Possibly why there's no Hybrid AWD (for now)

[mav_can]

Not exactly. Yes, slip is involved, but Anytime you have a transverse mounted motor in a FWD vehicle - you have torque steer. No way it can be totally eliminated due to configuration. Engineers have developed some tricks and mitigations to lessen the effect so most people don't notice it, but not SOLVED it with equal length half shafts (though that is 1 of the most effective mitigations). Do we know for a fact Maverick has equal length shafts? Not a trick question, I don't know myself. Here's a wiki on the topic and a relevant paragraph:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_steer

"Torque steer is the unintended influence of engine torque on the steering, especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles. For example, during heavy acceleration, the steering may pull to one side, which may be disturbing to the driver. The effect is manifested either as a tugging sensation in the steering wheel, or a veering of the vehicle from the intended path. Torque steer is directly related to differences in the forces in the contact patches of the left and right drive wheels. The effect becomes more evident when high torques are applied to the drive wheels either because of a high overall reduction ratio between the engine and wheels,[1] high engine torque, or some combination of the two."

Here's a good explainer article that's more technical and current:

https://www.aa1car.com/library/torque_steer.htm

Some highlights- and a special note on "safe" HP which may be relevant for Maverick hybrid...

"Torque steer is the annoying tendency of a front-wheel drive car to pull to one side during hard acceleration. The problem they say, is caused by an "imbalance" in the distribution of power to the front wheels. So what does that mean, and what can you do about it?

It means torque steer is an inherent though undesirable characteristic of front-wheel drive. Its causes are complex but it can be cured.

An obvious cure for the traction problem would be to use a limited slip differential in the transaxle. Yet except for a few high end FWD cars, limited slip differentials are not available as a factory option on most FWD cars. The reason why limited slip differentials have not been offered to date is because engineers have intentionally held horsepower ratings within "safe" limits. Safe, in this case, meaning both what the transaxle and typical driver are capable of handling. The current limit is somewhere around 175 to 200 horsepower.

A locked differential can't be used with FWD because of the adverse effects it would have on steering control. But a "soft" limited slip such as the silicone clutch pack Ford uses in the European Escort or a worm gear arrangement (like a Torsen differential in a Neon SRT) are the best choice for transaxle applications."

So my takeaways from this are the only proven way to eliminate FWD torque steer completely is longitudinal engine position and AWD like Subaru as mentioned in 1 article. Admittedly I don't know exactly how Subaru's AWD system works (If it's normally FWD biased?) and the 2nd best "cure" is AWD that can send some of the power to rear end if slip detected in front wheels.

The fact Maverick Eco 2.0 is rated at 250hp and has a turbo made me select AWD to mitigate any torque steer as much as possible and help with towing by adding 4k package and more confidence in all weather conditions. Others may come to a different conclusion and choice.

I appreciate your explainer of torque steer. However I’m actually very familiar with it and the mechanics of how it works. Yes, the Maverick may have some. I’ve had it on a BMW X1 loaner because those are FWD now and they electronically manipulate the steering wheel to the left to try to hide it, but it was noticeable to me and very annoying. That prompted me to really research it.

Anyway, all I’m saying is AWD will not make a difference on the Maverick (and as I’ll explain later, any FWD based AWD system which is most) precisely because slip is not involved. The Maverick’s part time AWD, and most AWD systems, only engage after slip is detected. I couldn’t find any mention of AWD or Subaru in the article you linked. YES, torque steer is an inherent characteristic of FWD cars but you need to look at RWD to mitigate it not AWD.

There are many types of AWD but they can generally be put into three camps. FWD-biased (Maverick, Escape, rule of thumb any non “sports” car has this), RWD-biased (BMW xDrive, the majority of “sports” AWD), and Symmetric (very rare these days, I believe only Subaru is still doing it).

FWD-biased AWD: Transverse mounted. Yes torque steer
RWD-biased AWD: Longitudinally mounted. No torque steer
Symmetrical AWD: Could go either way. Torque steer dependent on implementation and packaging.

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[fbov]

Not exactly. ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_steer

"Torque steer...two."

Foolish to include a link that proves the other guy's point. You stopped early. The quote continues...
"Root causes for torque steer are:[2]

• Incorrect sidewall ply design allowing deformation of the tire sidewall.[3]
• Asymmetric driveshaft angles due to any combination of
  • Unequal driveshaft length or diameter
  • Transient movement of the engine
  • Tolerances in engine mounts
  • Body roll
  • Single wheel bump
• Different driveshaft torques left to right (due to wheel bearing or differential problems)
• Suspension geometry
  • Large scrub radius
  • Worn control arm bushings
• Unequal traction forces due to road surface (μ-Split) in combination with kingpin offset

The problems associated with unequal length driveshafts is endemic to the transverse engine layout combined with an end mounted transmission unit ..."

My Ford hybrids are well designed, with the diff in the middle. That mitigates transverse issues.

Your argument is based on issues applying high torque. That's a generic issue regardless the driveline design. As I said, RWD does it too. Power won't cause torque steer in a properly designed FWD system until you're spinning your wheels... That's the only time I felt it in the C-Max. Deep snalt helped.

Thankfully, there are fewer boy-racers out there these days.

... Maverick’s part time AWD, and most AWD systems, only engage after slip is detected ...

This is true of Ford's AWD systems; you'll likely get a neat little display showing you "power flows." All I'll say is that Ford's AWD is very sensitive and it will have been working for a while before you notice any sort of slippage. It's always on when starting from a stop; stop-light racers need do nothing to get max traction.

 

[Wire4money]

All the front wheel based awd vehicles I’ve owned start out with the rear wheels engaged to prevent torque steer. The most recent one I’ve had was a 2014 crv. It described this characteristic in the owners manual.

 

[Naranjita]

I fully agree... I lived in Northern Nevada for 20 years and never needed 4WD or AWD even though many claimed I did; Moved to CT 2 years ago and drive route 6 or I84 to and from work. There is a reason there are so many FWD vehicles on the roads in CT, NV, etc...

I lived in Northern Nevada 16 years. It all depends on what you do. Where you go. If you commute to Lake Tahoe like I did, AWD/4WD was necessary many days if you were going to make it to work. You live up a grade, and you want to make it home (like the back of Caughlin Ranch), you're gonna want AWD/4WD. I have also done FWD and studded tires. Less desirable, but manageable.

Some people can even make it in Northern Nevada riding a bike or walking. It just depends on your specific uses and needs and skills.

 

[mav_can]

I’m really enjoying the discussion thanks everyone for contributing. I definitely learned something new about Ford’s and other FWD-biased AWD engaging the rear wheels at acceleration. Very simple and easy to accomplish but makes a big difference for 0-60 traction.

 

[vezpa]

So many buyers are hell bent on getting AWD, but in most of the country you really don't need it, even where it snows. But in reality, most people just stay home until the next day when the roads are plowed.

Huh? Must be nice. I'm required to be at work. Good luck telling them your brand new truck is FWD only.

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[atomguy245]

Huh? Must be nice. I'm required to be at work. Good luck telling them your brand new truck is FWD only.

.

IDK, in my state if the snow is going to be that bad most workplaces just close until the roads are plowed. Yeah if you work at a hospital or something you'd need to get there, but then you're probably buying something more capable that a car based AWD vehicle anyway. Very few people are actually out and about during a heavy snowstorm or on unplowed roads.

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