Chery Patents Reveal A Compact Pickup That Could Take The Ford Maverick Formula Global

Patent images believed to preview a new Chery small pickup have appeared online, first shared by Cars.co.za and picked up more recently by CarExpert. Using those filings as a starting point, we rendered our own take on how the production truck could look. The drawings give the clearest indication yet that the Chinese automaker wants a piece of the compact lifestyle utility segment, the same territory Ford’s Maverick made popular.

Future Cars: Toyota Turned The Corolla Into A Pickup, Here’s What It Looks Like Undisguised

While Chery has yet to confirm the project, the South African-registered filings point to a production model that blends crossover comfort with pickup practicality. The model is also set to spawn an SUV variant under the ‘Tiggo’ sub-branding, aimed at markets including China, South America, South Africa, and parts of Asia-Pacific. 

Urban Toughness

Styling-wise, it’s essentially a muscular crossover reworked into a pickup-style, dual-cab Ute. Up front, it features a full-width DRL with the word ‘Chery’ emblazoned in bold lettering. Further down, chunky lower cladding, aluminum skid plate elements, and dark-colored bumper exude off-road utility.

In profile, it has a relatively short cargo bed with four doors (the rears have hidden handles) and a high beltline. Deeply sculptured doors feature distinctive recessed surfacing that flows into squared-off wheel arches, while bold cladding and pronounced rocker panels fit the brief.

Chery patents (via Cars.co.za)

The contrasting black roof and sports bar exude whiffs of a certain Pontiac that once did the rounds in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fortunately, the rear is less jarring with full-width LED taillamps, an upright tailgate, textured bumper inserts and faux skid-plating.

Interior and Underpinnings

The interior remains under wraps, but recent Chery launches like the larger Stockman (pictured above) provide strong pointers of what to expect. Likely items include a large, freestanding infotainment display paired with a digital instrument cluster, featuring wireless phone mirroring, charging, and over-the-air updates.

Unlike its American Ford Maverick equivalent, the cabin is likely to be a premium affair with high-grade plastics, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof and ambient lighting. Behind the second row, its compact bed will prioritize versatility over outright payload. Expect stowable seating and rear pass-through loading into the cabin area for longer items.

Also: Nissan’s New Xterra Is Coming For Broncos And 4Runners With A V6 For Under $40K

While technical details remain limited, the pickup will use the T1X unibody architecture rather than a traditional ladder frame chassis. It’ll likely sport independent rear suspension to deliver more car-like handling as opposed to a trail-rated setup.

Hybrid Power

Chery has numerous powertrain options up its sleeve. Entry variants could utilise either a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder or a newer 208 hp (155 kW) 2.0-litre turbo for flagship models.

More: Ford CEO Suddenly Reopens The Door To A New Falcon Ute

Plug-in hybrid capability is a certainty with Chery’s latest Super Hybrid (CSH) system already being rolled across its Tiggo-branded lineup. This setup combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack to deliver up to 56 miles (90 km) of all-electric driving.

Front and all-wheel-drive options are said to be on the cards, as is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.

Rivals and Reveal

Sitting below the newly named ‘Stockman’ mid-size pickup, the Chery Ute’s primary rivals include the Fiat Toro, Chevrolet Montana, Ram Rampage, VW Tukan and Toyota’s unnamed Corolla Cross Ute.

Also: Ford’s New Sub-$30,000 Electric Truck Barely Clears An Expedition’s Shoulder

Production timing remains unconfirmed, but with patent filings already published, we expect a debut within the next 12 months. 

While we won’t see it on US soil, it does beg the question: should more manufacturers develop more car-based pickups? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.