Yes, we Kiwis absolutely love utes. Not just for work, but for all things lifestyley, as evidenced by the staggering popularity of models like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

But here’s the thing about the latest “one tonne” utes: they’ve become larger and heavier with each new generation. All good if you need to tow 3.5 tonnes from coast to coast, or indeed carry a tonne in the tray.
We can’t help but wonder how popular a smaller, lighter ute might be. Like the Ford Maverick, a neat little machine that’s proving a big hit in the US. Did we say “smaller”? It is about 300mm shorter than the current Ranger, but not small per se: at five-metres-plus in length, it’s still longer than the original Ranger Wildtrak from 2009.
Unlike Ranger, Maverick is based on a car platform: it shares a lot with the Focus hatch and Escape crossover SUV. It’s available with hybrid or petrol-turbo engines, two or four-wheel drive. It’s fuel efficient, brisk and although it can’t tow anywhere near as much as a Ranger, 1.8t is still pretty useful.
It’s also loaded with clever cabin and load-carrying features which put many SUVs to shame.

So would you buy one, as a more city and eco-friendly friendly alternative to a Ranger? It’s a moot point because… you can’t right now. Maverick is not currently made in right-hand drive, but when Ford makes that call – look out for this cool little truck.