The Ford Maverick continues to disrupt the pickup market with its compelling combination of utility, efficiency, and value. Central to the Maverick appeal is its diverse engine lineup, carefully tailored to complement each trim level’s intended purpose and target customer. This detailed examination explores how Ford has matched engine options to specific trim levels, creating distinct personalities within the Maverick family while maintaining the compact truck’s core attributes.
XL: The Efficient Foundation
The entry-level Maverick XL establishes the model’s efficiency credentials with the proven Ford 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain as standard equipment. This sophisticated system combines:
- 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine
- 94-kilowatt electric motor
- 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack
- Electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT)
The hybrid system produces a combined 193 kilowatts (259 horsepower) and 249 Newton-metres of torque, delivering impressive fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. This efficiency makes the XL particularly appealing to commercial fleet operators and value-conscious private buyers who prioritize operating costs.
The XL hybrid powertrain comes exclusively with front-wheel drive, providing a payload capacity of 680 kilograms and towing capability of 907 kilograms. These figures satisfy the needs of customers using the Maverick for light-duty hauling and urban utility applications.
The XL trim gains enhanced thermal management for the hybrid system, addressing cold-weather performance concerns raised by first-generation owners. The updated system enables faster cabin heating and more consistent electric operation in sub-zero temperatures.
XLT: Expanded Engine Options
The mid-tier XLT trim represents the heart of the Maverick lineup, offering customers a choice between two distinct engine options:
XLT Hybrid
The XLT continues with the 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain as standard equipment, maintaining the impressive 5.6 L/100 km combined fuel economy. For 2025, the XLT Hybrid introduces a new all-wheel drive option—previously unavailable with the hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid AWD system utilizes a power take-off unit integrated with the electric motor to drive the rear wheels, a different approach from the mechanical AWD system used with the EcoBoost engine. This hybrid-specific AWD system can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels when needed, while automatically disengaging to conserve fuel during steady-state cruising.
The XLT Hybrid AWD configuration slightly reduces payload and fuel efficiency compared to its FWD counterpart:
- Payload capacity: 635 kilograms (down 45 kg from FWD)
- Fuel economy: 6.4 L/100 km combined (versus 5.6 L/100 km for FWD)
- Towing capacity: Increased to 1,134 kilograms (up from 907 kg)
XLT EcoBoost
The XLT trim also offers the Ford 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine as an optional upgrade. This powerplant produces 184 kilowatts (247 horsepower) and 376 Newton-metres of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The EcoBoost engine comes in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations:
XLT EcoBoost FWD:
- Fuel economy: 8.7 L/100 km combined
- Payload: 680 kilograms
- Standard towing: 907 kilograms
- With tow package: 1,814 kilograms
XLT EcoBoost AWD:
- Fuel economy: 9.4 L/100 km combined
- Payload: 635 kilograms
- Standard towing: 907 kilograms
- With tow package: 1,814 kilograms
The XLT EcoBoost receives an updated turbocharger design with an electronic wastegate for more precise boost control, improving both responsiveness and efficiency compared to the previous model year.
Lariat: Premium Power Options
The Lariat trim represents the luxury-oriented offering in the Maverick lineup, with engine options that emphasize refinement and performance while maintaining reasonable efficiency.
Lariat Hybrid
The Lariat Hybrid utilizes the same 2.5-litre hybrid powertrain as lower trims but adds several enhancements focused on refinement:
- Acoustic laminated windshield for reduced powertrain noise
- Additional sound insulation in the dash and floor
- Enhanced active noise cancellation system
- Unique eCVT calibration emphasizing smoothness over sportiness
Like the XLT, the Lariat Hybrid offers both FWD and AWD configurations with identical power outputs and similar efficiency metrics. The Lariat’s added weight from luxury features reduces fuel economy slightly to 5.8 L/100 km combined for FWD models and 6.5 L/100 km for AWD variants.
Lariat EcoBoost
The Lariat EcoBoost represents the most powerful standard configuration in the Maverick lineup. While utilizing the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the XLT, the Lariat receives a unique powertrain calibration that emphasizes premium driving characteristics:
- Altered throttle mapping for smoother initial response
- Transmission programming with less perceptible shifts
- Revised electronic power steering calibration
- Standard remote start with climate pre-conditioning
The Lariat EcoBoost maintains the same power output as other EcoBoost models (184 kW/247 hp), but features unique Sport mode programming that temporarily increases turbocharger boost pressure, providing approximately 10 additional kilowatts for up to 15 seconds during full-throttle acceleration.
Fuel economy for the Lariat EcoBoost mirrors the XLT at 8.7 L/100 km combined for FWD and 9.4 L/100 km for AWD models.
Tremor: Off-Road Specialized Engine Tuning
The Maverick Tremor represents the most off-road capable variant in the lineup, featuring the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with specialized calibrations designed specifically for trail performance.
The exclusive Tremor engine tuning includes:
- Unique throttle mapping optimized for precise low-speed control
- Modified turbocharger boost curve providing more low-end torque
- Revised engine cooling system with higher-capacity radiator
- Heavy-duty transmission oil cooler
- Enhanced engine and transmission mounting for improved durability
While the Tremor utilizes the same 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine found in other Maverick trims, its specialized tuning delivers a distinct torque curve with peak torque available from 1,800 RPM (versus 2,200 RPM in standard EcoBoost models). This lower torque peak improves off-road capability by providing more immediate power delivery at the crawling speeds typically used on difficult terrain.
The Tremor comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and includes a unique “4×4 Lock” mode that maintains a 50/50 front/rear torque split up to 32 km/h. Fuel economy for the Tremor rates at 10.2 L/100 km combined, reflecting the compromises made for off-road performance.
Tremor models include a standard tow package with a maximum capacity of 1,814 kilograms and a reduced payload rating of 590 kilograms due to the additional weight of off-road equipment.
First Edition Package: Powertrain Enhancements
Ford offers a limited First Edition package available on Lariat models, featuring several exclusive powertrain enhancements:
- Active exhaust system with selectable modes (Quiet, Normal, Sport)
- Enhanced engine cooling system
- Unique graphite-colored engine cover
- First Edition-specific digital instrument cluster graphics
- Performance-oriented throttle mapping
Available with either the hybrid or EcoBoost powertrains, the First Edition package doesn’t increase power output but focuses on enhancing the driving experience through sound, responsiveness, and visual distinctions.
Engine Commonalities Across Trims
While each Maverick trim offers unique engine calibrations and features, several powertrain characteristics remain consistent across the lineup:
Hybrid System Architecture
All hybrid-equipped Mavericks utilize the same fundamental architecture:
- 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with 13:1 compression ratio
- 94 kW permanent magnet electric motor
- 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with liquid cooling
- Power-split eCVT transmission
EcoBoost Engine Technology
All 2.0-litre EcoBoost models share these core technologies:
- Direct fuel injection with 200 bar injection pressure
- Twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate
- Dual overhead camshafts with variable timing
- Cast aluminum block with open-deck design
- Integrated exhaust manifold for faster catalyst light-off
Common Fuel Requirements
Regardless of trim level, all Maverick engines are designed to operate on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel, maintaining the vehicle’s value proposition even in premium configurations.
Trim-Specific Engine Performance Metrics
The Maverick engine performance varies subtly across trim levels due to weight differences and calibration choices. Here’s how each configuration performs:
0-100 km/h Acceleration Times:
- XL Hybrid FWD: 7.7 seconds
- XLT Hybrid FWD: 7.8 seconds
- XLT Hybrid AWD: 7.6 seconds
- XLT EcoBoost FWD: 6.4 seconds
- XLT EcoBoost AWD: 6.0 seconds
- Lariat Hybrid FWD: 7.9 seconds
- Lariat Hybrid AWD: 7.7 seconds
- Lariat EcoBoost FWD: 6.5 seconds
- Lariat EcoBoost AWD: 6.1 seconds
- Tremor: 6.3 seconds
Top Speed:
- All Hybrid models: 177 km/h (electronically limited)
- All EcoBoost models: 195 km/h (electronically limited)
- Tremor: 185 km/h (electronically limited)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
- Hybrid models: 53.4 litres
- EcoBoost models: 62.5 litres
Theoretical Range (Combined Cycle):
- XL Hybrid FWD: 954 kilometres
- XLT Hybrid AWD: 834 kilometres
- Lariat EcoBoost AWD: 664 kilometres
- Tremor: 612 kilometres
Engine Maintenance Considerations by Trim
Maintenance requirements vary slightly across the Maverick engine lineup, with specific considerations for each powertrain:
Hybrid Models (All Trims):
- Oil change interval: 16,000 kilometres
- Transmission service: Lifetime fill (no scheduled changes)
- Coolant systems: Dual systems (engine and hybrid) with 240,000 km initial service
- Air filter: 48,000 kilometres
EcoBoost Models (XLT, Lariat):
- Oil change interval: 12,000 kilometres
- Transmission service: 96,000 kilometres
- Coolant system: 160,000 km initial service
- Air filter: 48,000 kilometres
Tremor:
- Oil change interval: 8,000 kilometres (severe duty schedule)
- Transmission service: 80,000 kilometres
- Coolant system: 160,000 km initial service
- Air filter: 24,000 kilometres (due to off-road usage)
2025 Ford Maverick: Strategic Engine Placement
The Ford approach to engine placement across the Maverick lineup demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of their diverse customer base. The standard hybrid powertrain establishes exceptional efficiency as the baseline Maverick characteristic, while strategically positioned EcoBoost options cater to customers requiring additional capability.
Rather than simply restricting premium engines to higher trims, Ford has created a matrix of options that allows customers to select the powertrain that best suits their specific needs, regardless of preferred feature content. This approach democratizes choice within the compact truck segment, allowing budget-conscious buyers to access sophisticated hybrid technology while giving premium customers the option to prioritize efficiency if it aligns with their usage patterns.
As the compact truck segment continues to evolve, the diverse Maverick engine lineup ensures it can address the varied requirements of personal and commercial users while maintaining the efficiency, affordability, and utility that have made it a category-defining product.
