2026 Maverick AWD Hybrid Review by Motortend: The One the Maverick Always Needed

[Darthie]

Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD Tested: The One the Maverick Always Needed

Ford’s smart little pickup truck is now truly a do-everything rig.

February 6, 2026

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/ford-maverick-hybrid-awd-first-test-review

Sponsored

 

[710-oil-614]

Another stupid, lazy article from a supposed automotive publication that goes on feel rather than dive into the fact it’s an entirely new hybrid drivetrain with approximately 30% more powerful electric motors.

Motor Trend sucks.

I mean honestly. This was worse than any YouTube review we could have found on the 2025 AWD Hybrid 9 months ago.

The fact that they cannot even mention the change from the HF45 to the HF55 is damn criminal.

Awful.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Motortrend obviously liked the Mav a lot.
Not a lot of new information, but I had not known that the '25 missed Truck of the year by one vote...

 

[ken h]

Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD Tested: The One the Maverick Always Needed

Ford’s smart little pickup truck is now truly a do-everything rig.

February 6, 2026

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/ford-maverick-hybrid-awd-first-test-review

I bought my Lariat Hybrid in April 2025. I was under the impression it was AWD, but now I'm not sure. How can I tell for sure?

 

[710-oil-614]

I bought my Lariat Hybrid in April 2025. I was under the impression it was AWD, but now I'm not sure. How can I tell for sure?

All Lariat Hybrids are AWD but you can look for a driveshaft if you really want to confirm for yourself.....

 

[ken h]

All Lariat Hybrids are AWD but you can look for a driveshaft if you really want to confirm for yourself.....

Thanks. I thought that was what I was told before I purchased it, but the report linked above mad it seem like a new thing.

 

[710-oil-614]

Thanks. I thought that was what I was told before I purchased it, but the report linked above mad it seem like a new thing.

All 2025 and 2026 Lariat Hybrids are AWD. All 2022-2024 Hybrids are FWD.

 

[Cherokee]

I remember Motor Trend, nice car pictures, simple fun to read articles.
Way too many advertisements. This Is why Its out there.
Not once did that magazine ever influence my vehicle purchases.

 

[Darthie]

I remember Motor Trend, nice car pictures, simple fun to read articles.
Way too many advertisements. This Is why Its out there.
Not once did that magazine ever influence my vehicle purchases.

This one was pretty good.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2016-mercedes-amg-gt-s-first-test-review

 

[Cherokee]

This one was pretty good.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2016-mercedes-amg-gt-s-first-test-review

Ah yes,
“Some cars are just special. They have an X factor that other cars do not possess. There are a couple different ways you can tell. One is to just look at 'em. Do you feel tingly? Short of breath? Excited because you're standing next to a lump of metal, plastic, and paint? If so, the car in question is special.”

Oh yeah, I felt that once and only once.
This did it for me :

When I straddled this little wild thang I forgot all about my girlfriend. :’P

 

[Darthie]

Ah yes,
“Some cars are just special. They have an X factor that other cars do not possess. There are a couple different ways you can tell. One is to just look at 'em. Do you feel tingly? Short of breath? Excited because you're standing next to a lump of metal, plastic, and paint? If so, the car in question is special.”

Oh yeah, I felt that once and only once.
This did it for me :

I sure do. 🥹
When I straddled this little wild thang I forgot all about my girlfriend. :’P

 

[sprubs]

Another stupid, lazy article from a supposed automotive publication that goes on feel rather than dive into the fact it’s an entirely new hybrid drivetrain with approximately 30% more powerful electric motors.

Motor Trend sucks.

I mean honestly. This was worse than any YouTube review we could have found on the 2025 AWD Hybrid 9 months ago.

The fact that they cannot even mention the change from the HF45 to the HF55 is damn criminal.

Awful.

I didn't know the EV part of the powertrain was getting more power. hot dog! even my 2023 FWD hybrid seems reasonably peppy off the line.

 

[710-oil-614]

I didn't know the EV part of the powertrain was getting more power. hot dog! even my 2023 FWD hybrid seems reasonably peppy off the line.

I think Wired is the only one who has reported on it accurately and with details directly from Ford.

 

[CurtisB]

Ah yes,
“Some cars are just special. They have an X factor that other cars do not possess. There are a couple different ways you can tell. One is to just look at 'em. Do you feel tingly? Short of breath? Excited because you're standing next to a lump of metal, plastic, and paint? If so, the car in question is special.”

Oh yeah, I felt that once and only once.
This did it for me :

When I straddled this little wild thang I forgot all about my girlfriend. :’P

I had the same bike. Such a beast!

 

[Cherokee]

I had the same bike. Such a beast!

Remember the CBX ?

I was in the right place at the right time to ride one. It was exhilarating to say the least.

I preferred my 750F and so did the owner of the CBX.
The CBX needed better suspension and brakes.
The benefit of a tuned anti dive would have been great.
Transitions required more body work by the rider, obviously. It needed a smooth operator.
Bike felt heavy when you made a mistake.

Stirring the 750F’s gear box around 10k Rpm
Was great.
Doing that on the CBX was closer to white knuckle fear at times.
This girl was a she beast !

Pitching the CBX hard over in a fast corner was an unforgettable experience.

These are the memories that make me a wealthy man.

Sponsored