Hybrid AWD Rumors.....TRUE!?

[Packer Bill]

If the towing for the hybrid AWD is less than 4000 pounds, no thank you. Plus my confidence in the hybrid platform (with Ford) has been shaken after reading about the issues and recalls on this forum...

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[Scupking]

AWD hybrid that could tow 5k lbs would be great!!!

 

[PNWMaverick]

If the towing for the hybrid AWD is less than 4000 pounds, no thank you. Plus my confidence in the hybrid platform (with Ford) has been shaken after reading about the issues and recalls on this forum...

If the hybrid only tows 2,000 pounds now, it isn't going to increase when they add an AWD system.

 

[Gonzo chris]

No more credible speculation than anyone else. And everyone knows an AWD hybrid is coming.

But when and how much?

 

[Gonzo chris]

Weird front end design and the loss of physical HVAC controls will still deter me from any potential interest I have in AWD Hybrid. Sucks to say that, but it's still gonna be a no if that's the case. We'll see what other models look like but not holding my breath about the interior changes. They did it in the Mustangs and Escapes with those screens, so I don't see them offering anything different here. I'd be shocked if they don't screw up the Broncos interior too eventually.

Either way, I got 5 years left before I consider it, so they can have it in the mean time. Work those kinks out for daddy.

I was with you until it last sentence......

 

[Gonzo chris]

Yep, also what kind of towing capabilities. Also most likely an extra cost for the hybrid but also the new model year. All that and if mileage on hwy is similar to ecoboost? What is the gain? Unless your driving majority of city driving or a mail carrier. Don't get me wrong I hope they do offer it in 2025. I think it will be gladly received by many, who can utilize and justify the price difference. Unless they offer different powertrains you also lose the 8 speed transmission, 58hp and 122lbs of torque.

Mileage drop will be a cpl mpg and most who want to tow a lot already don't get the hybrid. It's not just City driving. It's suburban where the hybrid shines with mileage. Somebody like me would be more likely to get the hybrid if the price increase wasn't too high. I like the AWD not for towing but for weather and also for the independent rear suspension rather than that solid beam the hybrid has now

 

[Gonzo chris]

Everyone already knows an AWD hybrid is coming. Had the pandemic not happened it would have most likely been a launch option along with the full sized infotainment screen. The question is now the cost. With the hybrid now being the upgrade path and not the default I wouldn't be surprised to see a minimum $4,000 ($2K for hybrid and $2K for AWD) to get into it from the standard EB.

I also find it interesting how much faith people have in AWD or at least how much it is over estimated. A FWD, with engine in the front, is going to be capable of handling driving conditions outside the typical driver's ability. In other words, if a modern FWD can't handle the road conditions, you probably shouldn't be on it, unless it is an emergency. Simply because AWD doesn't protect you from other drivers in those terrible conditions.

Tires are more important than having AWD or not. The advancements of tires in the last 25 years has been incredible. A FWD vehicle with really good tires is going to do better than an AWD vehicle with trash tires.

I agree on AWD but you're excluding two points that come with it. Number one. It's not just about all-wheel drive traction. It's driving characteristics. If it's one of those systems that's always front-wheel drive until the rear is needed. That's not as nice but the steering and handling are better with the rear wheels driven. Also, as of now, the front wheel drive Maverick only comes with an ancient twist beam rear axle and for those of us who are coming from a car into this thing, I would prefer the independent rear suspension because it resembles the suspension design from the 21st century

 

[Darnon]

yep - with the extra gearing required it'll jump the price and that's if they can successfully wedge them in around the heat exchanger. Also adding weight to it will reduce the MPG, lump in the added decrease mpg as it'll be in AWD all the time, then consider that you're already paying $1500 more for the hybrid and the next thing you know - you may as well just buy an ECO boost and be done with it as the MPG difference will no longer be that great and you'd be saving at least $1500 by not buying the hybrid.

The system isn't "in AWD all the time"; it's able to clutch in and out as necessary. The Escape Hybrid has no significant mileage penalty (and manages to fit a driveshaft past the heat exchanger).

 

[FischAutoTechGarten]

If the hybrid only tows 2,000 pounds now, it isn't going to increase when they add an AWD system.

Ummm why? It does for the FWD EcoBoost... FWD 2k lbs... AWD w/ the tow package is 4klbs...
So, I don't think that's the determining factor.. the factor is the 2.5l is only good for 161hp when you have no charge in the battery for the electric motor... which would happen very often if towing near 4k lbs. The other issue is the 4K adds some aditional cooling to the 8spd... Would that be a possibility for the eCVT... Probably not. So I agree... Probably no 4K to option for the Hybrid AWD.

 

[Buttonhook]

Ummm why? It does for the FWD EcoBoost... FWD 2k lbs... AWD w/ the tow package is 4klbs...
So, I don't think that's the determining factor.. the factor is the 2.5l is only good for 161hp when you have no charge in the battery for the electric motor... which would happen very often if towing near 4k lbs. The other issue is the 4K adds some aditional cooling to the 8spd... Would that be a possibility for the eCVT... Probably not. So I agree... Probably no 4K to option for the Hybrid AWD.

The rear suspension is different between the two

 

[FischAutoTechGarten]

The rear suspension is different between the two

rear suspension in the FWD EB and Hybrid is the same. it's the AWD that adds the different suspension. Assume they'd change the suspension for the Hybrid when making AWD. So once you add AWD... the suspension is not an obstacle to towing more....

However, the low HP naturally aspired engine and the light duty eCVT will be obstacles. Won't be a 4K tow package for the AWD Hybrid.

 

[inline_five]

Ummm why? It does for the FWD EcoBoost... FWD 2k lbs... AWD w/ the tow package is 4klbs...
So, I don't think that's the determining factor.. the factor is the 2.5l is only good for 161hp when you have no charge in the battery for the electric motor... which would happen very often if towing near 4k lbs. The other issue is the 4K adds some aditional cooling to the 8spd... Would that be a possibility for the eCVT... Probably not. So I agree... Probably no 4K to option for the Hybrid AWD.

I own a '95 Volvo 850. 168hp (rated at factory) and it is rated to tow 3,300 lbs.

Of course you have to have brakes for that but just thought it interesting.

 

[Sykotyk]

I assume the eCVT needed for AWD is going to be much more powerful overall that towing 2000-4000lb isn't going to be the issue. It's the cost vs. sales forecast. If they make the AWD, how many people will buy it at the price they'd have to sell it at to make it worth while. And also, that's assuming that people buying an AWD hybrid accept the drop in MPG compared to just going with the ecoboost.

 

[710-oil-614]

If the towing for the hybrid AWD is less than 4000 pounds, no thank you. Plus my confidence in the hybrid platform (with Ford) has been shaken after reading about the issues and recalls on this forum...

AWD Hybrid Escape has a 1,500 lb towing capacity.

Same drivetrain. Same C2 platform.

AWD Hybrid will max out tow capacity at 2,000 lbs.

AWD does nothing for max tow capacity.

 

[710-oil-614]

I assume the eCVT needed for AWD is going to be much more powerful overall that towing 2000-4000lb isn't going to be the issue. It's the cost vs. sales forecast. If they make the AWD, how many people will buy it at the price they'd have to sell it at to make it worth while. And also, that's assuming that people buying an AWD hybrid accept the drop in MPG compared to just going with the ecoboost.

Don't assume.

Ford already has the same eCVT AWD drivetrain on the C2 platform in the Escape and the max tow rating is 1,500lbs.

It will be 2,000lbs for the AWD Hybrid Maverick.

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