US Trends

2026 ford maverick hybrid awd review

The 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD finally delivers what a lot of shoppers have been asking for: a small, reasonably priced pickup that combines all‑weather traction with genuinely strong fuel economy and everyday usability. It is not a rugged rock‑crawler or a luxury truck, but it excels as a commuter with a bed, light towing ability, and very low running costs.

Powertrain, MPG, and Driving Feel

  • The hybrid pairs a 2.5‑liter four‑cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 191 hp, routed through an eCVT to either the front wheels or, newly, an available AWD system.
  • AWD hybrid models are rated around 40 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined, which is outstanding for a pickup and still noticeably more efficient than the non‑hybrid Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz (which has no hybrid option at all).
  • Acceleration is better than the numbers suggest: testing of the AWD hybrid shows roughly 0–60 mph in the high‑6‑second range, quicker than earlier FWD hybrid versions and plenty for highway merging and passing.

On the road, reviewers describe the truck as calm and predictable rather than playful: it “just goes where you point it” and is tuned more for A‑to‑B duty than back‑road fun, though the added traction of AWD makes it more confident and a bit more engaging than the original FWD hybrid.

Ride, Handling, and AWD Capability

  • The Maverick’s ride is on the firm side, especially compared with some compact crossovers, and rough pavement can feel busy, which not every driver will love.
  • With AWD, curb weight creeps toward about 3,800–3,900 pounds, but the truck remains easy to maneuver and park in urban environments thanks to its compact footprint.
  • In snow and rain, tests show the AWD system doing a very competent job at managing traction, with the eCVT smoothly metering torque to keep wheelspin in check even on all‑season tires.

Enthusiast‑oriented off‑road packages with extra drive modes and locking functions exist, but the core Hybrid AWD is still best thought of as an all‑weather light‑duty truck, not a hardcore trail rig.

Interior, Tech, and Everyday Use

  • Inside, the Maverick focuses on practicality: plenty of storage nooks, simple materials, and a generally straightforward layout, but some reviewers feel the recent refresh removed too many physical buttons, leaving the center stack looking a bit bare.
  • Updated models get larger screens (up to about 13‑inch class for the center display along with a digital driver cluster), plus available amenities like heated seats, heated steering wheel, 360‑degree camera, wireless charging, navigation, and an upgraded B&O sound system on higher trims.
  • Rear‑seat space is adequate rather than generous; adults can fit for shorter trips, but several reviewers say they would not choose the back seat for hours‑long road trips.

The design uses interesting textures and colors that keep it from feeling completely cheap, but this is still a budget‑minded cabin, and there are deliberate gaps in luxury tech: for instance, you do not get Ford’s high‑end hands‑free driving suite here.

Utility, Towing, and Ownership Costs

  • The bed is about 4.5 feet with the tailgate up and can stretch to around 6 feet when the tailgate is lowered, which makes it surprisingly handy for home‑improvement runs, bikes, and camping gear.
  • Payload is around 1,500 pounds, and properly equipped hybrids can tow about 2,000 pounds; gas‑only variants with tow packages can go higher, but the hybrid AWD still manages light trailers like small watercraft without drama.
  • Real‑world owners and testers report seeing high‑30s mpg in mixed driving in cold weather and expect even better figures in milder conditions, keeping fuel and operating costs very low.

Pricing remains one of its strongest points: in the U.S., hybrid trims start in the high‑20s to low‑30s, with well‑equipped AWD Lariat models landing in the mid‑ to high‑30s before options and fees, undercutting many larger trucks and crossovers with similar equipment.

Pros, Cons, and Who It Suits

Highlights

  • Excellent fuel economy for a pickup, even with AWD
  • Easy to drive and park; great daily driver for urban or suburban use
  • Functional bed, solid payload, and enough tow capacity for small trailers
  • Strong value pricing with useful available features

Drawbacks

  • Cabin materials and overall feel are clearly budget‑oriented
  • Ride is firmer than some may expect from a small truck
  • Back seat is tight for long family road trips
  • Lacks some high‑end driver‑assist and comfort tech found in pricier vehicles

For someone who wants a small, efficient truck that can handle commuting, weekend projects, bad‑weather driving, and light towing without the bulk or fuel bills of a full‑size pickup, the 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD is one of the most compelling choices on the market right now.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.