2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD: In-Depth Review and Features Examination

Once Ford announced that the base Maverick pickup would come with a hybrid engine, one question remained: When will all-wheel drive be available? I understand that while not everyone requires more than front-wheel drive, there are definitely those who desire it. Ford was aware of this, as truck buyers have been demanding four-wheel-drive options since the dawn of time, yet it didn’t prompt them to provide this feature at launch.

Looking back, Ford may see this as a misstep. However, consider this: The Maverick debuted at the most challenging possible moment. Trying to introduce an affordable vehicle during the COVID supply crisis would be like taking your child for swimming lessons at the beach during a storm. Moreover, Ford was taking quite a risk. But wow, did it pay off.

The Essentials

In 2021, the Maverick symbolized many things Ford had not dared to attempt in the U.S. market. It was a front-wheel-drive, monocoque truck essentially derived from the old Ford Focus. And it’s a hybrid, too? Whoever proposed it might as well have asked Jim Farley to lead a spontaneous conga line at the next shareholder meeting. Luckily for that person, it turned out to be a resounding triumph. From the moment the Maverick arrived in showrooms, an electrified all-wheel drive variant became a certainty. A year ago (and after several price hikes), it finally materialized.

Ford did a remarkable job of making its “C2” unibody car platform appear truck-like. Having already honed their skills with the Bronco Sport, the Maverick posed a greater challenge—it has a bed, after all. Like the Ranger, it misses some of the sharper lines found on the F-150, yet the outcome is still undeniably truck-like.

As an affordable pickup, the Maverick has exactly two tasks, both evident in its description. While the outside does an excellent job of presenting the Maverick as a truck, the interior equally underscores its budget nature. This may sound a bit harsh, and perhaps it is, but the cabin has a vibrant and plastic feel that communicates “I need to be visually appealing without costing too much.” The absence of physical controls on the center stack of the Maverick (a part of a mild refresh alongside the launch of Lobo and the AWD hybrid) adds to the starkness of the compact pickup’s interior. Clean is one thing; barren is another.

Experiencing the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD

When I first drove the AWD Maverick Hybrid in San Diego, it was the very definition of “as anticipated.” And why wouldn’t it be? This is an affordable vehicle (by today’s market standards) with a focus on economy. The Maverick Hybrid generates 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque on paper, but the actual push you experience is more substantial, thanks to the 94-kilowatt motor.

Though relatively small, the Maverick isn’t particularly light. With all-wheel drive, the weight climbs to nearly 3,900 pounds with the hybrid, culminating in a fairly ordinary power-to-weight ratio even with that robust electric motor. This vehicle simply goes where directed, devoid of drama or any extra excitement. It’s strictly a straightforward A-to-B vehicle. Looking for fun? Go for the Lobo. This is the kind of truck you acquire not to wear out the tires, but to utilize thoroughly.

I found myself fortunate regarding the circumstances of this loaner. The weather was exceedingly suitable for assessing an all-wheel-drive system. The Maverick arrived equipped with all-season tires, yet performed commendably even with several inches of snow on the ground. The CVT effectively manages torque at low levels, reducing wheelspin while preventing the engine from stalling altogether. If I owned it, I would prefer my Wrangler’s winter tires on it, but the standard Continentals suffice for light or moderate snow. Allow plenty of space for stopping, and you’ll be fine, but anything deeper than the (somewhat low) factory air dam might warrant reconsideration if using the factory tires.

Pros and Cons

After spending a week with the Maverick, I discovered that its strengths and weaknesses stem directly from its fundamental nature as an affordable truck. It’s a capable, reliable, and efficient choice for commuting. This was only enhanced by the introduction of all-wheel drive. While it does slightly increase the cost of the Maverick, this is easily balanced by the reassurance that you should reach your destination under all but the extreme circumstances that usually bring everything to a standstill.

Ultimately, however, it undeniably feels budget-oriented, and you’ll be reminded of that every time you bump your elbow against the hard-plastic door panels or reach for the absent climate control switches. This is about as elementary as an interior gets in 2025, and while the Maverick may be positioned on the lower end of the new-car spectrum, you’re still looking at over $35,000 before adding options. That might not be luxury pricing, but you could find a more refined cabin in practically any compact crossover or SUV. Even the Bronco Sport offers a nicer interior, and it’s essentially the same vehicle.

2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD Features, Options, and Rivals

How many contemporary vehicles can you name with manually adjustable side mirrors? Not folding—I mean actual adjustment of the mirror itself. I’ll give you a clue: the base Ford Maverick sits at the top of that list. My XLT loaner had more features than that, but there are only so many ways I can describe it as “inexpensive,” right? A well-equipped Maverick covers most of the essential gear you’d expect in a modern car, nonetheless Ford is not even considering the possibility of providing upscale options here. This isn’t a candidate for the company’s Blue Cruise self-driving technology suite, for instance, nor should you expect that to change anytime soon.

My observations raise an obvious query: Sure, the Maverick is low-cost, but compared to what? Its only “rival” (at least on paper) is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Hyundai’s assembly-line pickup was always intended to serve more as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a functional utility truck, yet it is still rugged enough to be considered an alternative to the Maverick. It won’t outdo Ford’s in accomplishing actual “truck tasks” (towing, hauling, etc.), nor can you acquire it with a powertrain that comes close to this hybrid’s efficiency, but its interior at least resembles that of a genuine vehicle, compared to the Maverick’s aesthetics of a Chuck E. Cheese arcade game from 1997.

Fuel Efficiency

According to the Maverick’s built-in display, I achieved 38 mpg during my brief time with the vehicle. It’s rated at 40 miles per gallon in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined with all-wheel drive (slightly improved without, naturally). I suspect our figures would have improved in more favorable conditions. The colder weather resulted in numerous starts with the gas engine operating, something that isn’t standard in the Maverick.

These figures not only indicate that the Maverick Hybrid significantly outperforms other variants of the same model in terms of fuel efficiency, but they also make it much better than its only genuine competitor. The Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t even offer a hybrid option, despite having variants utilizing the same platform.

Value and Conclusion

If value is what you’re after, the Maverick AWD Hybrid offers it in abundance. Even with the ongoing shifts in pricing, this compact pickup delivers a substantial amount of capability for the cost, without burdening you with the usual drawbacks tied to conventional truck ownership. It’s small, practical, and efficient, and yes, it’s budget-friendly—less so than it might have been in a world untouched by COVID, inflation, and tariff impacts, but still affordable.

And then there’s the uncomfortable reality: Despite its dimensions and relatively modest foundations, the Maverick remains more truck than what the average buyer requires—and at a reasonable price.

Ford provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of this review.