Should You Buy a 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD

The 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is one of the most versatile vehicles currently on the market thanks to its surprising capabilities and excellent gas mileage, but a disappointing interior quality and a high price take away some of its luster.

An almost unique product

After about three years on the market, the Ford Maverick Hybrid remains a unique product in North America. Indeed, it is the only hybrid subcompact truck available in Canada and the United States, at least until Toyota launches a competitor based on the Corolla in a few years.

Furthermore, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz is also a subcompact pickup offered in the same price range, its design and concept make it more of a “lifestyle” truck than a true work tool. The Ford Maverick does both equally well, especially starting this year.

Indeed, 2025 marks a mid-cycle refresh for the Maverick, which gains features that have been eagerly awaited since the model’s release in 2022, including all-wheel drive hybrid versions, a sportier model, and a more adventurous version.

As before, two engines are on the menu: a 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder developing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The new Lobo sports truck receives a modified version of the same gearbox that uses only 7 gears to reduce acceleration times.

The powertrain that interests us here is the hybrid system delivered as standard on certain versions. This powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid Maverick, but all versions can now be equipped with all-wheel drive. This powertrain generates 191 horsepower and about 267 lb-ft of torque, a figure obtained through independent testing, as Ford only publishes the torque of the gasoline engine, which stands at 155 lb-ft.

A look at the lineup

The 2025 lineup begins with the Maverick XL, which serves as a commercial truck aimed at businesses thanks to its very limited equipment, which includes steel wheels without hubcaps, black plastic door handles, and a black cloth interior. Surprisingly, its starting price of $35,214 in Canada includes the hybrid system. All-wheel drive adds $2,295, and the EcoBoost engine can be had starting at $35,673.

The XLT version, starting at $37,509, is the most popular, as it adds several essential features while remaining affordable. For example, this model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, and a navy blue cloth interior. Here too, the hybrid powertrain is standard, and all-wheel drive costs $2,295. The EcoBoost XLT starts at $37,968. A long list of individual options and equipment groups is offered, which explains how the red XLT Hybrid AWD model I tested was priced at $48,295. This one included, among other things, the XLT Luxury Package, the 4K Towing Package, and the Black Appearance Package.

The Lariat version is the one that plays the luxury card in the Maverick lineup. It is adorned with 17-inch machined alloy wheels and beige and blue ActiveX (leatherette) upholstery, in addition to a grille with chrome accents. It also includes several standard features, most of which are optional on the XLT, such as the Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist suite, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 400W inverter, and LED lighting. The Lariat also adds a wireless charging pad and ambient lighting, for a list price of $44,394. It should be noted that here, the EcoBoost engine comes standard, and the hybrid system, available from $46,230, includes all-wheel drive.

As the Lobo and Tremor versions cannot be equipped with the electrified powertrain, they are not of interest to us in this article. Nevertheless, be aware that the Lobo starts at $41,915 and its equipment is close to the XLT. An options group brings the bill to $47,423 and makes it more comparable to the Lariat. The Tremor is at the top of the range, with a list price of $47,607.

Why you should buy a 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid

2025 Ford Maverick First Drive: When Ford is Listening

The 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid is a vehicle that meets the needs of a large proportion of motorists thanks to the versatility of its bed, its towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, impressive fuel economy, and a perfectly acceptable level of comfort.

1- A hyper-practical vehicle

The 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is such a practical vehicle that it meets the needs of many more motorists than it seems. It offers four rather comfortable seats, a 4.5-foot bed to store dirty or bulky items without fear of damaging the cabin, and gas mileage worthy of a subcompact, all in a format that is easy to drive and park in the city. Thus, the Maverick is aimed at active young families as well as amateur gardeners, and even small businesses. The intelligent design of the cabin further reinforces this practical side, with numerous open and closed storage spaces distributed throughout. Since it is based on the Ford Escape platform, the Maverick is very easy to drive and its road manners are much more similar to a compact SUV than a pickup truck. It is therefore not surprising that this model attracts a high proportion of buyers who have never owned this type of vehicle before.

2- A convincing powertrain

Another important argument in favor of the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is its electrified powertrain, which proves that it is not necessary to compromise on capability to save at the pump. Indeed, the powertrain composed of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, as well as a continuously variable transmission, allows for a power of 191 horsepower and a torque of over 250 lb-ft, which allows for perfectly decent acceleration, even when loaded. The management of the powertrain also deserves to be highlighted, as the engine starts and stops quickly when called upon, and the regenerative braking adjusts automatically on slopes, so that you only have to lift your foot off the accelerator to maintain a constant speed. Likewise, it is rather easy to drive in electric mode thanks to the indicator in the dashboard which shows how much you can accelerate without starting the combustion engine. Since the slight refresh operated a few months ago, the hybrid is now offered with all-wheel drive and the 4K towing package, which removes several of the reasons to prefer the EcoBoost version. In terms of consumption, Ford announces a combined average of only 6.3 L/100 km, and I was able to obtain 6.5 L/100 km despite a journey of nearly 300 kilometers exclusively on the highway, where hybrids are less efficient.

3- Up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity

As mentioned above, the Ford Maverick hybrid can now receive the optional 4K towing package, which pushes the maximum capacity to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilos). While this is far from the capabilities of the F-150 (13,500 lbs, 6,123 kg) and close to half of those of the Ranger (7,500 lbs, 3,400 kg), it is still much better than most of the compact SUVs with which the Maverick competes. This allows, for example, to tow snowmobiles, ATVs, or a small trailer, making the Maverick an ideal companion for drivers who need a little more capacity than what compact SUVs can offer.

4- Appreciable comfort

Since the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid has more in common with compact SUVs than with full-size trucks, it is not surprising that its ride is more similar to the former. This means that the Maverick, without being a limousine, offers a perfectly acceptable level of comfort in the city and on the highway thanks to a suspension that absorbs potholes and other imperfections well, in addition to generously padded front seats that offer good support. Getting on board is also rather easy due to relatively narrow sills and a seat placed just high enough to slide in without having to climb up or down. It should be noted, however, that the angle of the cushion is not adjustable, which complicates finding the ideal driving position.

5- Fairly complete equipment

The XLT version of the Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD will certainly be the most popular in the range, as it includes most of the elements that customers are looking for in this type of vehicle. For example, our XLT model with the Luxury package included heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start, keyless entry, a 400-watt inverter with a plug in the bed, and a long list of driver-assistance technologies. However, adaptive cruise control and the wireless phone charger were noticeably absent. Nevertheless, the Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid represents a good compromise between the stripped-down XL and the top-of-the-range Lariat.

Why you shouldn’t buy a 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid

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Although it is eminently practical and very economical to use, the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid is not cheap, and for the asking price, one might expect better in terms of assembly and materials.

1- A questionable equipment-to-price ratio

As you can see, the 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid is a very interesting vehicle in several respects, but it comes at a price. Indeed, the Maverick I was able to test, a mid-range XLT model, had a sticker price of over $48,000, which seems like a lot for a model that aspires to replace compact SUVs in the driveways of many buyers. While the price seems honest at first glance, with the XLT Hybrid starting at $39,495, it increases quickly when you get caught up in the options game. For example, adding all-wheel drive requires a supplement of $2,295, the group including the power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as the remote starter and the power outlet in the bed adds another $2,000, and the 4K towing package is billed at $900. These are for the most part items that one would expect to find standard in a vehicle of this price. When compared to its closest rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Maverick fares better, displaying a similar price for similar equipment. Compared to other Ford trucks, however, it’s less clear. The Ranger is only about $4,000 more expensive for a slightly better equipped and more capable model, but less fuel-efficient. While the F-150 is much more expensive, better “employee pricing” discounts and more favorable interest rates mean that you can get an F-150 STX SuperCrew 4×4 for only $180 more per month over 5 years. The difference between the Maverick and the Ranger is only $60 monthly. Compared to the SUV from which it is derived, the Maverick continues to pale in comparison, as one can get a Platinum Hybrid Escape for about $80 less per month.

2- A cheap interior

The plastics used inside the 2025 Ford Maverick do nothing to help its value proposition. Indeed, they clearly come from the lowest bidder and their edges are often sharp, so you have to be careful where you put your hands, especially in the door panels. In addition, only the armrests are padded. While such cost-cutting is understandable in the base XL model, priced under $40,000, it is harder to forgive when the price approaches or even exceeds $50,000 in the XLT and Lariat models. What’s more, the assembly of said plastics often leaves something to be desired and several joints on the dashboard are uneven. As is often the case, Ford does not seem to have put the necessary budget to properly execute its good ideas.

3- The hybrid is less fun than the EcoBoost

While the Ford Maverick Hybrid shines with its efficiency, it must be said that it is not as fun to drive as its EcoBoost counterpart. This is explained by its lower power, of course, but especially by the calibrations of its suspension and steering. Indeed, a press event earlier this year gave me the chance to directly compare the two versions, and I could see that the steering of the hybrid model is less precise and less engaging than that of the gasoline model. Similarly, the tire grip seemed surprisingly low, further encouraging one to slow down in curves. Despite this, the hybrid Maverick remains pleasant to drive on a daily basis, but it prefers a more relaxed pace while the EcoBoost has more fun on a winding road.

4- Restricted rear seats

Although the Ford Maverick hybrid is generally comfortable and rather spacious in the front, the rear seats are a bit tight in terms of legroom. Two medium-sized adults can take a seat on the bench without too many problems, but those measuring 6 feet and over will be cramped. Similarly, installing bulky baby seats in the back could force the front buckets to be moved forward, making the experience much less pleasant for the driver and passenger. Note, however, that the Hyundai Santa Cruz has very little extra space in the back.

Should you buy a 2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid?

The 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is one of the vehicles that most pleasantly surprised me this year, as its versatility and economy make it a rational choice for many buyers, both those who only use their full-size pickup truck to transport a few bags of soil once or twice a year and for those who turn their SUV into a commercial van every weekend.

So, should you buy a 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid? Unless you need superior towing capacity or regularly have to transport more than three passengers, yes. It is a small truck that combines the advantages of several vehicle categories while limiting their disadvantages.

Model	2025 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD	2025 Ford Ranger XLT	2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Preferred
MSRP (Canada)	$37,100	$46,380	$41,999
Powertrain	4 cyl. 2,5 L + electric motor	4 cyl. 2,3 L turbo	4 cyl. 2,5 L turbo
Power	191 hp	270 hp	281 hp
Torque	155 lb-ft (gas) + 173 lb-ft (electric)	310 lb-ft	311 lb-ft
Transmission	eCVT / AWD	10 speed automatic / 4x4	8 speed dual clutch / AWD
Fuel Consumption (NR Can)	6,3 L/100 km	10,7 L/100 km	10,7 L/100 km
Max. towing	4 000 lb (1 814 kg)	7 500 lb (3 402 kg)	5 000 lb (2 268 kg)
Payload	1 400 lb (635 kg)	1 684 lb (764 kg)	1 411 lb (640 kg)
Bed lenght	4 ft 5 in (1 382 mm)	4 ft 9 in (1 514 mm)	4 ft 3 in (1 323 mm)