How Ford Solved The Crossover Problem

Crossover SUVs: they’re not the most exciting cars out there. Despite their sales success, automakers rarely release crossovers that make a splash, especially with enthusiasts, and that’s where Ford comes in. With the release of the Bronco Sport and Maverick light truck, both based on the Escape CUV, Ford has made crossovers exciting. But how did Ford develop the relatively sleepy Escape into two separate vehicles that has even the most stalwart car nerds turning their heads?

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[rikelme]

“You can get any car you want, as long as it’s a C2 platform” - Henry Ford

[DUCKfourCOVER]

The Subaru assent has 19 cup holders thus making it, theoretically, the best crossover

[j-bird]

I like that the Ford Maverick is relatively small, we've been missing a small pickup for many years now.

[wimvanderschelden]

Nolan: "a wagon is kind of a crossover"

You take that back!

[richardcontinijr]

A Bronco Sport fell off a cliff in Colorado a few weeks ago. The driver survived the fall. While the truck looked like a crushed tin can the passenger compartment was completely intact. It's really impressive that the passenger compartment was intact after falling a few hundred feet down the mountain.

[AlexandarHullRichter]

So, with the new rugged models, they're basically circling back to the CR-V from the 90s, which had fuel economy, great handling, ground clearance, 4wd and gray bumpers like the Subi wilderness models.

[davidl.]

I drive a 2022 Ford Maverick XLT and it’s honestly spectacular. I was a mechanic for years and my only concern is engine reliability. Otherwise it’s a great vehicle, I’m at 180 miles right now and have yet to hit half a tank. With that, I’ve driven with all seats filled, a load in the bed, and on the highway multiple times. It works amazing in every way. Only thing I haven’t done is towed yet but I’m planning on it. With its track record so far I’m betting it’ll be great. Ford really is starting to put its name back in the game as one of the dominant manufacturers and I’ve been enjoying it thoroughly.

[sandroweimar]

Its funny because hatchbacks and wagons are more practical, but not found in the US as much. Here in europe its more practical to have a wagon like an audi bmw etc.

[zingzing]

Donut is unlike any other channels, they focus on cars that actual people can buy and not just all supercars that only a few people can afford. This is why I love you guys!

[holdenc]

I’ve had my maverick for about a month now and I’m in love with it. First time ever owning a “pick up” and so far with small things around the house, the bed really helps compared to an suv or crossover

[RedlineGaming]

The Bronco in the thumbnail should have been a Bronco Sport, not the actual Bronco with the body on frame chassis. Escape, Bronco Sport, Maverick are on Unibody/Monocoque chassis.

[colinnancarrow]

Comparing a wagon to a crossover feels like heresy in the world of handling.

[nlpnt]

The thing I like about the Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick and Lincoln Nautilus (and for that matter the big Bronco) is that none of them have "aggressive" front styling.

[weirdstuff_tm]

"he drives a wagon, that's a kind of crossover!"



Nolan, just no.

[snekracing]

I am personally a large truck owner (I need them for pulling my racecars and equipment), but the new Maverick is impressive. I’ve been very surprised with the capability and overall quality that you get for the price. We have already sold multiple at my dealership and will have no problem selling every future one we get.

[JBMuffinman]

I work at a Ford dealer, the maverick is actually pretty cool and INSANELY popular. The sales team is having to actually schedule test drives as EVERY maverick coming in is sold. (Same hype as big Bronco)

[davidwilmot]

Bought a 2021 Ranger when my bronco pre-order was delayed, and I'm surprised daily with how fun and capable and practical it is. Ford has it figured out.

[revelare_xvii]

*The fact that Ford actually put effort into making the Bronco Sport off-road capable.*

[ART]

As someone who works as a utility for the plant that makes the Escape and Corsair, it is nice to see that people like them.

I have almost six years in the plant working in Trim. Save for the liftgate and doors, I have had a part in putting on the side panels for the interiors of every unit.

[mreggroll]

My grandparents bought a Lexus RX 300 in 1999 brand new and we still have it today. It’s unbelievable for us younger people that these cars were ahead of its time and really luxurious.