Ford adds all wheel drive (AWD) – Ford Motor Company (F) has finally added an all-wheel drive (AWD) option for the hybrid version of its popular Maverick compact pickup. The addition of AWD was a highly requested feature among customers, with Ford’s Jim Baumbick, VP of product development, stating that it was the “No. 1” option requested for the hybrid Maverick.
Previously, the first-generation Maverick only offered front-wheel drive for the base 2.5-liter hybrid setup, which may have deterred some customers in Northern and East Coast regions where AWD is desirable for handling snow and ice.
Hybrid Sales Soar
Despite the lack of AWD, the Maverick has been a sales success for Ford. Sales of all Ford hybrids have increased by nearly 50%, with the Maverick leading the way as America’s bestselling hybrid pickup. A total of 77,113 Mavericks were sold in the first half of the year, an increase of 81.4% compared to the previous year.
Baumbick attributed the Maverick’s success to its core value proposition, which includes its hybrid powertrain, affordable pricing, and versatile features. The hybrid Maverick has a 110v/400 watt outlet in its bed and cabin, making it a small mobile power station capable of powering tools at a job site or appliances at a tailgate party.
Ford adds all wheel drive – Affordable AWD
The new Maverick XL AWD hybrid will cost $2,200 more than the front-wheel drive hybrid, starting at $26,295. While the Maverick’s price has increased since its debut in 2022, with the base model originally starting at $19,995, affordability remains a priority for Ford. The company believes that affordable EVs and hybrid vehicles are the future of the industry.
Future of Electrification
The Maverick and its smaller brethren could play a significant role in Ford’s future electrification plans. Ford CEO Jim Farley has stated that the company is moving towards smaller, more affordable EVs, and the second-generation EVs are seen as a path towards that goal.
Competition and Availability
The Ford Maverick faces limited competition in the compact pickup space, with the Hyundai Santa Cruz being its only real rival. However, the Santa Cruz does not offer a hybrid option. The new Maverick is available for order, with deliveries commencing in the fall.
