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2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD: Will They Make an AWD Hybrid Maverick? – The Ford Maverick has been such a huge success with customers so far that the whole production runs for the 2022 model year have already been completely purchased. This has paved the way for a wide variety of future versions to be added to Maverick’s portfolio of small pickups. While this is going on, the 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD continues to be one of the most highly thought of electrified vehicles on the market. However, this specific model is lacking one notable option, which is all-wheel drive. This is due to the fact that the Hybrid is only available in a configuration with front-wheel drive, as it uses a new electric motor that is distinct from the one used in the Ford Escape Hybrid. It implies that it won’t function out of the box with the e-CVT gearbox that comes standard on the Escape Hybrid AWD variant unless certain changes are made.
Overview
This possible Ford Maverick Hybrid all-wheel drive prototype shares a number of similarities with a previously-spied prototype, including the same distinctive front end and raised ride height in comparison to the stock version of the pickup, indicating that it could be some sort of off-road focused variant, or perhaps even a high-performance ST-like model, both of which Ford has previously refused to rule out. Additionally, this possible Ford Maverick Hybrid all-wheel drive prototype shares a number of similarities with
Despite this, there are a number of clues that point to the possibility that what we’re looking at here is a Ford Maverick Hybrid all-wheel drive prototype. The first one is quite straightforward: it has something that looks like a battery mounted on the rear driver’s side door, despite the fact that the truck only has a 1.1 kWh battery pack. In addition to that, this prototype is fitted with what seems to be a high-voltage wire that is going from the possible battery, and the door handle has been painted orange, which may or may not be an indication that it is a high-voltage system.
An independent rear suspension is currently something that can only be found on EcoBoost-powered Mavericks that have all-wheel drive, which is something that we can see this particular pickup has. This is the other piece of evidence that suggests this might very well be an all-wheel drive Maverick Hybrid, and it can be seen in the back. The fact that there is a visible FX4 branding on the bedsides seems to be more confirmation of this as a truth.
Lastly, as we can see wrapped around that independent rear suspension, this prototype has an EPA test exhaust arrangement in the back, which is located behind the vehicle. In all, this Maverick prototype is extremely fascinating, and it might be an indication that Ford is genuinely working on building an all-wheel drive version of its widely popular, reasonably priced, and fuel-efficient little pickup truck.
The Maverick pickup truck does provide all-wheel drive, but in order to obtain it, you have to pay more for the bigger engine. Because of this, you will not be able to enjoy the benefits of both all-wheel drive and the hybrid powertrain. You will also be responsible for the extra expenditures associated with upgrading to a more powerful engine and installing the all-wheel drive in your vehicle. The value proposition of this tiny vehicle is diminished somewhat as a consequence of that reality.
It has been said that Ford has been experimenting with several new Maverick variants. Incorporating a model that has the capability of becoming a plug-in hybrid while also providing all-wheel drive. Although this is not definitive evidence that all-wheel drive will be available on the 2023 Ford Maverick, it does lend credence to the possibility that it could become an option in the near future.
Review
There is no all-wheel drive option for the Ford Maverick Hybrid at this time, which is unfortunate. Yet I have optimism that things will be different in the not-too-distant future. The hybrid model of the Maverick was a huge commercial success, to the point that it disappeared from shelves almost as soon as it was made available for purchase. It is not difficult to imagine that a Ford Maverick Hybrid with All-Wheel Drive would be a well-liked choice among consumers looking for an economical vehicle that sends power to all of the wheels.
It would be fantastic if Ford were to really produce a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Maverick. Customers would then have the option of purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle that also had the usefulness of a truck bed. Much more desirable would be a plug-in hybrid all-wheel-drive version of the Ford Maverick, which unquestionably would perform well in the market.
We were somewhat aback by the fact that the Maverick is equipped with a hybrid drivetrain as standard. It combines a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a 1.1 kWh battery, an electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a total output of 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque that is sent to the front wheels. We have a solid hunch that Ford will begin offering an all-wheel drive in the years to come. When we put one through its paces, the Maverick hybrid hit 60 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and had the greatest fuel efficiency of any pickup truck on the market, earning 42/33 mpg in the city and on the interstate respectively.
Ford now provides the Maverick with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, which is ideal for customers that want power and all-wheel drive. This engine is available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), in addition to the FX4 off-road package and the 4K tow package. The turbo-four engine generates 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission in place of the CVT found in the hybrid model. The 2.0-liter Maverick can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds, but its efficiency statistics decrease to 22-23 mpg and 29-30 mpg as a result of more power.
Even though the Maverick hasn’t been put through any crash tests by the IIHS or the NHTSA as of the time this article was written, Ford does offer a few of its Co-Pilot360 driver-assist active safety features that are designed to reduce driver fatigue and cut down on the likelihood of getting into an accident. Automatic brakes in the event of an emergency and automatic high lights are also standard on all models. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning are some of the options available to you if you are willing to pay a little bit extra money.
The Maverick may be compact, but despite its size, it is still able to do its duties well. It is possible to transport up to 1,500 pounds in the bed when using the hybrid configuration, and there is also room for a standard-sized ATV. Nevertheless, if you choose the turbo-four engine and the 4K towing package, the Maverick is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds. The hybrid can only pull a maximum of 2,000 pounds. We used this kind of vehicle to pull a trailer that weighed 3,000 pounds, and it performed well. Having said that, if you’re looking for a small truck with better towing and payload capacity, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good option to consider.
Interior
The Maverick is able to accommodate a respectable number of passengers inside despite its compact size; nevertheless, those sitting in the front have much more room than those traveling in the rear. All Mavericks have what are known as crew cabs, which have four standard-sized doors and a rear seat that is rather spacious. The cabin of this Ford contains several storage cubbies and bins located all throughout the inside, including some sizable sections located below the back seat. The base versions are not very comfortable, but they do come standard with certain comforts like adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, a remote keyless entry system, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls.
With the XLT and Lariat trims, more items are included either as standard equipment or as part of option packages. These features include automatic temperature control with dual zones, ambient interior lighting, and power front seats. According to Ford, the Maverick’s 4.5-foot bed can accommodate up to 18 sheets of 4×8-foot plywood with a thickness of three-quarters of an inch without the sheets needing to be loaded at an angle. In addition, the bed is equipped with a power point that operates on 12 volts, and users have the option of upgrading to a 110-volt outlet.
An infotainment system with a touchscreen of 8.0 inches is standard on all Maverick grades. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard features, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot is included with even the cheapest variant of the vehicle. Optional features include satellite radio from SiriusXM, an improved version of the B&O Play sound system, and the ability to charge smartphones wirelessly.