Brief Driving Experience - Hybrid XLT Lux

[EclipseJTB]

Went to the Utah Auto Expo today, they had a couple of Mavericks to test drive. I didn't take any pictures, but I did learn some things that people who haven't ever driven in a hybrid may care about (misconceptions, etc).

1. I was worried the driving experience would be different with the hybrid drivetrain. I was under the impression that any forward velocity had to use the accelerator pedal. The good news is that it still starts moving forward when you release the brake, just like the driving experience you're already used to.
2. Brake coach was really easy to use, I found myself in the high 90% range often, and it didn't feel unnatural. Maybe that speaks to my driving style, but the regenerative braking felt great.
3. Power isn't crazy, but not lacking, either. I had myself, my dad, the Ford guy, and my six year old in with me. The Ford guy let me punch it to get a feel for the power and I was satisfied with how it responded. We were going uphill, so it had to fight gravity a little, but it felt like it would be fine on the freeway accelerating to pass someone.
4. It switches to all electric quite often, and drive comfort-wise, the average driver won't be able to tell. It was a great ride.

Overall I'm thrilled with what I ordered since it was almost the exact package I drove (missing the bed extender, shouldn't affect drive quality one lick). I got my confirmation on Nov 4, so I expect I'll see mine sometime this summer.

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