Buyer's remorse on FWD Hybrids?

[Blackbelt]

Even though i own a low mile Jeep Renegade 4x4 with 4 winter tires on it, i did want a Maverick hybrid with AWD. Since that did not exist, i ordered a 2023 which got rolled over to a 2024 FWD hybrid XL. I got it 12/11/23 and have zero regrets. When i saw the hybrid AWD was available for 2025, i decided to price one equipped the same as my 2024, except with AWD. It came in over $31K. I got my 2024 for a little over $25K. No way would i spend $6K more just to get AWD. Plus i don't like the front end styling of the 2025. My Renegade is a 2017 and it just turned 19K miles, so i plan on keeping it for a while. I already put a 10 year zero deductible service contract on my Maverick (thank you Granger)so i plan on keeping it.

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[npaladin2000]

I live in the Northeast, and have a pretty steep driveway. Every time I didn't make it all the way up I kicked myself for not getting AWD. Then I'd see my 40 MPG I was getting going down to Jersey and I'd forgive myself.

 

[vandeda2024]

I have a 24 hybrid XL on order; however, I am debating changing it to a '25 AWD hybrid XL.

I officially requested to change my order to a '25 AWD hybrid XL w/4k tow package. Will cost me a few thousand more, but it should fit our lifestyle and region better.

 

[Greendesert]

I officially requested to change my order to a '25 AWD hybrid XL w/4k tow package. Will cost me a few thousand more, but it should fit our lifestyle and region better.

That is what I have been saying - AWD will do all that FWD does and then some more. I am getting rid of my 2024 xl hybrid which I got with a pvt offer and buying 2025 xlt awd hybrid. Yes, it does cost substantially more. But, it has presumably better eCVT and AWD. My current one vibrates at higher speed and there is no remedy as it appears.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

NO remorse whatsoever. Great truck at a great price- even if there are more "capable" Mavs on the way.

 

[boe757]

also no regrets, except for deep sleep - its a metro grocery getter for me. My F150 is getting a little large as I get older - parking spaces are getting smaller, roundabouts are getting smaller. Front wheel drive is enough, even in Minnesota, unless your "on call" and need to go at a moments notice, now even that has been resolved with the 4 wheel hybrid. I doubt it has the durability of my 04 f150 but time will tell

 

[npaladin2000]

also no regrets, except for deep sleep - its a metro grocery getter for me. My F150 is getting a little large as I get older - parking spaces are getting smaller, roundabouts are getting smaller. Front wheel drive is enough, even in Minnesota, unless your "on call" and need to go at a moments notice, now even that has been resolved with the 4 wheel hybrid. I doubt it has the durability of my 04 f150 but time will tell

Yes, the whole rest of the world is getting smaller. The F-150 is not getting bigger at all.

 

[BubbaMerle]

I have no remorse. I bought what I needed and wanted. No need for AWD. The 4K tow would be nice to have, but no need for that either.

On Edit: Now that 2025 pricing is out I see that it would be $7,000 more to get AWD & 4K. And I'd lose my sliding window, and console outlet. Very happy I bought in 2023. As much as I like the Atlas Blue, that eruption green is sweet. I asked for that when the 22's came out.

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[Gonzo chris]

I'm glad I waited, we do get some snow here in my area Pennsylvania but I know with the Right tires FWD is fine. Although if you have m+s all seasons AWD would make a difference. Obviously 2 sets of tires with one geared for summer performance and one for winter is ideal but for 3 snow storms a year maybe not many people do that around here. So the all seasons are the go to. Also for me the all-wheel drive isn't just about bad weather traction. I'm not familiar with this particular AWD system so I don't know if it's one of those that is FWD until traction breaks and then it sends some power to the back or if it's permanently AWD, if permanently AWD then I imagine it would probably be a little more fun to drive but even if not the independent rear suspension is an upgrade IMHO that makes it worthy of a little more money.
Also, I like the bigger screen, I don't like losing the physical controls and I don't like the new front end

 

[npaladin2000]

I'm glad I waited, we do get some snow here in my area Pennsylvania but I know with the Right tires FWD is fine. Although if you have m+s all seasons AWD would make a difference. Obviously 2 sets of tires with one geared for summer performance and one for winter is ideal but for 3 snow storms a year maybe not many people do that around here. So the all seasons are the go to. Also for me the all-wheel drive isn't just about bad weather traction. I'm not familiar with this particular AWD system so I don't know if it's one of those that is FWD until traction breaks and then it sends some power to the back or if it's permanently AWD, if permanently AWD then I imagine it would probably be a little more fun to drive but even if not the independent rear suspension is an upgrade IMHO that makes it worthy of a little more money.
Also, I like the bigger screen, I don't like losing the physical controls and I don't like the new front end

For me the AWD isn't just about the winter handling. I've carried reasonably heavy loads in the Maverick bed, and it's noticable when the weight balance goes further towards the rear and the front has less traction. I figure AWD should help when I'm near max capacity in the bed. Doesn't happen all the time but it does happen sometimes.

 

[DougK]

Now that 2025 pricing is out I see that it would be $7,000 more to get AWD & 4K. And I'd lose my sliding window, and console outlet.. As much as I like the Atlas Blue, that eruption green is sweet.

pretty much my position too.. got the Blue, really like the new green though. But not for $7k..
I need/would like to have AWD a couple times a year in the backcountry or snow, meantime my old RWD truck has managed perfectly well with chains in those situations. So I'd expect the FWD to do better, get further into trouble before I have to put on the chains ;-)

resale value doesn't bother me at all, usually keep my cars until they are at least 20 years old..

 

[PNWMaverick]

Not one bit.

The 2025 AWD equivalent to my truck is $12,000 more than my '22 FWD.

It had been years since I had need of 4WD when I purchased the Maverick. Which told me I wouldn't be missing out on any 4WD-lite the AWD system would provide.

In terms of weather, if a FWD with good tires isn't enough to get around in, you just shouldn't be on the road unless you absolutely have to. It doesn't matter if you have 4WD or AWD at that point as the problem becomes the other vehicles on the road.

Mainly, it's the cost. That $12,000 more....

The Maverick is a great truck, but with current pricing the idea of it being a value proposition is long gone. It is now priced into an area that people who can afford it can also afford better trucks. Ford has simply priced out the original target audience of the truck. This will be a problem when Toyota and the other manufacturers drop their competitor.

 

[NedF]

Lots of mistaken thoughts in this post, guessing you are older? Like 60+?

Whoa, whoa, whoa... some of us who are 60+ understand tech very well and definitely know an eCVT is nothing like a regular CVT not to mention the other misconceptions he listed.

 

[inline_five]

Whoa, whoa, whoa... some of us who are 60+ understand tech very well and definitely know an eCVT is nothing like a regular CVT not to mention the other misconceptions he listed.

Agree, but demographics tend to say otherwise.

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