Gas AWD now or wait for Hybrid AWD?

[Timothyd]

I have a 2011 Ranger XLT 4x4 extended cab with 72k miles on it, and I love the truck except for the horrible gas mileage (19 highway, about 14 around town). It is 12 years old and in my previous experience that's about the age where things start breaking / wearing out requiring more frequent trips to the shop, so it is approaching time for a new vehicle. I live in the north and will only buy AWD. What I really want is a plug-in hybrid Maverick AWD with the 4k tow package, and I'm confident that at some point Ford will make this, but the question is when? Do I keep the Ranger for another year hoping they offer this as a 2024 model (which probably means driving the Ranger for another two years given the lead times on new Mav orders), or do I order a gas AWD Mav as soon as orders open up (expecting the Mav within the next year so that means one more year driving the Ranger)? I tend to keep my vehicles for 8-10 years.

I'm leaning towards ordering now given the unknowns but would like to get some opinions, and this forum is pretty good for that...

Sooner is better than later.

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[Decayed]

You might be waiting a while.

 

[deej]

Just got off the phone and put down my deposit with my local dealer so now waiting for them to start taking orders (like everyone else!).

 

[James D]

For road trips to the trailhead or skiing, the difference in hwy mpg is not worth waiting another 2-3 years hoping maybe Ford will produce a hybrid awd. Yes fwd with snow tires is ok, but not nearly as good as awd through mud and snow. Plus you probably won't have to stop at chain control with awd.

 

[New2AZ]

While it is assumed that an all-wheel drive hybrid will be available, there's no guarantee of it. It hasn't been announced or even hinted at by Ford. It might make perfect sense for them to offer it, but it doesn't mean it's going to happen.

I totally agree it makes perfect sense to release this (and I'd absolutely want one), but how many new buyers would be "finally" swayed into getting a Maverick based off an available AWD Hybrid? I don't think they'd snag a ton of folks that were looking at other options (as there are none) as much as just getting current owners/order holders into upgrading. Given the momentum the current configurations have, I don't know if Ford would be inclined to make any kind of change, whether AWD hybrid or PHEV, until government regulations make it even more necessary to do so.

 

[deej]

For road trips to the trailhead or skiing, the difference in hwy mpg is not worth waiting another 2-3 years hoping maybe Ford will produce a hybrid awd. Yes fwd with snow tires is ok, but not nearly as good as awd through mud and snow.

Yes, plus hauling a trailer with an ATV or snowmobile. I'm going with the gas AWD and ordering as soon as I am able. I just put down a deposit so I'm on "the list".

 

[The64]

In your case I would buy the least expensive XL you can with Ecoboost and AWD. Waiting for a vehicle that hasn't even been hinted at is probably going to be a long wait.

Use your new XL for 3 to 4 years and then get the new hybrid AWD if available. The gas savings and no repair cost will offset your depreciation.

 

[James D]

Yes, plus hauling a trailer with an ATV or snowmobile. I'm going with the gas AWD and ordering as soon as I am able. I just put down a deposit so I'm on "the list".

Good decision! Here is a channel I found that owns a hybrid fwd and 2.0 awd. That is not a bad idea either.

 

[ShadowChas]

Just got off the phone and put down my deposit with my local dealer so now waiting for them to start taking orders (like everyone else!).

I thought the new ranger would be coming sooner with the hybrid and awd there was some talk or video if you search to find out? I myself have been completely happy with my FX4 ecoboost fuel economy and excellent winter stability.

 

[cavemold]

Why wait on something that not certain to happen? They may skip it and go straight to EV.

 

[cavemold]

I wouldn't think Ford would want too much competition between the Maverick and the established Ranger, so while we might see a hybrid AWD, I doubt very much if you'll see an increase in towing capacity.

agreed. Maverick already eats up ranger sales as it is.

 

[cavemold]

I thought the new ranger would be coming sooner with the hybrid and awd there was some talk or video if you search to find out? I myself have been completely happy with my FX4 ecoboost fuel economy and excellent winter stability.

2024 new ranger . So by that time would hybird maverick awd go toe to toe with brand new ranger. nope. Doesn't make sense. I hope we get ST maverick in 2024 though.

 

[deej]

Can you elaborate on this please? I've heard of a few instances of needing the learning computer reset, but not other issues.

 

[Scott Asheville]

This is 100% anecdotal, but to the OP I've kept my 2010 XLT which is at 102,000 miles and still rocking. In my case you were spot on about repairs. I've dropped thousands on a full brake system rebuild, all new shocks, new clutch. That was all right around 70,000 or 80,000 miles, which is where you are at. I still don't regret keeping the old Ranger, and I'd keep it another 5 years if it was AWD. I get 30 mpg on my 5 cylinder with manual transmission, but that comes at the cost of truly sluggish performance. I'm guessing you have a V6 and an automatic. My non-turbo 2.3 engine has been bulletproof, and I'm kind of sad Ford didn't offer that on the Maverick.

I'm waiting for my Maverick with mixed feelings. I personally consider it (and the Santa Cruz) a four-door porker. But I'm looking forward to a nicer ride, modern safety features, and a night and day improvement in performance. So on the whole I guess more good than bad.

Good luck with your decision.

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