2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD First Drive Review: Exactly What the Affordable Truck Required

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      In 2021, Ford took a significant risk by introducing a small truck—a front-wheel-drive, unibody pickup built on a compact car platform. To make matters more surprising, they offered the most affordable model as a hybrid. Fast forward through a pandemic (and a presidential term), we now have what we've been eagerly anticipating since the beginning: the 2025 Ford Maverick, featuring an all-wheel-drive variant alongside its efficient hybrid powertrain.

      How Did We End Up Here?

      Perhaps that's not the most fitting question. We were aware this was on the horizon. Instead, we ought to ponder why it took so long. Since its debut four years ago, we've repeatedly asked Ford when the hybrid Maverick would see a second set of axle shafts. The vague, often cheeky response hinted that any such development would depend on the engineers meeting the durability standards that the truck lineup demands.

      Byron Hurd

      Reading between the lines, it indicated that adding a rear axle wasn't simply a matter of swapping it from a turbo model or one of the Maverick's C2 platform siblings. This extensive Ford family also includes the Escape, Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, and several other models sold worldwide, including the Focus. (We miss you, old friend.)

      Despite the impressive range of that chassis, there are no other pickup trucks in the United States amongst this considerable lineup. Here, pickups must comply with the company's unofficial yet stringent quality guideline: BFT—Built Ford Tough.

      Byron Hurd

      You might call it "marketing jargon," and you'd be partially correct, yet there is an essential truth in it. The Maverick was Ford's initial attempt at creating a compact, hybrid, unibody truck—everything traditional pickup customers typically reject. Unsurprisingly, it performed as well as Ford could have hoped, considering the circumstances at the time.

      With the Escape hybrid already in its lineup, Ford possessed the necessary powertrain; however, unlike the Maverick, few expected the Escape to tow. The small crossover can only manage a maximum of 1,500 pounds—500 pounds under the Maverick's base towing capacity. Thus, Ford's engineers implemented the same enhancement approach they used with the EcoBoost Maverick, resulting in an AWD Maverick Hybrid that tows just as effectively as the turbo model.

      Byron Hurd

      If you opt for the 4K Tow package, you'll enjoy a turbo-matching 4,000 pounds of towing capability. Its maximum payload isn't far behind, sitting at 1,400 pounds, just 100 pounds less. Remember when a 1,500-pound payload was sufficient to classify a vehicle as a “true” pickup truck? The Ram and Silverado still carry the “1500” label in their names today.

      However, what stands out most about the Maverick AWD Hybrid is its unremarkable nature. It delivers the same power and torque as the standard Hybrid—191 hp and 155 lb-ft—and weighs roughly 170 pounds more. Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering there's only an adult's weight difference, the AWD variant achieves almost identical fuel efficiency as the 2WD Hybrid, recording 40 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined (the 2WD achieves 42/35/38 city/highway/combined).

      Driving Experience

      From the instant you open the door until you're cruising, the 2025 Maverick suggests “pickup” in every aspect. It clunks and thuds as one should. This is due to the stiffer powertrain mounts, high-durability suspension bushings, and a deliberate reduction in unnecessary NVH controls. None of this is new for 2025, but it serves as a compelling reminder that what we label as authenticity is often due to meticulous engineering.

      Ford

      Take a corner quickly, and you’ll receive a gentle reminder that the Maverick is more akin to a Focus than a Ranger or F-150. It hugs the road nicely, without unsettling bobbing. The minimal weight increase from the AWD system is easily overshadowed by the hybrid’s torque from the electric assist. The CVT is forgettable, which is a compliment in itself. Unfortunately, we had limited opportunities to rigorously test the AWD system; our day was pleasantly sunny, even for late March.

      Our drive led us into the mountains west of San Diego, where assessing the Maverick's EPA fuel economy figures would be futile in optimal conditions. We noted our average dropping to 28.4 mpg, but the real-time indicator consistently showed 39-41 mpg on the few flat highways we encountered, and our slow return to base brought our average back into the low 30s.

      Byron Hurd

      Ford Maverick Features, Options, and Competition

      Pop quiz: What commonality exists between the 2025 Ford Maverick XL, my 1990 Mazda Miata, and my 201