Any Hybrid owners regret not opting for AWD/Ecoboost

[Uncle Fatso]

Pretty much the only reasons I bought a Maverick were the Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, adequate ground clearance, and the low initial cost. I had no interest in the EB model and still don’t.

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[Grim_Skunk]

No regrets, I'm in northern part of my province. Although I wouldn't mind having a AWD, its not a must have.

My dad had many RWD vehicles, he would never buy another 2 wheel drive vehicle since moving on to AWD and 4WD vehicles. He test drove my FWD hybrid (with Michelin X-ICE) on a snow iced roads, he legit thought it was an AWD, I had to show him the spec sheet.

I know people who "absolutely needs" a AWD because they can't drive into their driveway when it's snowed-in. Sorry, but that seems a bit lazy to me. If my FWD can't get in my driveway it means it's time to clear the snow.

 

[BostonMaverick]

I originally had the AWD with 4k tow back in 2022. I traded into the hybrid in 2023. I miss the extra performance and the AWD was nice to have but I am overall more satisfied with the hybrid for my day to day needs.

 

[Bruce8858]

Just wondering if any of you hybrid owners wish you had opted for AWD with the Ecoboost ? Imagine this may be influenced on weather severity in your area. Heard mixed reviews from the owners in my area in Michigan.
Thanks

I had both. Purchased a 2023 Eco AWD. Plenty of power, took it to the north Georgia mountains. I did like it. My 2024 hybrid came in. I test drove it, little bit less power, but double the MPG. I daily mine and love it. Both were Lariat’s.

 

[tom_tucker]

How are the stock Continental Procontact TX tires in snow with FWD?

Complete trash. It can survive in the plains but don't add much gravity. The Maverick Hybrid in a mtn town is studded snows only. It was sketchy with stud-less snow tires. I'm talking about actual winter drives over mtn passes with steep grades in snowstorms at night.

 

[agmonaco]

If you need AWD or 4WD vehicles, there is no question. FWD just won't cut it.

Most people reporting in will never use it or can get by in FWD with snow tires if they really need to travel, and they are not trekking through anything that will get them stuck (usually they refer to snow driving as plowed roads or roads currently being traveled on during snow - i.e. not very limiting of travel).

Some of us need AWD/4WD just to get out of the driveway sometimes... Because plowing sucks and ice is common where I live. AWD makes a difference, but the Maverick ain't no Subaru with full time AWD either. Drive modes only do so much. Even on AWD, tires are a major limiting factor. I guess what I'm saying is even with the AWD Maverick, I still miss my on frame 4WD truck with plenty of clearance and tires capable of getting me through anything. But no way in hell I'd be able to have a FWD/RWD only vehicle. Even when I had the Escape Hybrid in AWD, I'd have to plow.

Regardless, it's still not real 4WD and the limiting factor is clearance. Good tires make a difference, but so do those things.

The obvious answer is biased questions get biased answers. Most FWD/RWD drivers will never need anything more.

Interesting comment about Ford Escape. Which is the same AWD train that the 2025 Maverick Hybrid will have. I have owned a lot of FWD vehicles and they do fine in snow and Ice. AWD can be better. Off road, 4WD is best IMO. My only concern is cutting firewood and getting out of a wet grassy area.

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