2021 Ford Maverick ute makes debut

The 2021 Ford Maverick has been officially revealed overnight at an online event in the US, with the big news being that the all-new compact ute comes with hybrid power as standard.

Slotting in below the Australian-developed Ford Ranger in the US, and still to be confirmed for release Down Under, the all-new Ford Maverick measures in at 5072mm long, 1844mm wide and 1745mm high.

Notably, this is 282mm shorter and 53mm lower than the Ranger.

Priced from just $US19,995 ($A25,000) in the US, the Maverick is claimed to have a 680kg payload for its 1370mm-long bed.

The base hybrid version is also said to tow up to 907kg, although the more expensive turbo variant ups that to 1814kg.

The hybrid powertrain blends a 119kW/210Nm 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an 83kW/235Nm electric motor. Combined, total output is a decent 141kW that is sent to the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission.

On the US test cycle, the Maverick hybrid is said to be capable of averaging 6.4L/100km.

For those who want more power or towing capability, there's also a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces a more muscular 184kW and 376Nm of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the turbo-petrol but an optional all-wheel drive version will also be available.

Both channel their power and torque to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ford says the Maverick has been subjected to an unrelenting test regime both on-road and off-road in some of the harshest environments to ensure it matches of the toughness of its bigger brothers.

The Maverick's load bed might be short on space for a typical Ford pick-up truck, but it offers plenty of flexibility, with two tie-downs, four D-rings and built-in threaded holes to secure loads and bolt-in accessories.

There's also 12-volt pre-wiring for extra lights or other accessories, while the multi-position tailgate can support up to 227kg alone.

Inside, there's an 8.0-inch infotainment unit that runs the Blue Oval's latest SYNC3 operating system on higher-grade models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There's also two 110-volt power outlets and plenty of storage space and door cup holders that can hold one-litre bottles.

A large storage bin also lurks under the rear bench for larger items.

Set to go on sale in the US by the fourth quarter of this year, the 2021 Ford Maverick is built in Mexico using the same C2 platform as the Ford Escape mid-size SUV.

While the Maverick is not yet locked in for Australia, the hybrid version of the Escape is due here early next year.