weight
  • Improved gas mileage
  • Smoother ride on pavement
  • Less expensive to manufacture
  • Lower towing and payload capacity
  • Less off-road ability


Unibody vehicles have a number of advantages. Because of their monocoque construction and reduced weight, they tend to drive smoother, handle better, and create less road noise on the highway, and they also benefit from significantly improved gas mileage. Experts agree that the unibody also makes them safer on average because they’re able to dissipate the force from a crash much more efficiently. And because they cost less money to make, they usually cost less to buy.

Of course, the fact that they’re built less hardy means that they don’t excel off-road as much as a body-on-frame truck or SUV, and they won’t be able to tow or haul nearly as heavy of a load.

What About the Unibody Makes the Maverick so Unique?

Although Ford makes other unibody vehicles like the Escape and Explorer, the Maverick is the only one with a pickup truck body style. So, why would they bother making a unibody pickup when they have so many other excellent truck options?

Ford Maverick Price

For one, it offers an entry-level price point for truck shoppers who simply don’t need a 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton model. The 2025 Maverick’s starting price is just $28,145, and even the most expensive trim, the Maverick Tremor, only has an MSRP of around 40 grand.

Ford Maverick Performance

The Maverick has two available engines. The standard motor is a 2.5-liter Hybrid with either front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The main appeal of this powertrain is its astounding fuel economy—it’s rated for 35 MPG on the highway and 42 MPG in the city.

The other available motor is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine still achieves a respectable 25 MPG combined, but it also unlocks the Maverick’s full power potential, allowing it to tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is ample for small to medium-sized trailers.

To kick things up even further, the Ford Maverick Tremor enables maximum off-roading fun with a retuned suspension, extra ground clearance, a locking rear differential, and Ford Trail Control™.

Ford Maverick Exterior

Despite not being a full-sized pickup, the Maverick has some surprising bed capacity. It measures 54.4 inches in length and it’s 53.3 inches wide, and the FLEXBED® storage system gives you an impressive number of ways to configure cargo. Other thoughtful touches include the Multi-Position Tailgate, available in-bed cubby storage, and high-strength cargo tie-downs that even double as bottle openers in case an impromptu shindig breaks out.

Ford Maverick Interior

Inside, the Maverick certainly doesn’t feel small. It features ample seating for five full-grown adults to fit comfortably with plenty of legroom, plus under-seat storage in the rear in case you run out of space in the bed.

Drivers also benefit from a no-nonsense design that’s filled with tech, including a standard 13.2-inch center touch screen display with wireless SYNC® 4, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, and an available wireless charging pad.

Check Out the Ford Maverick for Sale in Geneseo, IL

If you’re interested in having a gander at the best small truck around, Ed Morse Ford North has the new Ford Maverick for sale at a great price, and you can save even more money when you check out our finance specials and Ford lease deals.

Don’t see the model you want on our website? No worries, because we can help you customize your own Ford Maverick today. Call us at 866-559-7205 or contact us online to learn more.