Maverick vs Fathom: What Makes You Switch?

[Prickly Pear]

I thought my Mav would be the last vehicle I bought (for me to drive) unless it got totaled (and I didn't). If there was an electric version or even a PHEV I would have bought one in lieu of the hybrid. We recentrly bought a Chevy Bolt for my wife and I would drive it 99% of the time if she would let me. If I can get a decent price for my '24 when the Fathom goes on sale I'm all in.

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[Mavster Mechanic]

I'd tend to agree about the PHEV: With increasing demand on the power grid from EVs and AI Data Server Farms, I think there's a growing risk of power shortages or major increases in electricity costs. Having an EV that can also run on gas if needed makes sense in that context. The downside of PHEVs is their complexity and current reliability issues.

Fun Fact:

Most new data centers will be "off grid" powered. They are burning diesel and other fuels jacking up your prices at the pump but not overloading the grid. They also will be incentivized to use renewables.

 

[Aleks]

I'd tend to agree about the PHEV: With increasing demand on the power grid from EVs and AI Data Server Farms, I think there's a growing risk of power shortages or major increases in electricity costs. Having an EV that can also run on gas if needed makes sense in that context. The downside of PHEVs is their complexity and current reliability issues.

I do think EV is the future, but PHEV is the middle man that's needed to warm up the masses. The US is massive and most of the world underestimates it ... it's not uncommon for me to drive what is essentially the width of the UK in a work day, so range anxiety is very real.

For me I would much rather buy a PHEV with an 80mi ev range/ICE, than I would a 200-250mi ev only.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Currently:

3% of data centers are fully off-grid "islands".

"While traditional data centers rely entirely on local utility grids, grid connection delays and AI-driven power demands have shifted future planning: roughly one in four to one-third of planned or upcoming capacity is exploring or scheduling off-grid/behind-the-meter power generation (such as dedicated natural gas or nuclear microreactors) by 2030."

 

[notfast]

Part of the reason being an early adopter sucks, because both of those are solved on a 25+

The fathom looks like it checks a lot of boxes, and I hope it's successful so I can get one someday, but it certainly won't be the first model year, ESPECIALLY on a new category entry.

Same. I was going to preorder a Maverick back in '21 but held off. My experience with Ford has taught me to, if at all possible, wait for the midcycle refresh. Which I'm glad I did for the Maverick. The XL hybrid 4K tow has everything I need and want with nothing on top, down to the backup sensors, BLIS, power mirrors, and automatic climate control.

I'm definitely interested in the Fathom and, if it gets 300+ miles on a charge, I'd be open to getting one in 6-8 years, which will likely put it into its midcycle refresh.

 

[Aleks]

Currently:

3% of data centers are fully off-grid "islands".

"While traditional data centers rely entirely on local utility grids, grid connection delays and AI-driven power demands have shifted future planning: roughly one in four to one-third of planned or upcoming capacity is exploring or scheduling off-grid/behind-the-meter power generation (such as dedicated natural gas or nuclear microreactors) by 2030."

Good luck to texas in its desire to be an ai data center mecca -- with it's electrical grid held together by thoughts and prayers.

 

[commadorebob]

I'm probably the only person not interested in a midgate. Honestly, if that comes standard, I would likely pass.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Same. I was going to preorder a Maverick back in '21 but held off. My experience with Ford has taught me to, if at all possible, wait for the midcycle refresh. Which I'm glad I did for the Maverick. The XL hybrid 4K tow has everything I need and want with nothing on top, down to the backup sensors, BLIS, power mirrors, and automatic climate control.

I'm definitely interested in the Fathom and, if it gets 300+ miles on a charge, I'd be open to getting one in 6-8 years, which will likely put it into its midcycle refresh.

Exclude the AWD and my 2022 has everything you describe and more.
For $27k for a XLT Hybrid with Luxury package.

Plus I got three years more enjoyment out of it and 1.9%(36) 2.9%(48) 3.9% (60) financing available at the time.

Not sure your point is a point.
More of a preference.

No major issues with the 2022's.
Just annoyances like 12v batteries prematurely discharging. But that has fixes now.

 

[Bdesign]

You're sure Ford will offer a new station wagon?

Yes, I think they are expanding model lines- Mustang, Maverick. I would like to see a "sport-wagon"variant, Lobo aesthetics and handling.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I'm probably the only person not interested in a midgate. Honestly, if that comes standard, I would likely pass.

Agreed
I consider the mid-gate a gimmick.
Just another area that can be prone to leak.
Chevy Avalanche had a problem with leaks on their midgate. Giving folk something else to bitch about.

 

[Blue_Max]

Yes, I think they are expanding model lines- Mustang, Maverick. I would like to see a "sport-wagon"variant, Lobo aesthetics and handling.

What we would like to see and what manufacturers offer are two very different things. Ford's last wagon in the US was, what, a Focus?

 

[Cherokee]

Sure. But who got a better value: a Maverick early adopter or someone buying a 2025 for $8-10k more? I don't think I'd replace my Maverick with an identical 2026 for such a price increase

My 2026 Tremor is worlds above my 2024 Eco Lariat.
As far as the all Electric Fathom,
Gas is cheap right now $4.59 for 93 octane near me.
I’ll pass until I can put 400 miles worth of electrons in in less than five minutes, just like gas.

Or when gas crosses six or seven bucks a gallon.

 

[commadorebob]

What we would like to see and what manufacturers offer are two very different things. Ford's last wagon in the US was, what, a Focus?

The Explorer is pretty close to a wagon nowadays.

 

[OneHappyTremor]

If the Fathom costs less or even equal to the Maverick, is significantly quicker 0-60 & 1/4 mile (I’man old school fun drags guy), proves to be a reliable and quiet EV (which it should be…), and I can either sell my ‘23 Tremor or trade-in for an acceptable figure, than I think I might change my position about my Mav being my last new vehicle purchase. But like others here have commented, let’s see what and how the Fathom turns out to be.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

O

What I REALLY would want and would get me to trade in, is a plug in hybrid maverick... same exact thing except a 50-80mi ev only range that I can plug into an outlet to charge overnight, but don't need to.

Or maybe an Electric drivetrain with a range extender (onboard integrated gasoline fueled generator to charge the batteries).
Most drivers rarely go more than 100 miles a day, but during the course of the year there will be several times when they will. EV makes the most sense economically for typical use, but those times when you need to go on a roadtrip the RE (range extender) helps to eliminate long recharge times, making the vehicle about the same as an ICE drivetrain in practicality for long drives.

haven't heard anything about an RE being an option for the Fathom. If it is, there's no worry or hand-wringing about whether it will work for a roadtrip to Wally World or not.

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