To be or not to be?? 4x4 / FX4 or not??

[CLH917]

I feel like people's expectations for off-roading are too high for the Maverick. The Bronco Sport is arguably best in class for off-road capability and just because it shares the platform doesn't mean it's going to be as good.

For the Maverick, I feel it is safe to bank on doing the things you see Outback's and Foresters doing. The biggest value I see with the FX4 package is honestly the factory recovery points. Vehicle tie down points are not recovery points but can be used in a pinch if no other option is available. There will be aftermarket options available for skid plates and a good set of all-terrain tires and a good driving line is definitely better than the available drive modes that come with the FX4 package. I'm not saying the drive modes are bad but ultimately tires are what connect you to the surface.

If off-road use is the primary goal, the Ranger will vastly outperform the Maverick.

There are numerous things that make the FX4 package worth the few hundred dollars to me. The 6.5” screen, the superior cooling fan and radiator are just a few.

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[JamesHenry]

There are numerous things that make the FX4 package worth the few hundred dollars to me. The 6.5” screen, the superior cooling fan and radiator are just a few.

Shoot, yeah no doubt. I keep on forgetting those come with the package .

 

[CLH917]

Shoot, yeah no doubt. I keep on forgetting those come with the package .

I question, to ME, the value in the Lux package that I added but seem to find the most value for dollar in the FX4 package. Again, everything is different for everyone!

 

[JamesHenry]

Just remember even an Mazda Miata mX5 can make it up Imogen pass

With enough time, patience, and good tires, anything is possible. Plus good tires make all the difference.

I've driven an old CRV off-road, I've driven Subarus off-road, I've driven stock trucks off-road and I've built completely fully bit trail rigs off-road. If you want to really challenge yourself as a driver and push a vehicles to the absolute limit, it can be a lot of fun. Just remember the further you push a vehicle to and past it's ability, the higher the risk of damage.

The sadistic part is that I would personally enjoy driving the Miata off-road over a Jeep or something. There is a lot of joy with putting a vehicle in a spot where it shouldn't go

 

[JamesHenry]

I question, to ME, the value in the Lux package that I added but seem to find the most value for dollar in the FX4 package. Again, everything is different for everyone!

Absolutely! That's the nice thing about the Maverick in my opinion is that its so versatile based on a users needs.

 

[MarcusBrody]

I feel like people's expectations for off-roading are too high for the Maverick. The Bronco Sport is arguably best in class for off-road capability and just because it shares the platform doesn't mean it's going to be as good.

For the Maverick, I feel it is safe to bank on doing the things you see Outback's and Foresters doing. The biggest value I see with the FX4 package is honestly the factory recovery points. Vehicle tie down points are not recovery points but can be used in a pinch if no other option is available. There will be aftermarket options available for skid plates and a good set of all-terrain tires and a good driving line is definitely better than the available drive modes that come with the FX4 package. I'm not saying the drive modes are bad but ultimately tires are what connect you to the surface.

If off-road use is the primary goal, the Ranger will vastly outperform the Maverick.

I think that the Maverick's comparative advantage will be roughish dirt roads. I expect that the Maverick with it's unibody construction and lower CoG will drive better than the Ranger at speed, so for sandy, washboard, somewhat rutted roads, the Maverick will be great fun and possibly better than the Ranger because of driving dynamics. It certainly won't outcrawl it.

AWD is useful for such roads just for starting in looser hills, passing through sandier bits, etc, but you can get along without it if you can keep up speed. I drive many in a Transit Connect and would love the bit of extra clearance and the AWD for sandier parts. With the skid plates and recovery points, the FX4 would be a no brainer for me living where I do now and spending a lot of time on BLM/NPS/Forest service roads in the desert. When I was on the east coast, I rarely missed AWD (though I did have snow tires). There just weren't that many long dirt roads for a rugged but not really off road vehicle to explore. Here there are.

 

[JamesHenry]

I think that the Maverick's comparative advantage will be roughish dirt roads. I expect that the Maverick with it's unibody construction and lower CoG will drive better than the Ranger at speed, so for sandy, washboard, somewhat rutted roads, the Maverick will be great fun and possibly better than the Ranger because of driving dynamics. It certainly won't outcrawl it.

I agree with you completely.

On the topic of driving dynamics -- that is exactly why I opted for it over the Ranger. The MSRP of my Maverick build was nearly $38K. That would get be an "okay" optioned 4WD XLT Crew Cab Ranger so if I wanted more truck capability, I would've opted for it over the Maverick.

With a slight lowering kit, tune, and max performance summer tires, I suspect the Maverick will make a fun little sport truck

 

[notfast]

in my mind i still thinking about put or not the 4x4 and the FX4

If you made it this far without needing AWD, chances are you won't/don't need it. Be realistic with yourself and what you foresee using the vehicle for and where you plan on going.

After having a 4x4 truck for 15 years and a AWD suv for 4 years I realized it’s not really necessary unless your in a state with weather conditions, plan on towing, or going off/road.

Same. I've driven less than 1% of the mileage in every 4x4 I've had in 4H or 4L. I have 4WD as a "get myself unstuck" convenience switch and so that I don't have to chain up in the winter (legal requirement).

the thing I do not like about AWD is when you are stuck, you are stuck. I almost always stayed in 2wH unless crawling then 2wL so if I screwed the pooch I could lock the hubs and walk beside it to get out of my mess.

I'd prefer AWD for that 99% of the driving on the slab, but I agree...since you can't turn it on or off, if you're stuck, you're stuck. I wish more vehicles came with either the Borg-Warner Torque-On-Demand transfer case, or full-time 4WD (lockable center differential).

Have at it, the resell value would be horrendous. I’d never buy a base model truck just to say I have 4x4 unless I knew I was keeping it or needed a work truck.

Also finding one on a dealer's lot will be difficult. Especially with the semiconductor shortage, I read that Ford is using the resources that they have to produce vehicles with higher profit margins (AKA, fancier trim lines).

Wow, if I could get $400 for my set of Pirellis, I might get the Wildpeaks or something else...hmm...

Almost all Discount Tire stores will give you a credit for tires with less than 1000 miles. Doesn't hurt to call up a couple stores around you and ask.

For the Maverick, I feel it is safe to bank on doing the things you see Outback's and Foresters doing.

I agree 110% !

The biggest value I see with the FX4 package is honestly the factory recovery points. Vehicle tie down points are not recovery points but can be used in a pinch if no other option is available.

I wouldn't put too much value on the tow hooks. They are certainly better than not having any at all, especially since they are easily-reachable. But if you're truly good 'n stuck, you're better off using a soft bridle with J-hooks on the lower control arms or subframe assembly.


If you just need to get unstuck and don't need to be flat-towed somewhere, it's usually easier to pull the vehicle out the way it went in. Unless you were backing in a boat or otherwise reversing into something, if you ordered the trailer hitch option, a hitch-mounted D-ring is the ticket to pluck out the vehicle.

https://harborfreight.com/2-in-hitch-mounted-d-ring-shackle-57255.html

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