When the Ford Maverick came out in 2022, people instantly cried out for the lack of a hybrid model with AWD. That, and no one liked the small screen with a weird compartment next to it. For 2025, Ford solves both these issues, and provided a mild exterior update, too.
About the Video:
I must avoid making these videos first thing in the morning, before coffee. This was the case here, and having rewatched this video, I can say that this isn’t my best work. I simply did not have any other time for it. I need to find a way to have a cheat sheet with specs and features while recording.
Specs:
Reviewed here is the XLT model, with the 2.5-liter engine with a conventional (non-plug-in) hybrid system. It has a combined power of 191hp at 5600rpm and 155 lb.-ft. at 4000rpm. The power is sent to all wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The AWD system prioritizes front wheels, but the rear wheels are ungauged as needed, under various conditions. Ford did provide much other information on this AWD system, other than stating that it is not a Haldex-type system, which works only when slippage in front wheels is detected.
In this configuration, the AWD Maverick Hybrid gets EPA-rather 40mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, for a combined 37 mpg. In my driving, which included both the city and highway, I got around 32/33mpg. Real work driving fuel economy is never like the EPA numbers, but I would say that those are pretty impressive numbers. With careful driving, the Maverick Hybrid can get over 500 miles of range from its 13.8-gallon tank.
Driving:
The hybrid system is rather transparent in use. The biggest giveaway is the sci-fi spaceship-like sound the truck makes at low speeds. It’s not a fast vehicle but the torque from the electric motors can be felt off the line and in highway passing. The typical annoyances with CVT are well masked here.
The ride is comfortable, and road imperfections are well insulated from the cabin. The interior could be a little quieter, which reminds us that this is meant to be an affordable vehicle. I wished for a sunroof or a sliding rear window, but of which are available on other models.
Summary:
I really like this truck. The biggest obstacle in owning one is that it does not satisfy the fragile male ego as much as the bigger trucks. Otherwise, the price, the comfort, and the functionality are all there. With the 4k Towing Package, now available on the hybrid model, light towing duties are also satisfied. It’s not a truck for everyone but it’s a truck for many, including some owners of bigger trucks. Ford says that 60% of Maverick Hybrid buyers are trading-in vehicles from other segments, notably small CUVs and compact cars.
The harder question is, which one to get? The XL and the XLT models are budget offerings. The Lariat is a premium model. New for 2025 are the Lobo and Tremor models. The Lobo is a lowered version, focused on street performance. The Tremor, previously a package and now a stand-alone model, is designed for off-pavement excursions.