I’ve been driving a big F150 for years and a Silverado before that. Thinking about switching to a Transit van in a couple of years but want a smaller truck for local driving that’s easier to park and gets better gas mileage. I’ve narrowed it down to the Maverick, but can’t decide between the 2025 Hybrid AWD or the 2024 EcoBoost AWD. I’m looking at the Lariat package with AWD and tow options. Not in a rush, so I could go either way. Gas mileage on the hybrid is tempting, but I want to enjoy driving it. So, which one is more fun? Which is better for city driving, mountain roads, and highway trips?
Hybrid drives super smooth.
Alexander said:
Hybrid drives super smooth.
Especially with the regen braking in city and mountain driving.
I think the EcoBoost is more fun. It has a lot more power than the hybrid, especially on the highway. Great for passing, and the MPG can surprise you on longer trips. Around town, especially in Sport mode, it’s a little rocket, but it does suck gas in city driving. I get around 27-28 MPG overall, but it drops to low 20s when I mostly drive in town.
@Hadley
Yep, my mileage also tanked when I started driving mostly short trips around town. Went from 25 MPG to 19.9. Trying hard to push it back up to 20.
Hybrid all day. Skipping the gas station for months is the best part.
I’ve had both. I was all about the EcoBoost at first, but the hybrid is really growing on me. Sport mode in the hybrid is pretty solid; I don’t miss my 2.0 anymore.
JessicaRayson said:
I’ve had both. I was all about the EcoBoost at first, but the hybrid is really growing on me. Sport mode in the hybrid is pretty solid; I don’t miss my 2.0 anymore.
I always forget Sport mode exists!
The EcoBoost feels sportier, especially with its independent suspension.
Baker said:
The EcoBoost feels sportier, especially with its independent suspension.
The hybrid AWD will also have independent suspension since it’s AWD.
Baker said:
The EcoBoost feels sportier, especially with its independent suspension.
The hybrid AWD will also have independent suspension since it’s AWD.
I figured the EcoBoost was more common on lots right now since the 2025 models aren’t out yet.
EcoBoost feels like a peppy little turbo SUV. Fun and quick. The hybrid is super smooth with great torque and the best AC I’ve ever felt. Depends on what you’re after.
I drove an EcoBoost before getting a Hybrid XL. Honestly, they felt pretty similar. EcoBoost has that start-stop feature, but it can be turned off. If you can, test drive both. Might help you decide.
Norris said:
I drove an EcoBoost before getting a Hybrid XL. Honestly, they felt pretty similar. EcoBoost has that start-stop feature, but it can be turned off. If you can, test drive both. Might help you decide.
I tried out a hybrid a few months ago. I think I’ll try the EcoBoost to see the difference. After 20+ years of V8 trucks, both are a big change.
EcoBoost is the better drive, especially in sport mode, but if you’re chasing MPG, go hybrid.
This is giving you mixed signals! My vote is hybrid, especially based on what you said. It’s a great second vehicle—good on gas, useful with the bed, and pretty smooth. Perfect combo.
I get 450-550 miles per tank in my hybrid and fill up for under $40. If I was buying again, I’d go for the 2025 Hybrid AWD. For most people, a Maverick or Ranger is all you need.
Hybrid in sport mode feels surprisingly close to the EcoBoost. Haven’t driven the AWD hybrid yet, but it should feel even better.
The hybrid with eCVT is just so smooth.
EcoBoost is the better experience unless all you care about is MPG.