Few recent products have had as big an impact on the American car market like the compact Ford Maverick. Now ready for its first midcycle update, Ford is making some welcome changes to the little pickup, among other things, adding a new all-wheel-drive version of the hybrid powertrain, along with a larger touchscreen, and other new features.
Ford made a big bet when it introduced the compact Maverick for the 2022 model year. Full-size models, like the F-150, have long dominated the pickup segment and it had been years since small trucks clicked with U.S. buyers. But Maverick gained an instant following, with Ford delivering 94,000 of them last year alone.
A big part of the appeal has been the availability of a hybrid package, which not only delivers solid fuel economy but serves as the most affordable version of the Maverick line. Currently, over half of the trucks sold in the U.S. are equipped with the gas-electric drivetrain.
For 2025, the hybrid is likely to gain an even bigger following, with Ford now adding an all-wheel-drive version to the Maverick lineup.
2025 Ford Maverick: New Powertrain Option
The all-wheel-drive version of the hybrid-electric model is the big news for the 2025 Ford Maverick. As with the existing front-wheel-drive model — which remains available — it pairs a 2.5L internal combustion engine with an electric motor drawing energy from a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The package will deliver 191 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The system is paired with an upgraded CVT transmission.
While official EPA numbers have yet to be released, Ford expects them to come in just a mile or two per gallon short of the front-drive Maverick Hybrid. For the 2024 model year the FWD Maverick Hybrid gets 42 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway, and 37 combined. And, no, that’s not a typo. Hybrids generally do better in stop-and-go traffic where they recapture energy normally lost during braking and coasting.
The 2025 Maverick carries over its more conventional 2.0L EcoBoost turbo powertrain. It’s the choice for those who want more power — at 238 horsepower and 277 pound-feet — and quicker acceleration.
But another big update for 2025 means both hybrid and EcoBoost models will now be able to tow up to 2,000 pounds, with a 1,500-pound payload capacity.
What Else Is New for 2025?
To make good use of that improved towing capability, the 2025 truck adds several features found on Ford’s larger pickups.
The optional Pro Trailer Hitch Assist system makes it easier to line up a trailer’s tow ball and Maverick’s hitch. Once they’re hooked up, Pro Trailer Backup Assist simplifies backing up. A knob on the instrument panel is used to aim a trailer where you want it to go, taking the guesswork out of the process.
Ford data shows Maverick buyers are younger than customers buying the midsize Ranger and full-size F-150 pickups. They’re also more tech-savvy and should find some of the other updates appealing.
That starts with a new 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen — 5 inches bigger than the outgoing display. The new, top-line Tremor trim package makes good use of that screen by adding more cameras, including one up front to help drivers see obstacles, whether rocks and ruts off-road or curbs in a parking lot. Also new: a 360-degree birds-eye view display on the Tremor.
Lots of New Technology
As with the current version of the top-line model, the 2025 upgrade offers an EV-like One-Pedal driving mode.
All versions of the Maverick now jump up to a 5G LTE cellular connection with onboard Wi-Fi to improve connectivity and streaming speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does the latest Ford Sync 4 infotainment system.
Available plugs in the cargo bed can provide both 12V and 120V connections.
The 2025 Maverick also can access Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. And, it features the ability to download both upgrades and entirely new software using smartphone-style over-the-air updates.
Flexbed
As with the original version of Maverick, the truck is designed for DIYers. It makes it easy to do things like create shelving for the bed or to 3D print storage bins for the cabin.
The tailgate can be lowered at different angles, and a bed extender makes it easy to store larger items when the tailgate is folded flat. Stored away, the extender serves as a bed divider.
2025 Maverick Design Updates
As is the norm with midcycle updates, the 2025 Ford Maverick gets a handful of design tweaks, including a new, two-piece lower fascia that’s all-black on the XLT and gets chrome accenting on the Lariat. There are newly designed 19-inch wheels, as well.
“There’s more differentiation between trims,” explained Josh Blundo, the chief exterior designer.
Premium models get new LED exterior lighting.
2025 Ford Maverick: Pricing & Availability
The 2025 Ford Maverick will go into production this coming autumn, with deliveries set to begin late in 2024. The order bank opens on August 1.
Pricing will start at $26,295 for the base front-wheel-drive hybrid model. Add $1,595 for delivery fees on all 2025 Mavericks.
