Test Drive: The 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid is a game changer

Whether you're looking for a small truck or not, the updated Maverick is worth checking out. With efficiency, comfort, capability and an affordable price, the Maverick is hard to pass up.

I've been wanting to drive a Ford Maverick for years. I had heard nothing but good things, and was always enamored with its endearing size and personality.

Well, after nearly a week in one, I can confidently say that the Ford Maverick Hybrid — and its updates for 2025 — is even better than I had hoped. They've made an already excellent vehicle better that will (and should) appeal to even non-truck buyers.

With the introduction of all-wheel drive for the hybrid powertrain, the Maverick is now an even more compelling option — and not just for truck buyers, but for nearly anyone in the market for a new vehicle. Simply put, this thing is a home run and I love it.

Here are just a few reasons why:

It's efficient and capable

The appeal of Ford's hybrid powertrain in the Maverick has always been one of its main calling cards. 40 mpg in a compact truck? Yes, please.

And now for 2025, buyers no longer have to choose between efficiency and all-weather capability. The addition of all-wheel drive to the hybrid setup makes this compact truck more versatile than ever, giving drivers extra confidence in Utah's wild weather while maintaining excellent fuel economy.

All-wheel drive is standard on the Lariat hybrid, and about a $2,200 option on XL and XLT hybrid trims.

There's also no significant ding against the fuel economy ratings for going with all-wheel drive, so adding the extra two wheels in the drivetrain is a bit of a no-brainer. It's rated at 40 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway and 37 mpg combined. In my testing I achieved just about 35 mpg in my combined driving.

As David Beard of Car and Driver observed in the long-term test of the hybrid Maverick, "Much of the Maverick's popularity can be attributed to its versatility, but sipping fuel in the process is a welcome bonus.

Our front-wheel-drive Maverick hybrid averaged 33 mpg on our 75-mph highway test, making it good for 450 miles between fill-ups of its 13.8-gallon fuel tank."

The Ford Maverick isn't a poser in the truck stuff department either. Despite its small size, the Maverick is still a real truck when it counts.

With a 4,000 pound towing capacity and a 1,500-pound payload rating (which is shockingly on par with some full-size truck models), the Maverick and its 4.5-foot bed are more than capable of handling weekend projects, towing a small trailer or carrying adventure gear.

Whether you're using it for work, play or just commuting and running around town, the Maverick is undeniable proof you don't need a massive truck to get things done.

It's excellent to drive daily

One of my favorite aspects of the Maverick Hybrid is how well it drives. I love trucks, but the truth is they can often feel cumbersome and stiff. The Maverick is just the opposite. It's smooth, easy to maneuver, and incredibly approachable for any driver.

The suspension tuning strikes an excellent balance between ride quality and stability, soaking up bumps while keeping the truck composed. My long commutes were genuinely very pleasant and never exhausting.

Visibility is likewise excellent. The high seating position, coupled with an open cabin and large windows, provides a commanding view of the road, making it easy to navigate through traffic or tight parking lots.

And lest you turn up your nose at its 191 combined horsepower rating from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid battery, I sincerely was never left wanting more power. The battery's electric assist provides ample torque off the line and is always ready to add that needed extra boost when the four-cylinder needs it.

Impressive comfort and easy-to-use tech

Another area where the Maverick shines is its interior. I know it's a compact truck, but it's so incredibly roomy, you wouldn't know it. Honestly, having our three kids in the back, including one in a rear-facing car seat, was totally comfortable for all of us.

I'm five feet nine inches tall and I didn't have to move my seat forward with the child seat behind me. The same goes for the front of the cabin area. It's wide open with plenty of head, shoulder and knee space for even larger people.

The seats, like those in most current Fords, are incredibly comfortable and soft, making long drives effortless and something to look forward to. There's also plenty of storage, with bins, pockets and cubbies for just about anything you need to stow away.

Ford's infotainment system is also a highlight. It's easy to use, the wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly and although there were a few buttons I wish were physical instead of integrated into the screen, it didn't take long to get accustomed to.

Affordable and practical

One of the biggest reasons the Maverick continues to be a massive success is its affordability, and with more than 131,000 units sold last year, I expect that number will only increase with the added value to the 2025 models.

Our test model, a Lariat trim, was pretty loaded and still came in under $43,000 — an incredible value considering the level of equipment, comfort and capability it offers.

Lower trims are even more accessible, and still well equipped, which makes the Maverick a really attractive option for a wide range of buyers, from truck shoppers to those simply looking for an efficient practical daily driver.

Final thoughts: a truck for (almost) everyone

There aren't many vehicles that can truly be called perfect for almost anyone, but the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid with all-wheel drive makes a strong case. It's easy and very nice to drive, fuel-efficient, comfortable, capable and surprisingly affordable.

Whether you need a small truck for work and adventures, an all-weather commuter, or just a great all-around vehicle that's far more practical and capable than other hybrids on the market, the Maverick delivers in ways few others can.

Erik Johnson of Motor Trend said it well when he wrote in their long-term test, "A couple of months in, we love this thing ... We've also found our Maverick to be an agreeable commuter, with a comfortable ride, great visibility and standout fuel economy considering it's largely seen highway duty. To date, we're averaging 34.6 mpg."

If you need a truck but don't want the size and fuel costs of a full-size pickup, or if you just want an incredibly practical and well-executed vehicle, the Maverick Hybrid with all-wheel drive is a home run.

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