The Ford Maverick has redefined expectations for compact pickup trucks since its introduction, offering surprising capability in a right-sized package. Ford has refined and expanded the Maverick powertrain lineup, delivering enhanced performance, improved efficiency, and increased versatility. Let’s look at the Ford Maverick powertrain options, highlighting the technological advancements, performance specifications, and real-world capabilities that position this compact pickup at the forefront of its segment.

Standard Hybrid Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Capability

The Maverick continues the Ford commitment to electrification by offering an enhanced version of its standard hybrid powertrain. This system combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Together, they produce a combined 193 kilowatts (259 horsepower) and 249 Newton-metres (184 lb-ft) of torque.

The hybrid system incorporates a lithium-ion battery pack with 1.1 kilowatt-hour capacity, positioned beneath the rear seats to preserve cabin and cargo space. This strategic placement maintains the practical interior while providing the weight distribution benefits of a mid-vehicle battery location.

Ford engineers have refined the hybrid system’s power delivery, with a particular focus on low-end torque response and seamless transitions between electric and combustion power. The system now features enhanced regenerative braking capability, recovering up to 94% of kinetic energy during deceleration. This improvement contributes to the Maverick Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy ratings of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres (46 MPG) in city driving and 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres (37 MPG) on the highway.

The hybrid powertrain employs a sophisticated thermal management system that maintains optimal battery temperature across a wider range of ambient conditions. This enhancement improves cold-weather performance and battery longevity, addressing feedback from first-generation Maverick owners in northern climates.

EcoBoost Powertrain: Turbocharged Performance

For drivers prioritizing performance and maximum towing capability, the Maverick offers an updated 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged powerplant delivers 184 kilowatts (247 horsepower) and 376 Newton-metres (277 lb-ft) of torque, providing authoritative acceleration and robust hauling capability.

The EcoBoost engine benefits from several technical refinements, including:

• Revised direct fuel injection system with seven-hole injectors for improved atomization
• Enhanced turbocharger with electric wastegate for more precise boost control
• Updated cylinder head design with optimized cooling passages
• Variable displacement oil pump that reduces parasitic losses
• Integrated exhaust manifold for faster catalyst light-off and reduced emissions

These improvements result in not only enhanced performance but also improved fuel efficiency, with the EcoBoost Maverick achieving 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres (27 MPG) in combined driving with front-wheel drive.

The EcoBoost powertrain comes standard with the Ford 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides more responsive downshifts and smoother operation in urban driving conditions. This transmission features a wider ratio spread than typical in the segment, with a numerically higher first gear (4.69:1) for improved launch performance and a fuel-efficient overdrive eighth gear (0.63:1) for relaxed highway cruising.

All-Wheel Drive System: Enhanced Capability

Both the hybrid and EcoBoost powertrains are available with an intelligent all-wheel drive system, representing a significant upgrade from the previous generation, where AWD was limited to the EcoBoost variant. The hybrid AWD system features a distinct architecture compared to its EcoBoost counterpart, utilizing a power take-off unit from the electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

The EcoBoost AWD system retains its mechanical design but receives enhancements, including:

• Faster-acting electronically controlled coupling for improved traction response
• Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand)
• Advanced torque vectoring that can send up to 100% of available rear torque to either wheel
• Trail Control system that functions as low-speed cruise control for off-road conditions

These systems can distribute up to 50% of engine torque to the rear axle in demanding conditions, enhancing the Maverick capability in adverse weather and light off-road situations while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. The AWD system adds approximately 80 kilograms (176 pounds) to the vehicle’s weight and reduces fuel economy by about 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres (2 MPG) in combined driving.

Tremor Off-Road Package: Specialized Powertrain Tuning

The Maverick Tremor represents the pinnacle of the model’s off-road capability, featuring exclusive powertrain calibrations designed for trail performance. Available only with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive, the Tremor package includes:

• Advanced 4×4 system with twin-clutch rear drive unit for true torque vectoring
• 25 mm increased ground clearance, providing 249 mm (9.8 inches) total
• Unique transmission and throttle mapping optimized for low-speed control
• Trail Control with five selectable terrain modes
• Enhanced cooling system with higher-capacity radiator
• Heavy-duty transmission cooler

The Tremor’s specialized drivetrain enables a feature Ford calls “Trail Turn Assist,” which can brake the inside rear wheel during tight turns to reduce the turning radius by up to 20%, facilitating navigation of tight trails. This system works in conjunction with the electronic power steering system, which features off-road-specific calibration.

Performance Specifications and Capabilities

The Maverick offers impressive performance metrics across its powertrain lineup:

Acceleration (0-100 km/h)

• Hybrid FWD: 7.8 seconds
• Hybrid AWD: 7.6 seconds
• 2.0L EcoBoost FWD: 6.4 seconds
• 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: 6.0 seconds
• Tremor: 6.3 seconds

Towing Capacity

• Hybrid FWD: 907 kg (2,000 lbs) standard
• Hybrid AWD: 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) standard
• 2.0L EcoBoost: 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) with optional tow package
• Tremor: 1,814 kg (4,000 lbs) standard

Payload Capacity

• Hybrid FWD: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
• Hybrid AWD: 635 kg (1,400 lbs)
• 2.0L EcoBoost FWD: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
• 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: 635 kg (1,400 lbs)
• Tremor: 590 kg (1,300 lbs)

Fuel Efficiency (Combined)

• Hybrid FWD: 5.6 L/100 km (42 MPG)
• Hybrid AWD: 6.4 L/100 km (37 MPG)
• 2.0L EcoBoost FWD: 8.7 L/100 km (27 MPG)
• 2.0L EcoBoost AWD: 9.4 L/100 km (25 MPG)
• Tremor: 10.2 L/100 km (23 MPG)

Hybrid Powertrain Technology Deep Dive

The Maverick hybrid system represents the fourth-generation Ford hybrid technology, benefiting from refinements developed across the company’s electrified lineup. The system employs two electric motors: a larger traction motor that provides propulsion and a smaller generator motor that handles starting duties and power generation.

These motors connect to the engine through a power-split planetary gearset that enables the system to operate in various modes:

1. Electric-Only Mode: At low speeds and light loads, the Maverick can operate solely on electric power for short distances, particularly beneficial in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Series Hybrid Mode: The engine powers the generator motor, which produces electricity to drive the traction motor, bypassing a mechanical connection to the wheels.
3. Parallel Hybrid Mode: Both the engine and electric motor provide power to the wheels simultaneously, maximizing efficiency or performance as needed.
4. Engine-Only Mode: During steady highway cruising, the system can operate primarily on engine power when most efficient.

The hybrid control system continuously optimizes these modes based on driving conditions, driver input, and battery state of charge. The latest model introduces more sophisticated algorithms that better predict optimal power source switching, reducing the perceptible transitions between modes.

Transmission Technology

The Maverick employs two distinct transmission technologies, each tailored to its powertrain:

Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) – Hybrid Models

The hybrid Maverick utilizes an eCVT that differs significantly from conventional belt-and-pulley CVTs. Rather than using variable pulleys, the eCVT employs a planetary gearset that connects the engine and electric motors. This power-split device enables an infinite range of effective gear ratios without traditional shifting.

Ford has refined the eCVT’s control algorithms to reduce the “rubber band” sensation sometimes associated with CVTs, providing more direct response to throttle inputs. The system also features simulated gear steps during heavy acceleration to create a more familiar driving experience.

8-Speed Automatic – EcoBoost Models

EcoBoost Mavericks employ the Ford 8F35 eight-speed automatic transmission, manufactured in-house at the company’s Livonia Transmission Plant. This hydraulically controlled planetary transmission features:

• Adaptive shift scheduling that learns driver preferences
• Skip-shift capability for faster multi-gear downshifts
• Torque converter with electronically controlled lockup clutch
• Integrated transmission fluid temperature management

The transmission receives updated shift mapping for improved responsiveness, particularly in the Sport drive mode, where it holds lower gears longer and executes faster downshifts under braking.

Powertrain Electronics and Controls

The Maverick features the latest Ford Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which offers enhanced processing power and more sophisticated control algorithms. This system manages all aspects of powertrain operation, from fuel injection timing to hybrid power blending to transmission shift points.

The control system incorporates machine learning capabilities that adapt to individual driving styles, optimizing performance and efficiency based on driver behaviour patterns. This adaptive functionality extends to the Auto Start-Stop system, which can recognize patterns in traffic conditions to minimize unnecessary engine cycling.

On hybrid models, the PCM coordinates with the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) to manage power flow between the high-voltage battery, electric motors, and engine. The system monitors more than 500 parameters every 10 milliseconds to optimize efficiency and performance.

Future Powertrain Developments

While the Maverick represents a significant evolution of compact Ford truck powertrains, several developments on the horizon may influence future iterations:

1. Plug-in Hybrid Potential: Industry sources suggest Ford is evaluating a plug-in hybrid variant that would offer 50+ kilometres of all-electric range, potentially arriving as a mid-cycle enhancement.
2. Full Electric Variant: As Ford expands its electric vehicle portfolio, an all-electric Maverick remains a possibility, particularly as battery costs continue to decrease and charging infrastructure expands.
3. Advanced Biofuel Compatibility: Ford is developing expanded compatibility with sustainable biofuels, potentially enabling future Maverick powertrains to operate on higher concentrations of ethanol or biodiesel.

2025 Ford Maverick: Powertrain as Competitive Advantage

The Ford Maverick diverse powertrain lineup represents a significant competitive advantage in the compact truck segment. By offering standard hybrid technology, robust EcoBoost performance, and specialized off-road capability, Ford has created a versatile platform that addresses diverse customer needs while maintaining the efficiency, affordability, and utility that define the Maverick brand.

As the automotive industry continues its transition toward electrification, the Maverick powertrain strategy positions it to evolve with changing market demands while retaining the practical capability that makes it an appealing alternative to both conventional trucks and crossover SUVs. The latest model’s refinements across all powertrain variants demonstrate the Ford commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring the Maverick remains at the forefront of compact truck innovation.