2026 Maverick ... additions

[WJOHNM]

We're hoping that FORD addresses the inability of the AWD System to get "un-stick" when one side of the truck is on a slippery surface, as CLEARLY shown by TFL in their "roller test" of their 2025 XLT AWD Hybrid. Clearly, the "brake(ing) of the spinning" wheel is insufficient to get the "torque to the wheel with traction" ... . Sad, but true.

TFL, that we can find, has never addressed whether or not FORD has updated the AWD system ... and we've seen NO News on this.

HOW can a "truck company" (FORD) have made an AWD "truck" so .... limp?

The simple solution would be to ADD the "option" of a Torsen (gear type) Limited-slip Differential (e.g. a Quaife unit ... as added to the 2018 Focus RS, albeit add it to the Maverick's REAR differential ... but KEEP the 4,000 tow capacity).

Any news on any of this ??

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On another aspect, we've read NO technical reason why the "locking diff" on the Tremor can't handle the 4K towing !
We might suspect the unit locks "left-to-right" so that would put the inner wheel at the wrong-speed (rpm) when towing around corners ... which then "begs the question ... why not just offer a LSD option ?!

The F-150 models all have the LSD option !!!
The Transit adds LSD to the heavy-duty tow option. duh.

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Now, to make matters even MORE wonderful, FORD could take a 'clue' from Honda and employ an updated Focus RS rear diff ... GKN unit ... that has the torque vectoring and hence, in the Rover application, traction for AWD (Rover uses the the "same" GKN diff as the Focus RS) ... and in Honda's similar system, it TOWS 5,000 pounds ... in a V6 engine with LESS torque that the Maverick's 2.0L .... but we only want the higher mileage 2.5L/Hybrid.

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Speaking of Hybrids ... any "news" of a larger hybrid battery (capacity) for 2026 to offer more BEV drivability ... or a "plug-in" hybrid ??

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Need turn-signal indicators in the side mirrors, and add ventilated seats ... maybe as an up-level Lariat ... Platinum model ??

and side-mirror dimming ... Electrochromic mirrors are advanced mirrors that automatically darken to reduce glare from headlights and bright lights behind the vehicle.

Honda has them, and don't "advertise" the fact.

With the BRIGHT LED Headlights nowadays, dimming side mirrors are an important safety item !

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OK ... who knows any of the above ??

Every year people want this and that and every year the prices go UP the Honda Ridgeline starts at about 44k and goes much higher with some goodies, my lariat sticker was 42 and has everything I wanted like 13" screen, one touch windows, fake leather seats, 4k tow, black package, sunroof, 19"wheels, Hybrid and more, I paid 39k I got a OK deal. I only drive 5k a year and get a good price for my vehicles, every 3/4 years.
My 22 XLT FX4 was 34k out the door, you can bet their going to add 5/6k every year to every model and only make minor changes, My fixed income doesn't go up 5/6k every year and I doubt your salaries for you young people go up 5/6k yearly. My point is lets keep it simple and stop adding all this stuff to bring cost UP, or I could be looking at a Toyota or Mazda or Honda{not a Ridgeline] in a few years, if I live long enough.

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[TheMaverickLife]

I do believe that many Maverick buyers would like the "option" of a Limited-Slip Differential.
As an "added option" ... a torsion-type (gear-type ... "think a Quaife unit" ) ...

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Ref: https://www.quaife.co.uk/our-markets/oem/


Superior Quality, Safe Performance, No Wear, Lifetime Warranty

Fully compatible with manufacturer electronic traction control and anti-lock braking systems, the Quaife ATB® differential offers a number of key advantages in both functionality and service life compared to conventional plate-style LSD units.

Silent in operation (even during low-speed parking manoeuvres) the Quaife ATB® limited slip unit never ‘locks,’ making it progressive, safe and user friendly. Unlike plate-style LSD designs there are no clutches, ramps, springs or other wear prone components to replace at regular intervals, because the Quaife ATB®’s well-proven system of helical gears is extremely durable, plus it’s designed to use standard transmission oils.

This makes the Quaife ATB® limited slip differential a genuine ‘fit and forget’ upgrade that offers compromise-free performance and unbeatable reliability on the street, strip, stage or circuit, backed by a lifetime warranty.

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A torsen-type LSD does NOT require any electronics, software ... it is an "analog" system ... in essence. The more one wheel slips, the more torque is sent to the non-slipping wheel in a linear, progressive manner (why it is used in race cars). Such a LSD "type" never wears out (like the old clutch-type did).

Note: such an option would enable far MORE traction (side to side) when "needed" and not use the rear brake (pads) to stop the slipping wheel. As clearly demo'd by TFL on their 'roller-slip tests' ... the 2025 Maverick could NOT get off the rollers. If it had a LSD, it would (and NOT wear the brake pads or over-heat the rear brake discs, fluid, etc).

Note that a torsen-type LSD is different than an "electronic locking axle" (both sides get the torque) or the "wet-clutch" type diffs for "torque vectoring" (Maverick Lobo, Focus RS, ... and Honda Ridgeline).

Ford added the Quaife LSD to the front diff of the 2018 Focus RS which produced far more torque than the Maverick (hybrid and Ecoboost) so adding such a LSD isn't a torque-limit issue.

We'll see what the "managers" at FORD have decided for the 2026 Maverick ... soon enough.
?? Do they want the Maverick to be "better" or not ??

 

[DGMavLove]

At best they put the keypad back on as standard equipment since they kept it integrated in some of the other models. Otherwise, maybe some new color or rim options and some reshuffling of the equipment packages based on current features and consumer trends (such as their decision to just add the damn hitch since 90% of people asked for it anyway).

As stated above, I would be surprised if Ford announced any wholesale changes. Even in the early years the only real changes from year to year was what came in certain packages. Otherwise the trucks were the same.

Yeah, one obvious change... Ford deleted the spare tire. They provide a "Fix-a-flat" can, or you can add a spare tire to your build.

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