Which 2025 Ford Maverick is Best: Hybrid AWD or Lobo Street Truck? We Drove Them Both

Many California drivers, like those elsewhere, choose smaller compact sedans for daily driving because they are easier to manage, use less fuel and are affordable. That seems to have been the formula for the Ford Maverick, too: a car-like feel, good MPG and easy on the budget. That formula made the Maverick a hot seller, especially those who wanted a hybrid for even better MPG. 

But you can’t please all the people all the time, and Maverick buyers begged for one more thing: All wheel drive in the hybrid. So, for 2025, Ford obliged and now the Maverick is everything a pickup truck can be except big—that’s still left to the Ranger and F-150.

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Last Spring we got a sneak peek at the 2025 Ford Maverick. It’s been updated with new details and features but the big news is that it now is available in AWD across the lineup, meaning that all but the entry-level Hybrid models can also be had with AWD and a tow package. It’s still offered in two engine types: a 2.0L Ecoboost engine that generates 250 HP and a 2.5L hybrid that delivers 191 HP. We drove both on our test drive.

Also new for 2025 is the larger center screen with enhanced SYNC and “Hello Ford”voice activated assistance. Just turn on the wake word in the vehicle settings and it’s there to take care of a lot of things for you. Not all systems are equipped with navigation to keep the price down, but all models do come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you’ll have maps on the system even without built-in navigation.

The XLT model adds the option of an off road package with skid plates, tow hooks, all terrain tires, hill descent control, performance suspension and off-road drive mode, all for the tidy little sum of $800. Other models, including Lariat and Tremor, offer some of those features, too. 

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On our test drive we drove the 191 HP hybrid model (rear seat, above) from the city into the rainy countryside and I really appreciated the AWD; the Maverick was very capable, hugging the road and keeping pace with traffic despite having the rather lightweight empty truck bed over the rear wheels giving it less weighted traction. To be honest, I never felt like I was driving a truck at all, even when backing or making a tight u-turn. But that’s one of the nice things about the Maverick: its size gives it all sorts of flexibility that a larger truck doesn’t afford. 

I did also love the hybrid’s EV-like features: A brake coach icon that lights up when you brake efficiently enough to send power back into the battery, and a brake hold function that holds the car in place after you’ve come to a full stop; the 2.0L Maverick (non hybrid) models didn’t feature that system and I really missed it.

And, drivers should expect to get about 40MPG. In a pickup truck with AWD. That’s almost an oxymoron, since pickup trucks are known for getting poor fuel economy. 

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I was really surprised that I liked the style of the Lobo model, a street truck that rides an inch lower in the rear than other Maverick models, carries only the more powerful 2.0L engine and features a lot of street style details.

For such a small truck the 2.0L engine producing 250 HP was more than ample; it felt powerful and confident on the road, and even more capable on rainy, curvy roads. 

Inside, the Lobo model is nicely optioned with a few pampering touches, like leatherette seating and a wireless phone charger. But the thing that really got me were the 19” monoblock wheels (abvoe). Paired with the lower ground clearance, the overall look is just so cool. Not “tricky” at all, but sporty and cool. And I loved it.

To keep the Ford Maverick affordable, Ford adds quite a few features at each trim level, offers several option packages and a slew of dealer-installed options. The packaging puts a value on the hybrid option, AWD and towing; the 2.0L engine can tow up to 4,000 lbs. and the hybrid can tow up to 3,000 lbs. 

Add to that up to 1,500 lbs. of payload and its really a capable truck for light duty: Think towing watercraft, dirt bikes or a light camper. And once you’ve deposited your trailer at the lake or campsite, you can head out to dinner in the Maverick and feel completely comfortable on the road. 

• Entry level Ford Maverick XL, with a choice of the 2.0L Ecoboost engine that generates 250 HP or the 2.5L hybrid that generates 191 HP and gets about 40 MPG, with 17” wheels, 13” touchscreen with SYNC 4 with voice-activated “Hello Ford” voice assistance manual-adjust cloth seats, 2 USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote key, Ford Pass, cruise control, rear under-seat storage bins, bed tie-downs, cargo area light, pre-collision assistance, automatic high beam headlights and lots of options including AWD and a tow package, starts at $26,995
• Maverick XLT adds a trailer hitch, power mirrors, rear seat arm rest, more options including an off-road package, a power outlet in the truck bed and a luxury package, starts at $29,495
• Ford Maverick Lobo, which is only available in the 2.0L Ecoboost engine, has 19” monoblock wheels, adaptive cruise control, leatherette seating, power front seats, LED headlights, Co-Pilot 360 driver assistance and a 1” lower ride height but is not offered with off-road and tow options, starts at $35,255
• Ford Maverick Lariat is offered with AWD standard, 19” wheels, wiles charge pad, power outlet in the bed and rear console, adaptive cruise control, smart key with remote start, ambient lighting, premium sound, surround view camera, pro-trailer hitch assist, pro-back up assist, as well as lots of options, starts at $37,290
• Ford Maverick Tremor,  which is only available in the 2.0L Ecoboost with AWD, adds off-road suspension, trail control, an elevated ride height, pro-trailer hitch assist, pro-back up assist, all terrain tires, skid plates and tow hooks, starts at $40,350
• AWD is $2,200 if not included standard
• Tow package includes the trailer brake controller and a class III receiver and is $475

• The city-sized drivability 
• Hybrid available on most models
• AWD available on all models
• Pricing structured to maintain affordability 
• Voice activated assistance 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4,000 lbs. tow capacity (3,000 lbs. in the hybrid)
• Under seat storage bins in the rear
• The new front grille
• The badass look and feel of the Lobo edition
• The clever look and feel of the interior, which is designed to be basic without looking basic

• To keep the price low Ford took a surgical approach to standard features; adding features can quickly increase the price 
• Many popular features are optional add-ons 
• Hybrid is not available on Lobo or Tremor
• The rear seat is on the small side
• Rear facing child car seats may not fit with two average height front seat passengers
• There is no leatherette option on the XLT model; otherwise this would be the perfect trim

The model I’d buy? It’s a hard choice honestly. I love the fuel economy of the hybrid model, but the Lobo is stylish and feels great. I also liked the more powerful engine for zipping around the city and mountainous roads.

If I were buying this truck for fun and occasional treks to the home improvement store or a weekend in the country, the Lobo would be perfect. But for a daily driver or light-duty work truck, I’d go for the Lariat hybrid; there’s nothing as liberating as getting 40 MPG and brake hold, which is a saving grace in city traffic.