2025 Maverick AWD Hybrid vs Ike (The world's toughest towing test) by TFL

[23grayXLT84]

It's impressive. Even more impressive is that fact that they should've reduced total gross weight by 1,600 lbs:

Wondering if the next Maverick iteration (2028?) will only be hybrid. What's crazy is while it has 190 hp, that includes the battery supplying power and it was dead after that first acceleration run. So, they were doing it all on a normally aspirated 160 hp @ 11,000 feet.

Upgrade the interior a bit in 2028 and I'm a buyer.

For 40k the interior most definitely could use some updating at least on the upper trims. Abundance of hard plastics isn't doing it any favors but I guess as long as you put in a nice colorful screen, it's enough for most.

I said it here before but a gently used 1-2 year old Ridgeline will likely be better value all around of you are looking to spend ~40.

Yes fuel economy is worse, but spending 40k and being worried about fuel economy in my opinion do not belong in same category.

Sponsored

 

[Packer Bill]

My Lariat quite alright on the inside. I’m not entirely sure what you would upgrade. The seat bottom should tilt independently. Wouldn’t mind memory seat and mirrors for 2 drivers, tied to key fob used otherwise it’s got about everything I want.

I would like a heads up display. I have this in my 2019 Mazda CX-5. This is a safety feature imho...

 

[jollyrogerreefer]

TFL Truck's original hybrid Ike towing test was one of the videos I watched alot before ordering my 2023 hybrid. Its cool seeing them give it another go with the new power train!

 

[Phimosis]

It seems everything gets single digit mpg on that road when maxed out. Since it had a nearly perfect time, got the same mpg as everything else does, and the hosts had zero problems at any point, I am very impressed. I am getting pretty excited about my VB Lariat order that will hopefully be picked up this week!

I’m betting that the 6 mpg that the trip computer was showing is still overestimating the real mpg, just like it does in normal everyday driving.

 

[Phimosis]

8 1/2 minutes or torture at 5,500 rpm. That is exactly what I expected. The hybrid can tow in a pinch, but if you’re a weekend warrior and tow a camp trail many weekends a year, the ecoboost would be a better choice.

 

[chilicharger]

I’m betting that the 6 mpg that the trip computer was showing is still overestimating the real mpg, just like it does in normal everyday driving.

Even if that is true, it still very slightly beat the ecoboost in the old test. The old EB test was also in much warmer weather. We all know what very cold temps do to mpg.

 

[RogueCheddar]

Even if that is true, it still very slightly beat the ecoboost in the old test. The old EB test was also in much warmer weather. We all know what very cold temps do to mpg.

I'm intrigued to know how the cold temps would affect the mpg in this particular test? Cold air is denser so there are potential aerodynamic downsides but cold air would be good for making up for the power offset caused by altitude to a small degree at least

 

[chilicharger]

You have never noticed worse mpg when you drive in very cold temperatures? This is pretty much universal with any vehicle.

 

[inline_five]

I'm intrigued to know how the cold temps would affect the mpg in this particular test? Cold air is denser so there are potential aerodynamic downsides but cold air would be good for making up for the power offset caused by altitude to a small degree at least

Winter gas has about 10% less energy in it

I wouldn't think other factors would be at play, as the vehicle is running it's motor 100% of the time so drawing heat doesn't affect mpg.

 

[Phimosis]

EB was 6.5 mpg, but 20+ seconds faster uphill.

HRG

7:52 for ecoboost and 8:20 for the hybrid. But here’s the biggest difference: the ecoboost time was limited by the local speed limit, not limited by power output. The ecoboost posted a much faster time while spinning between 2,600-3,800 rpm, while the hybrid was throttle-to-the-floor, spinning at 5,500 rpm for 8 1/2 minutes.

tldr; The ecoboost pulls the Ike gaunlet without breaking a sweat. The hybrid pulls the Ike gauntlet while crying for mercy the entire way.

 

[Phimosis]

The AWD hybrid actually had slightly better mpg than the turbo 2.0 in much warmer temperatures. The testing conditions for that AWD hybrid were pretty much as bad as you can get, but it still did very well.

The only thing left to prove for me is what kind of mpg it can achieve on long, flat interstate drives at higher mph than the 55-60 of this video.

Part of the reason the ecoboost used more fuel is that it was traveling at a faster speed. The hybrid couldn’t even get to the speed limit, despite the throttle being pinned to the floor for miles on end.

 

[23grayXLT84]

7:52 for ecoboost and 8:20 for the hybrid. But here’s the biggest difference: the ecoboost time was limited by the local speed limit, not limited by power output. The ecoboost posted a much faster time while spinning between 2,600-3,800 rpm, while the hybrid was throttle-to-the-floor, spinning at 5,500 rpm for 8 1/2 minutes.

tldr; The ecoboost pulls the Ike gaunlet without breaking a sweat. The hybrid pulls the Ike gauntlet while crying for mercy the entire way.

Couldn't find the ecoboost test but that hybrid sounded (and was) maxed out during the uphill test. Your Ecoboost time pretty much matches the 2k hybrid test where the engine obviously still had some room to go...4k is a stretch for that power train I think.

 

[rgmiller32]

Wondering if the new 2025 with EcoBoost having less horsepower and the GPF would be slower and get less gas mileage. If tested at this time of year with the same trailer and load.

 

[inline_five]

Couldn't find the ecoboost test but that hybrid sounded (and was) maxed out during the uphill test. Your Ecoboost time pretty much matches the 2k hybrid test where the engine obviously still had some room to go...4k is a stretch for that power train I think.

You live in the midwest, there are no 7% 11,000 mountains within a thousand miles of you.

80% of Americans live east of the Mississippi, and I'd imagine of the remaining 20%, 18.5% won't ever attempt or want to tow 4,000 lbs up a mountain.

IOW, it's nice to know it can accomplish this, but doesn't mean the hybrid is any less of a useful vehicle for 98.5% of Americans.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Couldn't find the ecoboost test but that hybrid sounded (and was) maxed out during the uphill test.

See post #15.

HRG

Sponsored