Who’s up for a nice hypothetical situation? You are! Here’s what I’m thinking: let’s say that due to a strange confluence of economic, political, social, environmental, and, um, astrological circumstances, American Emperor Gary Busey (I’m telling you, shit got weird) decrees that all carmakers must standardize on one single model to serve everyone in America, starting in the 2025 model year and for the foreseeable future. The big question is, of course, what should that one model be? What’s the one vehicle currently being produced in America with the best shot of at least coming close to serving everyone’s basic needs? I think I have an idea.
This one vehicle has a hell of a job ahead of it: it needs to be something that is still accessible to as much of the population as possible, and needs to also fill all the primary, essential niches and use cases of mainstream cars: a commuter car; a family car; a car for people of limited means; a car that’s also comfortable and pleasurable to drive; a utility and work vehicle; an Uber/taxi/rideshare vehicle … and more. It has to do everything.
That very likely means it’ll make nobody really happy. It’s inherently going to be an amalgam of compromises, and there’s no real way for it to happily fill very specific niches, but that’s what we’re dealing with here. If Emperor Busey says there must only be one kind of car, that’s pretty much what we have to do, lest we want to tangle with his Happiness Enforcers, which, trust me, you don’t.
So what car currently produced on American soil has the best chance of filling this role? We have a lot to pick from, really: the full line of Teslas, for example, but I’m not sure the charging infrastructure – even one as developed as Tesla’s – is up to the task of serving all new cars sold in the US. Plus, they’re still not cheap, and these things need to be accessible across the board, from broke-ass people who desperately need a new car to fancy people who use “summer” as a verb.
That would also rule out those BMW X-series SUVs made in South Carolina, too. Most crossovers and even SUVs would be too limited for harder utility use, and most full-size trucks would be impractical for a large number of city-dwellers, aside from being expensive, too. Really, there’s only one option I can think of that would come close to meeting the broadest spectrum of needs:
The Ford Maverick.
Specifically, the hybrid one. You can still get these new for about $25,000, and the gas-only engine version is even cheaper. For the One Model policy, we’ll do our best to keep options for that model, so that AWD can still be had, because there are parts of the country that will need it. But generally, I think the hybrid’s impressive fuel economy will make it the better choice for the default option.
The Maverick is also a four-door that seats five, which seems like the minimum we’d need as a baseline car. There will be people who need to seat more, and for them I think we’ll have to rely on aftermarket in-bed seating solutions with bed caps to enclose everyone. I’d bet there’d be room for two more rows back there, making for, oh, seating for another four to six people? That feels possible.
That truck bed is key, of course, because it allows for actual utility and cargo-hauling use. A simple cover could turn it into a huge trunk which is all many people want, but it’s still definitely a truck bed, and people often need truck beds. For all kinds of things. We’ve already seen plenty of Mavericks used for fleet utility vehicles for construction companies and plumbers and similar businesses, so I think this should continue to cover those, too.
None of this is to say that the Maverick is the best vehicle out there or anything like that; what I do think is that it is the most flexible and adaptable vehicle for the widest variety of uses. As I said, for niche sorts of things, it’s not going to cut it – it’s not a luxurious vehicle or a particularly fast one of a great handling sports car, but maybe the inevitable clever aftermarket suppliers can take care of these niches, since you know if we’re all limited to one type of car, there will be options for people to trade some money for a more individual and specific type of vehicle.
I’m thinking a luxury one would need at least some treatment like this:
..and a more sporting variant may take a bit more work, but I think could be done, maybe like this:
I think we could make this work. I’d hope it wouldn’t have to be forever – maybe when Emperor Busey finally kicks or perhaps some other faction manages to take over (perhaps the collective led by former Mythbusters host Adam Savage will finally make their move) the automotive industry will be free to produce a wide variety of models again, but until then I still think the Maverick offers us the best, most adaptable platform for the broadest spectrum of people.
Am I wrong here? Is there some other option, built here in America, that I’m missing? If there’s anything that’s more flexible for this incredibly broad and diverse job of serving, well, a whole nation, then I’m all ears. Tell us in the comments if you have a better idea, and we can hash it out.
I mean, we have to. For the Emperor!
Ford has some strange combinations for outdoors enthusiasts who might want to bring toys to the party. And that means the 4000 pound towing capacity – which eliminates the Tremor and the hybrid and requires AWD. And the 2.0 L engine requires premium for towing. Which is what I have, but that Tremor is the ultimate outdoor fun toy.
No not the Maverick. The Ranger yes (or Colorado, Tacoma)
Not particularly fast? Torch, people are running 12s with them with bolt-ons and a tune. Its not blisteringly fast, but fast enough.
Sidenote, glad to see more articles from you lately. Must be feeling better. Keep it up.
Absolutely, with the 2.0 and AWD stock is as fast as an Audi Q5.
Kari Byron for Empress in palace coup.
This is not far fetched at all, maybe a future head of state could decide that the best course of action for the challenged US auto industry… is to make a tremendous deal with the lowest bidder? So Stellantis it is, with an Italian platform. There is even a historic precedent for a similar deal! Only this time with more gold details.
You say Stellantis is a bit short on suitable platforms? Wrong! Dodge Mexico has some incredible products: Journey and Attitude. Formerly known as GAC Trumpchi GS5 and Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan. Tremendous deal, beautiful cars.
Gary Busey would likely favor recent BMWs, whose oversized grilles resemble his own.
BMW has rebranded as Busey Motor Works
This entire take is the correct take.
I love the Spirit of Seagullstasy on the luxurized version.
Yes give me a 6spd Maverick please. There’d be one sitting out on the curb with a bright turquoise wrap on it right now.
Actual question: how is durability on wraps? I’m seeing more matte vehicles lately, which I love. I’m not looking to wrap anything I have but I’m curious.
We got a hot pink matte wrap for our Golf R maybe 6 or so years ago and it’s held up really well. There are a couple little spots where it’s starting to come apart just a little, but from 10 feet away it still looks awesome. It’s held up better than i thought it would. FYI, we live in Austin and don’t have a garage or car port.
And for the rest of the world, a white Toyota Probox.
I think you’re wrong, but I also think the right answer doesn’t exist currently.
First I think whichever vehicle this is should be body on frame with an aluminum body. that way it will handle the rusty states well enough.
Second it should have a ton of engine and drivetrain options
The closest thing to this currently is the Ford F-Series.
Why is there still no AWD Hybrid?
Same reason Ford won’t make enough FWD Hybrids and XL models to meet demand
‘Because you suck, and we hate you’
Does the current Maverick Granny?
By which I mean, would it be a good vehicle for transporting a 90 year old woman with sketchy hip joints as a passenger (not cargo).
Current vehicle is a Juke.
With the higher roofline and seat slide in height, I’d say yes but you really need ger to try it to know for certain.
I can say from personal experience with 100% confidence that, yes, it absolutely will granny. Bonus, the bedsides are low enough to throw the walker into the bed without dropping the tailgate.
If there’s one downside, the oddly shaped, open inside door handles confuse my mother every single time.
Dad traded out of a Panther to an Escape for just this reason. Him and mom find it much better than dropping down in their 70’s.
Wrong car. The Maverick is very nice, but its just too small. There is another hybrid out there that would satisfy most everyone. Standardize on a Toyota Sienna Hybrid. You already have options for FWD and AWD. Minivans by default are one of the most useful vehicles out there and with a 3500lb towing capacity, you handle dump runs with a small trailer.
A minivan would certainly be a better jack of all trades, although I would vote for something along the lines of a modernized, “old” Delica, range extended EV, with options for both low, road suspension, and high, offroad suspension, that will probably never exist.
The Sienna’s a bit more expensive, but hopefully with all the resource capacity freed up, and the economies of scale, we could get that price down a bit (I also assume it’s in God Emperor Busey’s purview to force lower pricing if he deems us worthy).
Does it have to be a currently made American car? If not I nominate the Crown Vic.
Need a bed? Remove the trunk lid and make the rear window vertical.
Need a commuter? Stick a 3cyl hybrid in it.
Need a sports car? Somehow people have figured out how to defy physics as far as total weight, and the cog is relatively low.
Need a tow vehicle? It has a stout frame and only needs upgraded suspension.
Need a rock crawler? Sorry-ish but you should be able to adapt a lot of “old stock” F150 parts and chop the front and rear over hangs off. Can’t do much as far as wheelbase though.
Pretty much the only vehicle it can’t be turned into while still using the same stamping and molds is a minivan.
(Disclaimer: I don’t really like them but I sure as hell respect them)
The total weight of a Crown Vic is not that bad, and is significantly less than some vehicles built from the ground up to be sports cars.
I like your style. The different engine choices are beguiling since the Crown Vic was V8 only (I think?) its whole life.
Tell me there’d be a limited edition sport version with a manual. Like one from a Mustang, all notchy and raw.
Edit: and a ridiculous two door verison, so it could Nascar.
I remember 2 door Panthers being sold in the early 80s, I think most I’ve seen were Mercury branded.
Who knows because the Maverick is made in Mexico.
Ford Maverick shares the same platform as the Escape.. so that platform is already serving other purpose?
I am pretty sure “People Hauler” add on will probably be a no go, due to US’s safety laws. Have there been any aftermarket seat “add on”s that are certified for highway use in recent memory?
I had one as a rental while road tripping in New England this past summer, the transmission dial and the Ford “ding” annoy the heck out of me.
Isn’t there a Lincoln on the same platform as well? So the luxury and people hauler versions already exist, just need to build the sports car on the same platform.
I guess in that sense the Focus also counts? since it is based on that platform.
The Lincoln Corsair is the Escape equivalent. My brothers-in-law have one and it’s very nice indeed.
The emperor can change the law, also some states already let adults ride in the bed.
That brings up another question. If we’re talking about a single model or a single model name. Ford’s C2 already has all the boxes checked in one form or another (Maverick, Escape, Focus, Edge L, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport). Is it just a matter of rebranding them all as one vehicle model?
Also, can we talk about how Ford is selling a 3 row Escape in China branded as an Edge?
Isn’t that headline subjunctive mood?
“Were only one car…”
I… uh, actually, I can’t find anything wrong with this. Assuming of course that it doesn’t have a timing belt.
Oh fuck that. I’m sniping Emperor Busey tomorrow if he tells me I can only buy a Ford.
As I am hanged drawn and quartered and they ask if I wish to repent and hasten my death, I’ll scream MAZDA!!! Is it physically impossible to scream that loud after you’ve had your squishy innards violently removed? Yes, but if that wacko Mel Gibson could do it then so could I.
You know, it wasn’t that long ago that FWD Fords and Mazdas were the same thing.
Heck, the Maverick still uses a Mazda-designed engine and the factory was once a joint Mazda venture.
That’s kinda what I thought
What factory???
I can’t see the case for a Maverick over an F150. They come in hybrid and EV powertrains, so fuel costs don’t need to be exorbitant. They aren’t *that* much more expensive in base form. Regular cab short bed versions are only 9″ longer than a Maverick.
There are luxury and off-road versions for those who prefer them.
Plus a Maverick is not capable of towing another one, so in a world with no tow trucks of any kind, once your Mav breaks down you either need to push it home or just give up and buy another one.
Because fullsize pickups are kind of a pain in tight spaces, and a Maverick burns a lot less gas.
A Maverick may not be factory rated to tow another Maverick, but it can, especially with some relatively minimal modifications.
A lot less gas than a Lightning?
Which, since I have nowhere to charge it, would rapidly become a sculpture, and an ugly one at that.
I’ll agree with Maverick, but only because the Honda Fit isn’t available in our market anymore.
It’s obvious that throws towing out the window though.
Anything can tow anything else. It’s just a matter of what speed you can achieve. A maverick could probably safely do 50 while towing another mav
just watch out for when you need to brake quickly
True
Yes. This way everyone would have fond memories of their Little Tikes ride from when they were kids everytime they look at the plastiky dashboard/everything else in the car
I’ve had my XL Hybrid since Aug 2022 . I regularly average over 45mpg, done multiple dump runs. I’ve also moved my kids in and out of various dorms/apartments. For an all in one vehicle, it’s perfect.
The Santa Cruz probably drives better , has a better interior feel but is also legitimately 5 to 10K more expensive. Plus no hybrid option.
And then you have to be seen in a Santa Cruz, and you have to try to keep a Hyundai on the road.
Though both are still too big (among other shortcomings), I’d agree that something like a Maverick or Santa Cruz would cover the broadest segment of transportation needs. Personally, between the two, I prefer the Santa Cruz and it’s actually made in the United States. The Hyundai is pricier, though, and doesn’t (yet) have a hybrid eco-leader version, so the Maverick is probably the better all-around compromise for the title of Everyman car. I can accept that, but I don’t have to like it.
I like the Hyundai more too. With price increases the Maverick at this point runs about the same when you load it up, but Ford gives you more flexibility throughout the range and still starts below the base Santa Cruz. I can’t tell how committed Hyundai is to the SC to actually try a hybrid variant but it would be nice to see.
Yes, I’m disappointed there’s still no hybrid SC even though that powertrain has been available in the Tucson for years. The other ‘fail’ I’d note compared to the Ford is the available color palette. You can get a Maverick in real colors, not so the Santa Cruz. It does make me wonder just how long Hyundai intends to stay in game.
The fact that it’s showing up in the Carnival gives me hope, like they prioritized it on the Tucson/Santa Fe and Kia counterparts as core segments where Toyota had volume entries and now it’s trickling into other models. And perhaps it’s simply got more durability testing now that it’s been on the market for a few years and they trust putting it in bigger/heavier vehicles, like Toyota throwing theirs in the Sienna and Grand Highlander. Guess we’ll see if it follows after the Tucson gets its refresh and maybe they can throw some of the nicer colors from the Tucson and Santa Fe on the SC like you said.
Or maybe they’ll time something whenever Honda gets around to a more involved Ridgeline update. I’d be fine with the smooth V6 there but really needs a heavier interior update than just bits of the newer tech tacked on.
I concur. Can’t wait too long, even the Taco’s got a hybrid, now.
You prefer the Santa Cruz over the Maverick? Gross. Why on earth would you prefer that?
Handles better, hauls more, nicer interior, and I prefer the looks. I don’t dislike the Maverick, in fact the two were running neck and neck in my opinion until I saw them in real life. The Maverick looks more awkward to me. Then, after I’d had a chance to drive both, the Santa Cruz moved ahead in my estimation. They both have drawbacks, which will probably keep me from ever owning either of them, even though I’d really likely to have a modern small truck.
Having never driven either, I suspected that driving feel and interior might have been the difference.
I rather despise the styling, sail pillars, and really high bedsides on the Santa Cruz and the Maverick bed looks much more useful.
Is the Santa Cruz rated to haul more? I believe the Maverick is rated for 1500lb payload, which is already a lot more than you’re gonna put in that little bed.
The Santa Cruz is rated between 1600 and 1900 lbs. for payload, depending on the selected engine, but you’re right, I’d probably never load close to that in either of these vehicles. I find both of these trucks too high-waisted, but the SC is worse in that regard. The Ford’s bed is about an inch and a half longer, but the Hyundai’s is wider and deeper, so, literally, it’s a bigger capacity, but practically, it’s meaningless. The roll-up tonneau cuts into the SC bed length up top, but you don’t have to buy it and the Ford dealer option rolling tonneau does the same thing. Kind of a draw for utility. The SC does have a small, lockable in-bed trunk, also.
Wow, 1900lb is really really excessive. I have an f150 with an 8′ bed and ~1400lb capacity, and I have only maxed that out a couple times, and only doing things that a Santa Cruz could never do because of bed size.
I know. I picture a short length, tall load located as close to centerline as possible the only way to get to that 1900 lb. number. Maybe an ATM machine.
the santa cruz has a 27 cubic foot bed. thats about 3000 lbs of gravel. so with a driver and a passenger you could realistically only fill the bed halfway with gravel if that helps to visualize it.
Thanks, good example.
I mean the Maverick is built in mexico… which is technically in America, therefore technically correct, the best kind of correct.
I’m already on board. We’ve had our Hybrid Lariat for just over a year, and it is legitimately awesome.
Right car company, wrong approach. The way to approach this would be to take Ford’s lead and call EVERYTHING a Mustang.
Then, technically, everything is the same model.
Yes, I would like to buy a Mustang van please