Why is this article so dismissive of the Hybrid?

[Hankgagnon]

https://www.slashgear.com/2074519/ford-maverick-reliability-consumer-reports/

So, it's obviously not the best written article. Kinda reads like an AI summary of a CR chart. Nevermind that.

What I'm curious about is the dismissive language around the Hybrid. I've read A LOT about the Maverick - pro reviews, reddit subs and here - and I feel like I could provide a decent accounting of the overall sentiments and common complaints. And none of it points towards "the hybrid model specifically being among the least-reliable vehicles in general for a given model year, as opposed to the robust standard variant."

Its #FAKENEWS . The 24 Ford Maverick Hybrid with 27K miles that I have is a great truck. Like you I have not seen widespread negativity about it from actual owners. I realize first couple year models like 2022 & 2023 had some kinks to work out. From what I can see Ford has fixed most of them. I have had no issues with my 2025 Maverick Hybrid. A dealer did try to scam Ford MFG, and me in an attempt to get me to replace an (under Warrantee) front axle that did not need replacing. They sprayed some lube near the boot and told me it was leaking and needed to be replaced. That was 12K miles ago, and a trip to Florida and Back from Massachusetts included, 2 oil changes I did myself and inspected the axles. No leaking, no broken boot. No issues AT ALL. The truck is a great economical vehicle, at a decent price, and does the job most homeowners or tradesmen need it to do.

I suspect this scam was run on a lot of Maverick owners. I saw a lot of stories of Maverick owners going through axles, some more than once. The dealers figure the customer will not complain because it is under warrantee, and Ford MFG will not say anything because it would seem it was a common issue so they just approve it on the dealers word.

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[JJMM]

https://www.slashgear.com/2074519/ford-maverick-reliability-consumer-reports/

So, it's obviously not the best written article. Kinda reads like an AI summary of a CR chart. Nevermind that.

What I'm curious about is the dismissive language around the Hybrid. I've read A LOT about the Maverick - pro reviews, reddit subs and here - and I feel like I could provide a decent accounting of the overall sentiments and common complaints. And none of it points towards "the hybrid model specifically being among the least-reliable vehicles in general for a given model year, as opposed to the robust standard variant."

I drove a Toyota Camry Hybrid from 2008 until it hit 264K of trouble-free miles and then traded it in for a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which now has 40K trouble-free miles. In November, I received my new, 2025 Mav Lariat Hybrid which now has 2,500 trouble-free miles on it and I'm loving me some hybrids! A great technology that should only get better over time.

 

[Wahjahbvious]

I've loved my wife's Prius V (the bigger, wagon one they made for a few years, AND SHOULD MAKE AGAIN DAMN IT) for the past 14 years, so I'm already sold on the tech. I look forward to seeing what advancements the ensuing years have brought.

I drove a Toyota Camry Hybrid from 2008 until it hit 264K of trouble-free miles and then traded it in for a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which now has 40K trouble-free miles. In November, I received my new, 2025 Mav Lariat Hybrid which now has 2,500 trouble-free miles on it and I'm loving me some hybrids! A great technology that should only get better over time.

 

[Lone Ridr]

The robust standard variant is a statistical term. It refers to other hybrid models. Take a look at Toyota and do a search. Is the Toyota hybrid reliable? You will see feedback like this: " Yes, Toyota hybrids are widely considered exceptionally reliable due to their mature technology, durable engineering....." Robust refers to the amount of data available. Standard variant refers to a specific, pre-defined version or form of a product, system,......To me, IMHO, they are saying that the Mav hybrid, 5 years existence, is not as reliable as as a Toyota. The Prius has been in production 29 years. They have had 29 years (Prius introduction, everybody scoffed except Toyota) to refine the process. The article states that the 22 model was worse than later model years. Of course it was. Ford started, and continues to, refine the product. The article goes on to say they are reviewing the standard model, not the hybrid while saying the mavericks are above average (I think they mean statistically).

On a different but parallel subject. The Chevy Colorado forum laments their poor rating and sales figures against the Tacoma. They state that the Tacoma has a lot of flaws and it is overrated. The statistical analysis of complaints and repairs doesn't back their claim. I looked up their sales figures for 2025. Number of Colorados and Canyons sold - 105,268, number of Mavericks - 155,051, number of Tacomas U.S. - 274,638. Of course, Mavericks aren't in the same class as the Colorado and Tacoma, but if the Maverick outsells the Colorado this year, the consumers and builders will probably respond in their own way.

 

[Cherokee]

Why oh why do people keep falling for Click bait ?
Read something else, anything but Slashgear bullshit.

Yes I read it, The structure of the article is childlike.
Did A.I. write it ? Who cares it’s bad writing with no real research into the subject.

 

[Lone Ridr]

Why oh why do people keep falling for Click bait ?
Read something else.

Life has taught me to read almost everything, given time. Besides, someone asked a question, inviting other opinions.

 

[Cherokee]

I think you'd be shocked if you knew how easy it is to create content that leads people to the conclusions you want them to believe.

It wouldn't surprise me if Ford contributed to or paid for this in order to move the Ecoboosts. They have zero problems moving hybrid units and everything you hear from actual owners (aside from the 12v battery) are usually incredibly positive.

This is true wisdom younguns.

Contemplate this on the, ‘Tree Of Woe’

FWIW In my Appalachian Mountains round here Ecoboost out sell Mavbrids by a big margin it seems, from what I see in parking lots and on the roads.

My local Ford dealer will have two to three hybrids and an eight or ten Eco’s.
The Eco’s move/sell far faster.
I’m in Tremor country.

 

[Lone Ridr]

This is true wisdom younguns.

Contemplate this on the, ‘Tree Of Woe’

FWIW In my Appalachian Mountains round here Ecoboost out sell Mavbrids by a big margin it seems, from what I see in parking lots and on the roads.

My local Ford dealer will have two to three hybrids and an eight or ten Eco’s.
The Eco’s move/sell far faster.
I’m in Tremor country.

Number of Maverick hybrids sold in 2025 - 81,034.
Number of Maverick EcoBoosts sold in 2025 - 74,017.

9.5% difference. Depends on how many are on the lot. I bought EcoBoost and will switch to hybrid IF they get the bugs worked out, not ignoring the EcoBoost bugs,

 

[uga]

I have a 2026 and a 2025, both hybrids, no issues at all. Previous years there was major battery issues, primarily because all hybrids did not come with AGM batteries. 2025 + now have AGM batteries

 

[Cherokee]

Number of Maverick hybrids sold in 2025 - 81,034.
Number of Maverick EcoBoosts sold in 2025 - 74,017.

9.5% difference. Depends on how many are on the lot. I bought EcoBoost and will switch to hybrid IF they get the bugs worked out, not ignoring the EcoBoost bugs,

Sales numbers mean little up here, People want full time Ecoboost power and we all love our Turbo’s. Plus a fast cabin warm up means a lot to us old curmudgeons.

 

[Lone Ridr]

Sales numbers mean little up here, People want full time Ecoboost power and we all love our Turbo’s. Plus a fast cabin warm up means a lot to us old curmudgeons.

I'm 78. don't know if the next one will be a Hybrid or EcoBoost, or a coffin. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my ride.

 

[MaverickDragon]

A dealer did try to scam Ford MFG, and me in an attempt to get me to replace an (under Warrantee) front axle that did not need replacing.
....
I suspect this scam was run on a lot of Maverick owners. I saw a lot of stories of Maverick owners going through axles, some more than once..

That could be the case of a bad apple, and in your case it seems likely.
A failing axle typically has more symptoms than a bit of lube on it.
Why replace an axle just because a boot is leaking?
You replace the boot, not the axle unless the Mav is very different.

I wonder to get the full scam benefit, if they would just "clean up" the "failed" axle and call it a replacement. The all look the same with the same power equipment, so one picture would work to "prove" the repair on more than one vehicle.

OTOH, some other folks could have had actual problems.

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