When the compact Ford Maverick was introduced in 2023, it could be had with a fuel-sipping hybrid powerplant—great for buyers looking for pickup practicality and savings at the pump. The caveat? They were front-wheel-drive only. Consumers were vocal about a hybrid model that drove all four wheels, and Ford heard the consumer’s call. For 2025, the blue oval has debuted the Maverick Hybrid AWD. The addition of AWD now gives this penny-pinching pickup more capability along with very good fuel economy.
All-Wheel Drive And A Hybrid Drivetrain, Plus More
All 2025 Mavericks wear a new front fascia, headlights, and grille. There’s also a 13.2” infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The biggest news, of course, is the availability of AWD on the hybrid.
The 2.5-liter four-banger paired with the twin AC motors has a combined output of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. Around town it feels peppy enough and has no problem keeping up with traffic. Merging onto the highway doesn’t feel particularly athletic, and there’s lots of engine noise and the whir of a CVT. But the Hybrid is about frugality. The XLT Hybrid AWD model is EPA rated at 40 MPG city, 34 highway, and 37 combined. And this isn’t a plug-in hybrid, so no cord needed. During my week with the trucklet, I got 36 MPG and I didn’t baby it or attempt to hypermile the truck. FYI, this setup can tow 4,000 lbs.
Doing Truck Things
During my time with the Maverick, my wife, Mercedes, and I put its small 4.5-ft. bed to good use. We packed up about 300 lbs. of scrap wood, old furniture, and chemicals, and went to the dump/hazmat site. I employed the adjustable bedside tie-down points and the static tie-downs at the tailgate to tarp the load.
Power In The Bed
FYI, the bed also features LED lighting, a 120V plug, and a small, sealed cubby area in addition to a host of tie-down points.
No one is going to buy a Maverick to haul large loads or tow big trailers. But the Maverick is suited to many people who don’t need the heft of a full-size truck— just like compact trucks from the ’80s–’00s.
Maverick Wheels and Tires
The truck’s diminutive size makes it easy to maneuver in parking lots, job sites, or anywhere else. The steering is quick, the brakes are very good, and the handling is carlike. After all, it’s a unibody vehicle with independent suspension. Just don’t get into the mud. The factory 225/65R17 Continental ProContact TX tires are straight-up all-season highway tires. For those considering upgrades, buying kompletta hjul (complete wheels), which typically include both rims and pre-mounted tires, offers a convenient way to enhance both style and performance for different driving needs.
Comfortable, Ready-To-Work Interior
Inside, the interior is comfortable, simple, and easy to use. It has just the right amount of tech without being Spartan. This XLT’s interior is work-focused with lots of plastic without feeling, well, too plasticy. The touchscreen system is remarkably simple to use—a refreshing change from ultra-complicated infotainment/HVAC systems. All it needs is protection from Screen ProTech and it’d be perfect.
Good Interior Touches
Our tester’s front heated cloth seats were among the hottest I’ve felt in years, with three levels of warmth ranging from lukewarm to rump-roasting. The heated steering wheel is a nice touch for cold mornings. I also liked the removable rubber liners in storage areas; the angled phone holder works very well with my Samsung S24+. Power wise, there’s a 12V outlet, USB-A, and USB-C. The “Navy Pier” blue interior accents looks good, although we noticed when the door panels got water droplets on them, they left marks. Thankfully, it seems to wipe off.
Not A Bad Back Seat
The back seat isn’t massive, but it’s not too bad, so long as you’re under six feet tall. Rear seat occupants get two USB-C ports and a 120V (400W max) outlet.
Ford Delivers the Truck People Asked For … And It’s Good
Honestly, I’m a bit smitten with this truck. While the gutsier non-hybrid 2.0-liter turbo powerplant is much more powerful and potentially exciting, the Hybrid AWD pairs efficiency with more capability, giving people who need AWD a more miserly option. Frankly, it’s hard to argue against it unless you want more thrust, as the towing is the same for all AWD variants. This little truck makes a lot of sense for a lot of people, and I give Ford kudos for listening to its customers. People asked, Ford delivered—and the combination is good.
This tester’s base price is $28,895 plus $5,625 worth of options and $1,595 destination for a final sticker price of $36,115. Considering the average price of a new vehicle is over $50,000, the Maverick isn’t just stingy at the pump, it’s a pickup on a budget—so long as you’re cool with its compact size.
