Automakers often seem detached from public demand, filtering comments that suggest every vehicle should feature a V8 engine. However, when a reasonable request is voiced repeatedly, manufacturers tend to take notice. This was the case with the all-wheel-drive version of the 2025 Ford Maverick hybrid, which was developed largely due to customer feedback.
The launch of the Maverick exceeded Ford’s expectations, with the demand for the hybrid variant greatly surpassing the available supply. At certain points, customers faced waitlists that extended for years. Moreover, Ford reported that offering an all-wheel-drive option for the hybrid was among the top requests from owners. Although the automaker initially underestimated the value of this feature at launch, it has since recognized the significant miscalculation.
Having previously driven the Maverick hybrid in snowy Colorado, I found that the absence of all-wheel drive was not the hybrid model’s main drawback; it was actually a limitation of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost variant. The contrast between the hybrid’s 37 mpg and the AWD model’s 25 mpg—and its higher initial cost—was difficult to overlook. Much of the Maverick’s appeal lies in its ability to offer crossover-like utility, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordability without forcing customers to sacrifice any of these benefits. Requiring customers to forfeit two of those key advantages for AWD felt excessive.
Now, with the introduction of the AWD hybrid, Ford can attract two new customer segments: those who may not need AWD but prefer the extra assurance, and those who genuinely require it while still valuing a hybrid’s lower operating costs. While there may be some overlap in sales with the EcoBoost AWD model, Ford aims to capitalize on this demand by emphasizing the enhanced off-road capabilities of the AWD hybrid.
The primary concern for the AWD Maverick hybrid could be its pricing, which is not as competitive as its initial rollout. The 2025 model is expected to begin at $27,890 for the front-wheel-drive hybrid, with the all-wheel-drive option coming at an undisclosed additional cost. If this increase is substantial, it may hinder its competitiveness against other AWD hybrids in the market. While competitors might not provide as comprehensive a package as the AWD Maverick hybrid, Ford has the opportunity to outpace them on pricing. The question now is whether Ford can achieve this.
Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com
.
