2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid Review

The 2025 Ford Maverick may not be built like a traditional truck, with its unibody construction and SUV underpinnings, but it’s all the truck most people need for light-duty jobs.

It received a styling refresh this year, while its appeal to Canadian drivers has been broadened with the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the standard hybrid powertrain. That gas-electric powertrain comes in three trims, including the base XL that starts at $36,895 including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,295, and the XLT tested here that’s $39,395.

Importantly, though, both of those come in front-wheel drive (FWD); it’s $2,500 to add AWD to either of them. The Lariat features standard AWD, and starts at $48,895.

Styling 8 / 10

The Maverick, which comes only as a four-door crew cab, gets a handsome update for 2025, with new grille, bumper, and front lights; and a new standard 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen that replaces the previous eight-inch display. It’s a good-looking vehicle, especially in my tester’s coat of Velocity Blue Metallic paint, which is a no-charge choice.

Safety 7 / 10

The Maverick gets four out of five stars in crash-testing by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It hadn’t been fully tested by the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of writing, but while it earned the top “Good” in a side crash, it got a rating of “Marginal” in the updated moderate front overlap, which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger, as well as to those in front.

All trims come with emergency front braking, automatic high-beam control, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles, but beyond that, features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and lane-keep assist are part of an optional $800 package. Meanwhile, adaptive cruise control is available only on the top Lariat trim.

Features 7 / 10

The XLT includes such standard items as that new 13.2-inch touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear under-seat storage, push-button start, and power mirrors. But if you want a few convenience features — power driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated mirrors, LED bed lighting, remote starter, and 400-watt bed-mounted outlet — you have to order the XLT Luxury package, which adds $2,000.

User-Friendliness 8 / 10

The Maverick’s climate controls are screen icons, which aren’t as good as buttons and dials for reducing distraction; but they are intuitive, and there’s a dial for stereo volume. The steering wheel controls are easy to use, as is the dial-style gear selector. Getting in and out is much easier than climbing up into a full-size truck, and visibility is very good. The interior is filled with a lot of hard plastic, but that’s a bonus here; this is a truck, and that plastic is very easy to clean.

Practicality 9 / 10

The Maverick’s truck bed is 1,346 mm (4-foot-5) long, so there are limits to what you can carry. At the same time, some Ford F-150 beds are only a foot longer, and the Maverick does the work in tight quarters and small parking spots where a full-size truck is overkill.

Ford calls it a “FlexBed,” a fancy name for the fact that it has indentations where you can insert boards or carriers, either make-your-own or dealer accessories, to secure cargo or hold a bike. There are bins under the rear seats, and lots of small-item storage up front. Even the doors are set up for storage, with short handles that allow you to fit a tall water bottle into the pocket below.

Comfort 8 / 10

The Maverick has supportive front seats and with sufficient legroom in the rear for most passengers. Headroom is generous both front and rear as well. The sport-utility underpinnings give it a smooth ride that’s well-composed on all but the roughest pavement.

Power 8 / 10

The Maverick Hybrid uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that makes 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, mated to an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). While that pales in comparison to the 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque made by the gas-only Maverick and its turbocharged engine, the hybrid can handle highway passing just fine. 

The hybrid system and transmission can be relatively noisy when accelerating, but not enough to be a dealbreaker. Towing capacity is 907 kg (2,000 lb) with both the gas and hybrid models, but that can be increased to 1,814 kg (4,000 lb) with a $900 towing package that includes an integrated trailer brake controller.

Driving Feel 9 / 10

True to its construction, the Maverick drives like a compact SUV, and that’s a compliment. The steering is light but accurate, and it’s responsive and easy to spin around in tight parking lots. It feels buttoned-down around curves, and the brakes bring it smoothly to a stop. Overall, it’s a capable and fun little driver.

Fuel Economy 9 / 10

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the Maverick Hybrid at 5.6 L/100 km in the city, 6.7 on the highway, and 6.2 combined. In my week with it, I came in almost at par with 6.3 L/100 km, and it takes regular-grade gas. By comparison, the gas-only Maverick is rated at 9.4 L/100 km combined.

Value 7 / 10

The Maverick Hybrid runs between $36,895 in its base FWD trim and $48,895 in its highest AWD-only setup. I had the XLT with AWD and a number of options that brought it to $48,345 before taxes. Gas-only Maverick models are AWD-only and range from $37,395 to $50,395.

Its sole compact competitor in this niche segment is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is basically a Tucson with a bed instead of a cargo compartment. It runs from $43,999 to $52,499 with standard AWD. But the Santa Cruz is equipped with considerably more features, although the Tucson’s conventional or plug-in hybrid powertrains aren’t offered.

The Verdict

Extra-charge items aside, I really like the 2025 Ford Maverick. Even midsize trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tacoma are bigger than many people need, especially city dwellers who want to throw their bikes or tents in the back for weekend getaways. The Santa Cruz is a good vehicle also, but while it’s an SUV with a bed, the Maverick feels like a small truck, and that’s much of the appeal.