No FX4 on AWD Hybrid?

[Thamnophis]

I’ve been waiting for the possible AWD hybrid since the Maverick was released, but now that it’s out I was disappointed to learn that there’s no FX4 package available for it.

Here’s my situation: I’m a wildlife biologist that drives on uneven terrain, narrow unpaved roads and steep grades. I drive in mud and wet conditions, too. No rock crawling, but plenty of off roading. However, I typically drive 100+ miles on freeway per day getting from different work sites. I currently drive an older v6 AWD RAV4 (with skid plate) which meets needs great… just no bed and it’s nearing life expectancy. The idea of a rugged little truck with fuel economy was ideal, but now I’m torn with what Maverick to buy. I’m wondering if the FX4 package is necessary for my line of work. The tremor is a possibility, but the fuel economy is a bummer.

Risk it with a Hybrid AWD or go with a FX4 Eco boost?

Thank you for any information and perspective you can provide!

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[Nw_adventure]

I think the most important thing would be an metal skid place on the hybrid along with some AT/Tires -

 

[Tbone289]

Another option is to buy a hybrid AWD and put an aftermarket skid plate on it.

https://www.rival4x4usa.com/product...ord-maverick-including-hybrid-except-tremor-1

 

[RickG]

Given you drive on uneven terrain that may be unpredictable I think the XLT with FX4 or the Tremor would be best.

 

[Scupking]

It will probably be able to handle it's own with some good AT tires!

 

[bgn]

As an FX4 owner that's off the beaten path quite a bit (easily over 1500 miles with my Maverick), I'd say go through the FX4 feature list and see what you really need to see if you can recreate it with aftermarket parts.

The skid plate is the obvious one. But the FX4 also has a metal plate under the evap canister, which the regular AWD doesn't (dunno if this is the case for 2025). So keep that in mind. You may want or need a separate plate for that. There are some options, but not many, and it may take even longer for the 2025s if the current ones don't fit.

 

[Waterick]

If the RAV4 served your needs I think an FX/4 or Tremor would be overkill. The aforementioned upgrades would be a good idea, however.

 

[G5892]

This would’ve sealed an order from me. Fx4 hybrid or tremor hybrid

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Isn't there a battery pack under the floor? Maybe no off-road version to minimize the chance of damage?

HRG

 

[Phimosis]

One repeating theme that I have seen in youtube video reviews on AWD crossover suv's is that when offroading, CVT's usually have inferior crawl ratios compared to conventional automatics and they tend to overheat when repeatedly stalled, such as when climbing over large rocks on an incline. For example, the maverick with 4k tow, fx4 or tremor package has 3.81 final gearing and a 17.9:1 crawl ratio. And it has no problem with you bringing it up to stall and just standing on the throttle until the turbo spools up and the tires spin. On the other hand, Subaru Outback's with CVT's have a 14.3:1 crawl ratio and if the tires come to a stop while you're on the throttle, you only have a about 1 second of trying to get the tires to spin before the computer cuts power. A lot of subaru cvt owners are unhappy with the offroad performance becuase of this power-cut issue. It may be that Ford had similar problems in testing, trying to offroad the awd hybrid cvt, but they didn't see those problems in on-road testing while towing, so they allowed the cvt to be rated for 4k towing, but not for the fx4 off-road package. My guess is that if you leave the AWD hybrid at stock height (which means you won't even be attempting larger obstacles) and you leave the stock tires on it, it will perform pretty well offroad. But, if you put larger tires and some lift on it, that will likely be where the problems with the CVT start to become apparent and where the ecoboost with conventional auto will start to really outperform the CVT. Also, if you do go with the AWD hybrid, I would recommend getting the 4k towing package, becuase it has the larger radiator, larger engine fan and larger transmission cooler that are required with the FX4 package.

 

[outothswrld]

Not sure if you’re still considering an AWD Hybrid, but for what it’s worth I’ve had mine since September and absolutely LOVE it. The fuel savings is incredible and the fact this little truck has a substantial payload and towing capacity is a no brainer. Like yourself, I too would’ve liked the FX4 package, but by adding some AT tires, a skid plate, and a few other choice upgrades I have no doubt you’ll be happy. All the videos and reviews I saw prior to purchasing it reinforced that it‘s AWD and towing capacity are more than capable off road and even in the snow.

 

[Maverick2022XL]

No, you'd be better off with a Tremor build unless it's out of your price range for that type of off roading. Unless the majority of driving is in the city you aren't going to save as much on gas as you think with a hybrid.

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