2025 Maverick Adds AWD Hybrid, Modern Infotainment

Ford's release detailing the mild updates to its littlest pickup, the Maverick, describes it as "the truck Americans never knew they needed." We'd like to give our fellow citizens a bit more credit than that. Americans' need for affordable vehicles that are comfortable to drive and easy on gas was (and is) all too obvious-though, when Maverick arrived three years ago, we had not imagined such a vehicle would come with a bed.

Without further ado, let's discuss the changes Ford has made to the tiny truck that meets so many needs.

The driveline of the base model remains a hybrid 2.5-liter engine powering the front wheels through a CVT, a combination capable of 42 mpg and able to tow 2000 pounds. Horsepower is 191 and torque 155 lb-ft. (The gruntier engine remains the two-liter EcoBoost-238 hp, 278 lb-ft-which works with an eight-speed auto.)

Aesthetically, the Maverick gets a new face with headlights that are now filled with LED high-beam bulbs and covered with smoked lenses.

The largest changes shared by all 2025 Mavericks are found inside. The Sync 3 infotainment system, now eight years old, yields to the current Sync 4 system. The newer system is cloud-based, so it supports over-the-air software updates via a 5G modem, and has twice the computing power of Sync 3. You also get access to Alexa Built-In, which is available for a free three-year trial period. Sync 4 supports CarPlay and Android Auto via Bluetooth, rather than a physical cord. (It doesn't sound like the wireless charging pad is standard, so keep in mind that you may still have to bring a cord to charge your phone.) The updated system runs on a range of larger touchscreens: 13.2, rather than 8, inches from corner to corner. With the change in infotainment system, the truck also ditches a physical owner's manual for a digital one.

A 360-degree camera is also new for 2025, and the larger screen allows you to see two angles at one time: what's in front of or behind you, and what's all around you, with an overhead view of your vehicle.

All this new standard kit comes with a significant change in base price: The XL trim, the one with the steelies, has a base price of $27,890 (destination included), an increase of $2675 over the 2024 model year truck.

If you are on a tight budget, and love the Maverick primarily for its simplicity and affordability, you're best served by a 2024 model, with its smaller screen and "plug and CarPlay" (I just made that up, you're welcome.) As detailed below, you do give up a few interior color options and some nifty tow-assist systems, but the latter require that you pay extra. Save money, get the older one.

The best argument for the 2025 Maverick? The addition of an all-wheel-drive, hybrid model, which targets 40 mpg in the city. (The 50 percent of Maverick owners who like to tow with their trucklet should note that the tow package, which increases capacity from 2000 to 4000 pounds, is optional.) You can order any trim level with the hybrid AWD system now, as long as it isn't the off-road-oriented Tremor (read our review of the 2023 Maverick Tremor here).

If you have the cash to splash on a higher trim, you'll be delighted at the upscale options available on the 2025 Maverick. The gray and blue interior on the XLT now flaunts Grabber Blue accents. Lariat gets a whole new theme: Smoke Truffle with bronze accents. That trim also gets new 19-inch wheels. If you like black, you can black-out the grille, roof, exterior badges, and wheels of your Mav with an available Black Package. Lariat and Tremor now get standard adaptive cruise control that can manage the car in stop-and-go traffic and keep you centered in your lane no matter what your speed.

Lariat and Tremor also come standard with two bits of trailering help: Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, which allows the truck to line up its hitch with the trailer coupler by itself, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which will point the trailer in the direction you want when reversing.

Orders open today, and deliveries are "expected to begin" in late 2024. We know how that went with the first Maverick, but with the little truck's popularity established and supply chains closer to normal, hopefully this revision will meet demand from the get-go.