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Apparently, you can’t have it all. The most fuel-efficient hybrid truck can’t be paired with AWD, meaning you won’t benefit from saving fuel while off-roading or driving in snow. So, going with the Ford Maverick Hybrid means you’ll have to compromise. 

The most fuel-efficient hybrid truck doesn’t have AWD 

In case you didn’t already know, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient hybrid truck, however, it can’t be paired with all-wheel drive. 

Also, it has a slightly unfair advantage. It’s the only tiny truck that offers a hybrid engine. The Toyota Tacoma is next in line, but it’s bigger, heavier, and still a bit thirsty. 

The Maverick Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. The Tacoma Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. 

Also, the gas-powered Maverick gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg and up to 30 mpg on the highway. So, with the gas engine, the Maverick’s fuel economy drops by 19 mpg in the city. 

Plus, the Maverick Hybrid can’t be paired with the towing package. It can tow up to 2,000 lbs while the gas-powered model can tow up to 4,000 lbs. 

It’s the only hybrid truck that lacks AWD or 4×4. The Ford F-150 Hybrid, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and Tacoma Hybrid can each be equipped with stout off-roading upgrades. 

To be fair, you might not need AWD for driving in wintery conditions. The right pair of tires makes a huge difference.

But rumors suggest that massive change for the Maverick is on the way. Spy photos of the 2025 Maverick caught an “AWD” and a “Hybrid” badge on the rear bumper. 

The Maverick is getting a mid-cycle refresh with a more confident look and could finally pair the the hybrid engine with AWD and the towing package. 

However, adding AWD makes vehicles heavier and often reduces the fuel economy by one to three mpg. There’s always a chance that Ford figured out how to make the engine more efficient though. 

Either way, if the Maverick Hybrid loses about three mpg then it will still offer up to 39 mpg in the city. This means that it will still be the most fuel-efficient hybrid truck unless the Hyundai Santa Cruz is secretly working on gaining a hybrid engine.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.