2026 Maverick Hybrid AWD Improvements (Slip Test)

[MaverickDragon]

On the gripping hand, if it's an OTA update that'd unify everyone.

True - But that depends on the extent of the update.
I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer rep - I dunned him this morning...

EDIT:
Just heard back - He's about to watch the video...

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[ShadowBlack XL440]

True - But that depends on the extent of the update.
I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer rep - I dunned him this morning...

EDIT:
Just heard back - He's about to watch the video...

I dont' have the faith that Ford CARES enough to provide the update to us 2025 owners. I am holding out for the upgrade thru FORScan.

 

[Pointyears]

I dont' have the faith that Ford CARES enough to provide the update to us 2025 owners. I am holding out for the upgrade thru FORScan.

How will Forscan update the code package? All Forscan can do is change the properties and values for objects that are already exist. The update is new logic, eg programming; it's not just flipping a 0 to a 1.

 

[710-oil-614]

How will Forscan update the code package? All Forscan can do is change the properties and values for objects that are already exist. The update is new logic, eg programming; it's not just flipping a 0 to a 1.

I think you nailed it. If it can't be done via an OTA then it likely won't ever come our way.

 

[MaverickDragon]

@Pointyears beat me to the comment.
Forscan can change options, but not programming.
We're going to have to hope that Ford cares or is legally required to roll it out after the sharks get involved...

 

[MaverickDragon]

I don't think Ford will push it to the 2025's.
Marketed as an improvement for 2026. It may help drive sales
Folks have bought newer models for less.

In regards to the "improved marketing", the dealership I'm corresponding with didn't even know it existed, and here we are midway through the 26MY... There is no mention of the improvement on any Ford websites I've seen either when I was looking to see if I messed up by not picking up a 26 rather than the 25 version.

It might be difficult to highlight a new performance feature that should have been there already...
Look at the new anti-lock brakes on the MY 26! - They don't lock up like on the MY 25...

 

[Baldazzer]

I received a response from Ford’s social media team after requesting on FB messenger (contact link in my previous post) that they make an update available for 2025 models. So, they are listening at some level. Encourage others to reach out as well.

 

[Platinum2]

Pardon my ignorance, but is there a difference in base (non-FX4, Tremor, etc.) AWD systems between hybrid and gas Mavericks? Am I to assume the AWD system in my '22 XL EB would perform like the "old" Maverick in the video?

 

[MaverickDragon]

@Platinum2
The AWD function is said to be consistent across the 2022 EB trims with AWD except for the Tremor which has a locking differential.

The update the video addresses is applicable only to the hybrid.
IIRC, the video was stating that the hybrid software changes would make the hybrid AWD "act" more like the AWD on the EB versions.

The EB powered AWD Mavericks are rated well for their slip performance.
This site might be worth a look for you.

 

[Platinum2]

@Platinum2
The AWD function is said to be consistent across the 2022 EB trims with AWD except for the Tremor which has a locking differential.

The update the video addresses is applicable only to the hybrid.
IIRC, the video was stating that the hybrid software changes would make the hybrid AWD "act" more like the AWD on the EB versions.

The EB powered AWD Mavericks are rated well for their slip performance.
This site might be worth a look for you.

Thanks. I was not clear on how the base AWD systems differ from EB vs Hybrid. I'll check out the link....

 

[Escapologist]

I am wondering if they did something in mid year refresh 2025, job 2, 2025 1/2, or whatever you want to call it, because I was really amazed how surefooted mine was on sheet ice over the winter... think it was built in June.

Was on a completely glazed parking lot, stepped out and good thing I was still holding onto the truck, no footing, had to do the shuffle to make it to some foot grip.

Also did not seem to want to get stuck on any variety of fresh, half frozen, sloped, hummocked, glazed over variety of white crap. Seemed like only way you'd really get boned was to beach it.

 

[710-oil-614]

I am wondering if they did something in mid year refresh 2025, job 2, 2025 1/2, or whatever you want to call it, because I was really amazed how surefooted mine was on sheet ice over the winter... think it was built in June.

Was on a completely glazed parking lot, stepped out and good thing I was still holding onto the truck, no footing, had to do the shuffle to make it to some foot grip.

Also did not seem to want to get stuck on any variety of fresh, half frozen, sloped, hummocked, glazed over variety of white crap. Seemed like only way you'd really get boned was to beach it.

Not really a good and accurate comparison, but maybe give a drive out to TFL for the slip test and see how yours fares.

 

[Baldazzer]

Not really a good and accurate comparison…

Why not a good and accurate comparison?

 

[Tbone289]

@Platinum2
IIRC, the video was stating that the hybrid software changes would make the hybrid AWD "act" more like the AWD on the EB versions.

More specifically the note from the engineers in the video states, "the calibration team mimicked the strategy of our off-road vehicles' traction calibrations. They tuned the traction control system for the hybrid powertrain to mimic the 2.0L gas off-road vehicles."

This may explain why I've seen some MTC members with standard AWD EBs state that they've had traction issues that I haven't experienced off-road in my FX4.

 

[MaverickDragon]

@Tbone289
Comparing experiences with different drivers in different conditions and attributing that to the software on board is the difference could be the case, but who knows if that's it.

Unfortunately, there don't seem to be many people even aware of the software differences, and nothing on any Ford sites I've been able to find say anything about it beyond the statement quoted in the video...

It does seem odd that Ford would have deployed a system with less capable traction in their AWD system, and I wonder if the software is even applicable between the EB and hybrids, as the note in the video specifically referenced the hybrid drivetrain.

It would be nice to get some input from someone who actually knows what's going on, but at this point it seems like there are many more questions than answers.

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