The lack of a truck base is something I'm still not sure about, despite the on paper capabilities. I don't see this thing taking the beating my 3.0 Ranger bucket has over the years, and the Explorer is still top notch at everything but MPG.Fellow Ranger owner/fan here. FWIW, the Maverick has a higher payload capacity than our old Rangers (1500 lbs vs 1100 lbs that mine has). I get the apprehension about CVTs, but you really can't compare CVTs in hybrid vehicles with CVTs in regular gasoline-only vehicles. The way they work is entirely different. Hybrid CVTs don't have any belts or chains like gas-only CVTs, and they're super reliable. And the CVT comes with only the hybrid Maverick; the gas-only Ecoboost Maverick has a regular 8-speed automatic.
I also wish it was available with a longer bed and a smaller cab. Other than that, this truck would be perfect for my needs. I really like it a lot. But my '06 also meets my needs perfectly, is still in good shape, still has low mileage and will go for a LOT longer, and is paid for, so I won't be buying any replacement anytime soon.
But, I also think it might work for me...as long as the ol reliables are still in the driveway.