Update after 3 years and 49k towing miles

[thev8man]

I've driven the truck daily for 3 years. Had the recall services done and some routine maintenance performed by the dealer along the way.

Always use full synthetic oil and Motorcraft filters, change the oil at around 5k miles- the truck says it has 40-50% remaining life, and the used oil has never looked or smelled bad.

Tow a 5x8 V-nose box trailer every day with my tools and equipment inside. Trailer and tools usually weigh around 2k sometime as much as 2500#. The tool trailer was custom built with a longer tongue (tows and backs a lot nicer) and improved spring rate axle (keep my stuff from crashing around back there) with trailer shock absorbers. Trailer has electric brakes just because I could and it is nice to have. It tows like a dream and doesn't sway around.

Have a utility topper with ladder rack on the Maverick. There is an extension ladder and a 8' ladder there nearly every trip I take. The wind resistance does make a notable difference here.

Bought improved rear springs for the truck after trying air bags and being unsatisfied. The springs counter the added weight of the topper and ladders always being there, and add a little bit extra payload. Tongue weight handling is increased. The truck rides slightly stiffer- more like a truck, but not much more and I don't think anyone else notices. When the trailer is attached, every day, the truck sits level and drives great.

Get 15.4mpg driving blended town and interstate traffic with the trailer. If I remove the ladders, I get 16.5mpg. If no trailer or ladders, but with the drag of the topper, maybe 22.5mpg on the highway at 77mph. When new with no topper, got about 28mpg.

The truck has been reliable. It has towed every day without complaint and it tows the trailer I built just for the Maverick very well. Plenty of power, plenty of confidence the truck will always do what I want it to do without stressing the drivetrain.

A few weeks ago I felt a shudder upon acceleration. I took it to the dealer for a check. Transmission tech took a ride with me and said it's not trans, but it is half shafts. They kept the truck to repair it. Dealer knows I tow with it every day, and dealer knows my trailer rig is well matched to the Maverick. Dealer has never has any negative comments about the daily towing. Dealer has a good service department crew.

Service adviser calls me next day and says RDU is also bad. Unit had been serviced at about 20k miles, and mechanic determined unit was faulty at this time. Ford approved replacement.

Mechanic discovered rear main seal leak while under the truck. Ford approved replacement.

Both half shafts were faulty, Ford approved replacement.

I had the front brakes replaced with Motorcraft parts.

I had the transmission fluid replaced and the old fluid captured so I could inspect it. The fluid was clean with no metal particulate present.

Mechanic checked PTU fluid at no charge. Fluid was clean and topped up correctly. Probably should have changed it but didn't.

They returned the truck after a week and it works as it should.

While I was at the dealer I had to look at the new 2025 Hybrid AWD. It's what I wanted back in 2022 but they didn't yet make it. They had one I could drive and I was satisfied with the performance, but I really, really like the increased mileage. The Ecoboost isn't exactly a gas sipper. I put a deposit down and ordered a 2025 XL AWD Hybrid.

Now I'm having second thoughts. I didn't realize and apparently no one at the dealer knew the hybrid mode turns off when tow mode is enabled. The Atkinson cycle engine and eCVT will do the job, but there no fuel economy savings to be had. Some drivers report worse mileage with the hybrid when towing.
What a bummer. I really wanted that hybrid AWD Maverick to work for me.

Since I do put so many miles on the truck with a trailer behind it, I guess I've got to stick to the Ecoboost. I'm just gonna keep the 2022 and buy and extended warranty. I like the front end of my truck better anyway.

I guess I'll go ask for my deposit back. If anyone actually tows daily with a hybrid AWD Maverick and can offer some wisdom, I'd like to hear it. The Youtube video of the dude towing 4k for miles and mile up a 7% grade is not representative of regular towing. I'm hoping another tradesman who tows daily with a hybrid can offer some feedback.

Booyah

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[oldblue]

What springs did you put in the back of your truck? I have a topper on my truck and noticed it's sagging a bit.

Cargomaxx 350-923HD
I don't recall what the cost but do remember thinking they were a bargain.

Easy to install in the driveway, and so much better than all the half-solutions. The truck has a factory stance even with two ladders on top of the DCU rack. At highway speed it'll still squat a little, but the headlights aren't in everyone's eyes.

For towing everyday they make the truck a much safer, easier to drive vehicle. I don't mind the slightly stiffer ride. Handling without a load is definitely improved, though my flatter profile and wider than stock tires probably help there too.

 

[Tbone289]

What was it you didn't like about the air springs?

 

[Snox801]

I've driven the truck daily for 3 years. Had the recall services done and some routine maintenance performed by the dealer along the way.

Always use full synthetic oil and Motorcraft filters, change the oil at around 5k miles- the truck says it has 40-50% remaining life, and the used oil has never looked or smelled bad.

Tow a 5x8 V-nose box trailer every day with my tools and equipment inside. Trailer and tools usually weigh around 2k sometime as much as 2500#. The tool trailer was custom built with a longer tongue (tows and backs a lot nicer) and improved spring rate axle (keep my stuff from crashing around back there) with trailer shock absorbers. Trailer has electric brakes just because I could and it is nice to have. It tows like a dream and doesn't sway around.

Have a utility topper with ladder rack on the Maverick. There is an extension ladder and a 8' ladder there nearly every trip I take. The wind resistance does make a notable difference here.

Bought improved rear springs for the truck after trying air bags and being unsatisfied. The springs counter the added weight of the topper and ladders always being there, and add a little bit extra payload. Tongue weight handling is increased. The truck rides slightly stiffer- more like a truck, but not much more and I don't think anyone else notices. When the trailer is attached, every day, the truck sits level and drives great.

Get 15.4mpg driving blended town and interstate traffic with the trailer. If I remove the ladders, I get 16.5mpg. If no trailer or ladders, but with the drag of the topper, maybe 22.5mpg on the highway at 77mph. When new with no topper, got about 28mpg.

The truck has been reliable. It has towed every day without complaint and it tows the trailer I built just for the Maverick very well. Plenty of power, plenty of confidence the truck will always do what I want it to do without stressing the drivetrain.

A few weeks ago I felt a shudder upon acceleration. I took it to the dealer for a check. Transmission tech took a ride with me and said it's not trans, but it is half shafts. They kept the truck to repair it. Dealer knows I tow with it every day, and dealer knows my trailer rig is well matched to the Maverick. Dealer has never has any negative comments about the daily towing. Dealer has a good service department crew.

Service adviser calls me next day and says RDU is also bad. Unit had been serviced at about 20k miles, and mechanic determined unit was faulty at this time. Ford approved replacement.

Mechanic discovered rear main seal leak while under the truck. Ford approved replacement.

Both half shafts were faulty, Ford approved replacement.

I had the front brakes replaced with Motorcraft parts.

I had the transmission fluid replaced and the old fluid captured so I could inspect it. The fluid was clean with no metal particulate present.

Mechanic checked PTU fluid at no charge. Fluid was clean and topped up correctly. Probably should have changed it but didn't.

They returned the truck after a week and it works as it should.

While I was at the dealer I had to look at the new 2025 Hybrid AWD. It's what I wanted back in 2022 but they didn't yet make it. They had one I could drive and I was satisfied with the performance, but I really, really like the increased mileage. The Ecoboost isn't exactly a gas sipper. I put a deposit down and ordered a 2025 XL AWD Hybrid.

Now I'm having second thoughts. I didn't realize and apparently no one at the dealer knew the hybrid mode turns off when tow mode is enabled. The Atkinson cycle engine and eCVT will do the job, but there no fuel economy savings to be had. Some drivers report worse mileage with the hybrid when towing.
What a bummer. I really wanted that hybrid AWD Maverick to work for me.

Since I do put so many miles on the truck with a trailer behind it, I guess I've got to stick to the Ecoboost. I'm just gonna keep the 2022 and buy and extended warranty. I like the front end of my truck better anyway.

I guess I'll go ask for my deposit back. If anyone actually tows daily with a hybrid AWD Maverick and can offer some wisdom, I'd like to hear it. The Youtube video of the dude towing 4k for miles and mile up a 7% grade is not representative of regular towing. I'm hoping another tradesman who tows daily with a hybrid can offer some feedback.

I think for what you are doing the ecoboost actually fits better. I tow with mine a lot and much heavier loads. I’m at 60k no real issues yet.

 

[oldblue]

I think for what you are doing the ecoboost actually fits better. I tow with mine a lot and much heavier loads. I’m at 60k no real issues yet.

Thank you for your comments. This is just what I want to see- someone who also tows a lot, and even more weight.

I think Cherokee made an excellent business case for my 2022 Ecoboost Maverick. I'm keeping it. I like it. I'm willing to repair it if necessary and will use it until it isn't practical to further repair.

The 2025 Hybrid AWD doesn't seem so exciting anymore. If I drove even 50% of my miles without a trailer, it would make a lot more sense. Since I drive most miles with the trailer, and two ladders on top of the truck, the hoped-for increase in fuel economy seems unlikely.

 

[The Real Maverick]

I'm hoping another tradesman who tows daily with a hybrid can offer some feedback.

Nice write up of yours. Here's mine.
If your current truck gets the job done no need to toss it out now. Might as well run it into the ground. If however it becomes FUBAR or you NEED an additional truck, go with hybrid then.
You can always get a 2026 or a 2027.

That said, I probably tow more than most people with my 2022 FWD hybrid and have never been disappointed.
I have probably towed more weight and more miles than 99.9% of hybrid owners.

About 8,000 miles out of 36,000 have had a 3200 lb. 7x12x9h fully enclosed utility trailer behind me. 1500 lb. trailer unladen with single 3500 lb. axle. Trailer brakes of course. In this I carry a 1500 lb. Off-Highway vehicle, spare wheels, tools, lead acid battery, winch, fuel cans, oil cans, and misc. other.

I've crossed the Rockies and the Sierras multiple times. I've done a pseudo Davis Dam Test pulling it. (~8 miles of 11% uphill on a 96°F day, with air conditioning on and it did fine at 45 mph).

The hybrid eCVT transmission is very robust, strong, zero slip, and is very likely the better transmission for towing. Especially in city conditions. Zero shifting. Zero hunting. Zero lugging. Always the right gear ratio all the time.

The engine never gets hot. 215°F max.
The transmission never gets hot. 145°F max.
The battery never gets hot and is liquid cooled just in case. (But honestly the battery is hotter in a parked sunny parking lot than I have EVER seen it get in operation. (110°F Max)

The traction motor never gets hot. (185°F Max with 285°F allowed)

The generator gets the hottest (2022 version) of any powertrain component. In my pseudo-Davis Dam Test while trying to maintain 55 mph my generator coil got to 265°F. No alarms bells or whistles or lamps. But I consciously backed down to 45 MPH and the generator coil was down to 225°F in about 1 minute. From the ESCAPE HYBRID 285°F is allowed and I assume the Maverick is the same. But could be even higher.

All that said, the 2025 supposedly come with even better cooling, and maybe (but yet to be confirmed) slightly larger generator.

A larger generator would not be for the battery pack. It would be for towing.

Pound per pound, electric motors have more torque than gasoline engines. While towing, where torque is more important than fuel efficiency the gas engine behaves like a train locomotive.

When towing the gas engine runs at a higher RPM (than typical) and spins the generator at higher rpm, and generates tremendous wattage. That wattage is sent directly to the traction motor that puts torque to the wheels.
The battery pack is mostly for stop n go driving and is hardly used at all in steady state driving, or while towing. The battery (in mine) is cooler while towing than not towing!

So it has the power and torque to get the job done.

MPG will be 3-4 MPG better than the Ecoboost while towing. 18-20 MPG at 65 MPH.

Dealer was wrong. (They sell them but usually don't drive them much.)! Hybrid mode is always active. It is a permanent part of the truck.

You CAN tow in EV mode. On pure electricity. I do it all the time! I have pulled that 3200 lbs uphill with the gas engine off! I was at 10 mph and under.
Which is fine. You can maneuver your trailer in parking lots, in and out of driveways, around construction sites, and you can creep along at 10 mph off battery power alone, with your trailer attached.

While going DOWNHILL You can tow on battery power alone at any speed the truck does not towing.

So make your NEXT truck a hybrid. But no need to rush. It will save a little gas while towing, but like 5%. But when you drop the trailer, it will save 50%!!

I hope this was helpful.

Not towing / 65 MPH 75% with city 25%

Towing 3200 lbs high profile @ 60-65 MPH in Cascade Range Mountains.

Hybrid transmission. Look at those beefy gears ALWAYS in mesh ALL the time.

Big (red) is your power output to the wheels.

 

[Snox801]

Thank you for your comments. This is just what I want to see- someone who also tows a lot, and even more weight.

I think Cherokee made an excellent business case for my 2022 Ecoboost Maverick. I'm keeping it. I like it. I'm willing to repair it if necessary and will use it until it isn't practical to further repair.

The 2025 Hybrid AWD doesn't seem so exciting anymore. If I drove even 50% of my miles without a trailer, it would make a lot more sense. Since I drive most miles with the trailer, and two ladders on top of the truck, the hoped-for increase in fuel economy seems unlikely.

I on the regular haul between 5-6k lbs long distances. Texas to Mich type drives.
Mich to Co. I definitely change my trans fluid more often. But no other issues yet. I did have Livernois tune mine which was helpful with towing. It now doesn’t downshift up rolling hills while towing .
But I plan to run this truck long term.

 

[oldblue]

Nice write up of yours. Here's mine.
If your current truck gets the job done no need to toss it out now. Might as well run it into the ground. If however it becomes FUBAR or you NEED an additional truck, go with hybrid then.
You can always get a 2026 or a 2027.

That said, I probably tow more than most people with my 2022 FWD hybrid and have never been disappointed.
I have probably towed more weight and more miles than 99.9% of hybrid owners.

About 8,000 miles out of 36,000 have had a 3200 lb. 7x12x9h fully enclosed utility trailer behind me. 1500 lb. trailer unladen with single 3500 lb. axle. Trailer brakes of course. In this I carry a 1500 lb. Off-Highway vehicle, spare wheels, tools, lead acid battery, winch, fuel cans, oil cans, and misc. other.

I've crossed the Rockies and the Sierras multiple times. I've done a pseudo Davis Dam Test pulling it. (~8 miles of 11% uphill on a 96°F day, with air conditioning on and it did fine at 45 mph).

The hybrid eCVT transmission is very robust, strong, zero slip, and is very likely the better transmission for towing. Especially in city conditions. Zero shifting. Zero hunting. Zero lugging. Always the right gear ratio all the time.

The engine never gets hot. 215°F max.
The transmission never gets hot. 145°F max.
The battery never gets hot and is liquid cooled just in case. (But honestly the battery is hotter in a parked sunny parking lot than I have EVER seen it get in operation. (110°F Max)

The traction motor never gets hot. (185°F Max with 285°F allowed)

The generator gets the hottest (2022 version) of any powertrain component. In my pseudo-Davis Dam Test while trying to maintain 55 mph my generator coil got to 265°F. No alarms bells or whistles or lamps. But I consciously backed down to 45 MPH and the generator coil was down to 225°F in about 1 minute. From the ESCAPE HYBRID 285°F is allowed and I assume the Maverick is the same. But could be even higher.

All that said, the 2025 supposedly come with even better cooling, and maybe (but yet to be confirmed) slightly larger generator.

A larger generator would not be for the battery pack. It would be for towing.

Pound per pound, electric motors have more torque than gasoline engines. While towing, where torque is more important than fuel efficiency the gas engine behaves like a train locomotive.

When towing the gas engine runs at a higher RPM (than typical) and spins the generator at higher rpm, and generates tremendous wattage. That wattage is sent directly to the traction motor that puts torque to the wheels.
The battery pack is mostly for stop n go driving and is hardly used at all in steady state driving, or while towing. The battery (in mine) is cooler while towing than not towing!

So it has the power and torque to get the job done.

MPG will be 3-4 MPG better than the Ecoboost while towing. 18-20 MPG at 65 MPH.

Dealer was wrong. (They sell them but usually don't drive them much.)! Hybrid mode is always active. It is a permanent part of the truck.

You CAN tow in EV mode. On pure electricity. I do it all the time! I have pulled that 3200 lbs uphill with the gas engine off! I was at 10 mph and under.
Which is fine. You can maneuver your trailer in parking lots, in and out of driveways, around construction sites, and you can creep along at 10 mph off battery power alone, with your trailer attached.

While going DOWNHILL You can tow on battery power alone at any speed the truck does not towing.

So make your NEXT truck a hybrid. But no need to rush. It will save a little gas while towing, but like 5%. But when you drop the trailer, it will save 50%!!

I hope this was helpful.

Not towing / 65 MPH 75% with city 25%

Towing 3200 lbs high profile @ 60-65 MPH in Cascade Range Mountains.

Hybrid transmission. Look at those beefy gears ALWAYS in mesh ALL the time.

Big (red) is your power output to the wheels.

This is great stuff. Thank you.

 

[oldblue]

I on the regular haul between 5-6k lbs long distances. Texas to Mich type drives.
Mich to Co. I definitely change my trans fluid more often. But no other issues yet. I did have Livernois tune mine which was helpful with towing. It now doesn’t downshift up rolling hills while towing .
But I plan to run this truck long term.

My real concern was the 8F35 transmission in my Ecoboost Mav. Cherokee made a very good case for how to look at a work truck, and he is correct. I'm taking that sage advice, and I'm running the 2022 Mav until it's not financially practical to continue. Then I'll replace the truck.
If the transmission craps, I'll replace it. But like you, I'll change the fluid regularly and that will probably greatly extend the useful service life.

And my next Maverick will probably be a Hybrid. But for now I can wait. The dealer already said they'd give me back the deposit. They are happy to still receive the 2025 XL Hybrid AWD 4K and sell it to someone else for more money.

 

[Tiger Dude]

You should find significantly better mileage around town, especially if you take it easy. Mileage on the highway will be about the same, you can't beat wind friction. Hybrid ought to help your brakes as well. Just don't buy a hybrid believing you'll have fewer reliability problems, hybrids have more components, there's no getting around it.

 

[Snox801]

My real concern was the 8F35 transmission in my Ecoboost Mav. Cherokee made a very good case for how to look at a work truck, and he is correct. I'm taking that sage advice, and I'm running the 2022 Mav until it's not financially practical to continue. Then I'll replace the truck.
If the transmission craps, I'll replace it. But like you, I'll change the fluid regularly and that will probably greatly extend the useful service life.

And my next Maverick will probably be a Hybrid. But for now I can wait. The dealer already said they'd give me back the deposit. They are happy to still receive the 2025 XL Hybrid AWD 4K and sell it to someone else for more money.

I still believe the 8f35 is probably better than the hybrid ecvt. Especially when towing. Hybrid guys won’t talk about it but very few people who are interested in a hybrid are the type of people who would actually stress any part of the truck. So far we have a decent amount of 8f trans that have worked well for towing and seem to last a long time. We do t have the sample size yet with the ecvt trans to know for sure if it is more durable.
I can tell you as someone who has ran about everything as far as engines and trans. I will never buy another cvt style trans again in my life. They just are not my cup of tea.

 

[Cherokee]

I can tell you as someone who has ran about everything as far as engines and trans. I will never buy another cvt style trans again in my life. They just are not my cup of tea.

My Brother Is a 2024 Subaru Forrester owner,
He likes the CVT and loves his Forrester.
No he’s Not a lesbian. :’P

I’ve driven several but never owned one. Still I prefer being able to select my own HP and TQ output on the fly, with my foot.
I want to be able to decide for myself how many RPM’s I want and or need.

It’s prolly just me but I’d bet they’ve gotten better but I always felt a small delay when I asked for power through a CVT.

I want my tach swinging not parked in a specific RPM range.
Again not concerned with gas mileage.

I still bet my next Mav will be a 2030 model and be a hybrid. Hopefully a plug in with at least a 2.5 kw battery. The current 1.1 seems IMHO too small.

And it better have a big ass AGM battery.

Auto drive would be nice.
Tesla already has it. Is FORD ever going to catch up ?

 

[Jonny44]

I towed heavily with my '22 hybrid at max towing (2000 pounds) and would routinely get 22-26 mpg at highway speeds. I recently upgraded to the 4k hybrid and I have seen the same so far with 3000 pounds behind it. I really don't use the towing mode, just regular driving mode. It really doesn't care about the weight behind it, but the air resistance makes a huge difference in mileage. When I had 3000 pounds of bricks on the trailer I got 30. Side by side and four wheeler at the same weight got me 22.

 

[Tbone289]

I can tell you as someone who has ran about everything as far as engines and trans. I will never buy another cvt style trans again in my life. They just are not my cup of tea.

I wouldn't run a CVT either, but I also wouldn't lump CVT and eCVT together as "CVT style" in the context of reliability. The eCVT theoretically shouldn't share the same issues that have plagued band-operated CVTs. I agree however that there's a lack of data proving their reliability in towing applications.

 

[Snox801]

I towed heavily with my '22 hybrid at max towing (2000 pounds) and would routinely get 22-26 mpg at highway speeds. I recently upgraded to the 4k hybrid and I have seen the same so far with 3000 pounds behind it. I really don't use the towing mode, just regular driving mode. It really doesn't care about the weight behind it, but the air resistance makes a huge difference in mileage. When I had 3000 pounds of bricks on the trailer I got 30. Side by side and four wheeler at the same weight got me 22.

Man that’s good mpg, but 60 mph is not in the cards for me.
I’ve never gone below 68 hauling anything but 16-18 mpg is fine with me .
Time will tell which is the better setup for long term towing. But I’m happy so far with mine.

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