Gas AWD now or wait for Hybrid AWD?

[deej]

UPDATE: Thanks for the feedback everyone. I've decided to go ahead and order the gas AWD w/ tow package as soon as the order banks are open.


Original post:
I have a 2011 Ranger XLT 4x4 extended cab with 72k miles on it, and I love the truck except for the horrible gas mileage (19 highway, about 14 around town). It is 12 years old and in my previous experience that's about the age where things start breaking / wearing out requiring more frequent trips to the shop, so it is approaching time for a new vehicle. I live in the north and will only buy AWD. What I really want is a plug-in hybrid Maverick AWD with the 4k tow package, and I'm confident that at some point Ford will make this, but the question is when? Do I keep the Ranger for another year hoping they offer this as a 2024 model (which probably means driving the Ranger for another two years given the lead times on new Mav orders), or do I order a gas AWD Mav as soon as orders open up (expecting the Mav within the next year so that means one more year driving the Ranger)? I tend to keep my vehicles for 8-10 years.

I'm leaning towards ordering now given the unknowns but would like to get some opinions, and this forum is pretty good for that...

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[thevol]

You might be waiting awhile... If by some miracle they offer an AWD hybrid you can be guaranteed it wont be 4k tow. They are gonna start pushing all electric soon so no idea what the future holds for ICE (which includes hybrids), especially on a small vehicle like this.

 

[Shay]

While it is assumed that an all-wheel drive hybrid will be available, there's no guarantee of it. It hasn't been announced or even hinted at by Ford. It might make perfect sense for them to offer it, but it doesn't mean it's going to happen.

 

[Dimes]

That's kinda what I am wrestling with. All the others are probably going to be offering small hybrid pickups within the next few years so there are going to be a ton of options.

 

[kmish203]

I was in a similar situation and went with the EB AWD for now. You'll be adding about 10mpg so in a few years you may save the amount of money on gas and Ranger repairs that you'd lose in value in the vehicle in that same time. It may be worth it

 

[raymaines]

A hybrid drive train is more important to me than AWD, so I was glad to order what Ford was actually offering rather than wait for something they may never offer. If an AWD hybrid ever comes out I'll be the first kid on the block to order one but I'll bet my front-wheel drive truck will have 50K miles on it before that happens.

 

[MostlySafeBear]

You can only make your decisions based on information currently available. We don't have some hyper-secret knowledge of future models.

If you absolutely need a hybrid AWD right now, then the Maverick is not the vehicle for you. It exists in other makes/models, but as of today, there is no available information that conclusively says if it will be a thing in the Maverick.

A gas AWD Maverick isn't a terrible choice, but AWD also is not as necessary as some people seem to think. A 2WD/FWD vehicle is plenty capable, especially with tires properly matched to conditions. Tires and proper driving will get you in and out of a lot of places that you might not expect.

I saw a video or two that showed a FWD hybrid Maverick with snow tires doing great in the snow, with the exception of steep driveway, and even that just took some patience and a second attempt, and was still accessible.

Your Ranger seems to be a very low mileage example, but from what I recall, they got better mpg than yours gets. Perhaps you can invest some time and effort into checking that out while you wait, or look at more suitable models.

 

[thevol]

I just noticed you are averaging 6500 mi per year. I would be running some numbers as I dont think a hybrid is going to do you much good, especially if you live in a rural area, they do best in stop and go city traffic. Hell if that Ranger is running good I would just keep that for another 10 yrs unless you just want a new vehicle.

 

[Old Ranchero]

You can only make your decisions based on information currently available. We don't have some hyper-secret knowledge of future models.

If you absolutely need a hybrid AWD right now, then the Maverick is not the vehicle for you. It exists in other makes/models, but as of today, there is no available information that conclusively says if it will be a thing in the Maverick.

A gas AWD Maverick isn't a terrible choice, but AWD also is not as necessary as some people seem to think. A 2WD/FWD vehicle is plenty capable, especially with tires properly matched to conditions. Tires and proper driving will get you in and out of a lot of places that you might not expect.

I saw a video or two that showed a FWD hybrid Maverick with snow tires doing great in the snow, with the exception of steep driveway, and even that just took some patience and a second attempt, and was still accessible.

Your Ranger seems to be a very low mileage example, but from what I recall, they got better mpg than yours gets. Perhaps you can invest some time and effort into checking that out while you wait, or look at more suitable models.

in this case AWD IS neccessary if you want 4K Tow- and I do! As a bonus you get IRS with AWD instead of goofy Twist Beam - AND - you get a real shifting 8 speed transmission too! No other configuration would have made me check out the Maverick in the 1st place.

 

[Johnkn]

I just noticed you are averaging 6500 mi per year. I would be running some numbers as I dont think a hybrid is going to do you much good, especially if you live in a rural area, they do best in stop and go city traffic. Hell if that Ranger is running good I would just keep that for another 10 yrs unless you just want a new vehicle.

Well, my Hybrid delivers over 40 MPG under virtually all circumstances. 800 mile fishing trip with 700 miles of that probably averaging 78-80 mph returned ~41.5 mpg

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[MostlySafeBear]

in this case AWD IS neccessary if you want 4K Tow- and I do! As a bonus you get IRS with AWD

Well unless you have some inside knowledge, Ford has said absolutely nothing about a hybrid AWD 4k tow Maverick. Wish in one hand, shit in the other, etc.

instead of goofy Twist Beam - AND - you get a real shifting 8 speed transmission too!

What makes conventional suspension "goofy"? And how is an eCVT not a "real" transmission? Did I miss something, is it only imaginary?

Further, even if a hybrid AWD Maverick was offered, the chances that it would keep the eCVT transmission are very good.

 

[thevol]

Well, my Hybrid delivers over 40 MPG under virtually all circumstances. 800 mile fishing trip with 700 miles of that probably averaging 78-80 mph returned ~41.5 mpg

.

Like I said you gotta run numbers for your purpose. Works for you, great.

 

[deej]

Your Ranger seems to be a very low mileage example, but from what I recall, they got better mpg than yours gets.

Book values are City: 15 / Hwy: 20 so it is doing well considering the age of the vehicle. The best I've gotten is 19.45mpg on the highway this summer.

It is a personal choice, but I won't buy another vehicle that isn't AWD. Been there, done that, and the difference is huge for winter driving here in Maine.

Sounds like going with the gas AWD now is going to be the better option. Winters are hard on vehicles here. While the Ranger might very well go another few years with no major issues, I need a reliable vehicle that I'm not going to worry about taking to the shop more often as it gets older. As I get older I have less patience dealing with that.

I appreciate all the input!

 

[Dad]

I wouldn't think Ford would want too much competition between the Maverick and the established Ranger, so while we might see a hybrid AWD, I doubt very much if you'll see an increase in towing capacity.

 

[deej]

I wouldn't think Ford would want too much competition between the Maverick and the established Ranger, so while we might see a hybrid AWD, I doubt very much if you'll see an increase in towing capacity.

Actually I would have bought one of the new Rangers when they first came out if they hadn't decided to make it so huge compared to the 2011. I'm glad I waited now since the Maverick is more the type of vehicle that I want. I've been saying for years that a small AWD platform with a truck body would better meet my needs than a 4x4. So far, the only thing I really don't like about the Mav is the silly little knob for changing gears.

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