If we’re being real here, Ford could’ve brought the Maverick Hybrid back when they were building their Escape Hybrid, back in the 2000s.

My 'build" is XLT hybrid with a few modest options. 

If you are going to get a stripped base model I’d think you would want the Hybrid so you can get the mileage efficiency too.  Owning a Ford turbo 4 right now in a different vehicle, the mileage really sucks and never gets close to what it is promoted at.  I’d love to get a Hybrid Maverick instead, but would probably…

Yeah... The hybrid is the one to get. The engine bay even looks a bit cleaner. For one thing, there is nothing obstructing access to things like the coil packs in the hybrid and their placement actually looks more thought out:

I own a 2022 hybrid lariat. I think I would be disappointed and have regrets if I had cheaped out and gotten an XL (or even an XLT) to save a few thousand bucks 

I know the mere thought of this is completely ridiculous, but has anyone gotten any notable kind of power from some bolt-ons on the smaller hybrid option?

The turbo 4 is great if you’re into modding. People on the Maverick forums are hitting mid 13 second quarter miles with simple bolt ons.

Agreed. Ford knows how to build stripper trucks that make accountants happy. Which means they aren’t necessarily good daily drivers.

Hybrid, all the way.

A coworker just bought a Maverick last week, and he also let me test drive extensively. I liked everything, and all was good and well until my coworker said to me hey check this out and proceeded to open the hood.

Not sure if you’ve driven an XLT, but what do you think is a better use of money: an XL with the turbo 4 and AWD, or an XLT with the Hybrid/CVT?

I think so, easy to access everything, instead of being covered by a plastic beauty piece. 

Very difficult to buy ANY Mavericks.  When I looked last week, there were maybe three available for sale within a hundred miles of me.  

I don’t even want awd, give me a PHEV base Maverick with 38 miles of EV range and I’ll buy it at $29,999.00 MSRP today. The van is working great for home Depot trips, he swallows up 10' 2x4 like a champ, I just need an open bed for bulk topsoil and stinky shit. 

The base model makes sense if you want cheap, and I understand the lure and romance of basic utility these days. Steel wheels, I love. If that’s all you need for your life, then more power to you.

Yeah... That engine bay is a Hot Mess Express. Jeez.

each time I look at the pictures of the Ford 4 cylinder turbo, I hope that this mess of untidy wires and hoses means it is easier to troubleshoot or repair. That’s the only reason for not Mary Kondo’ing this engine bay.

Man, if Ford would just offer a AWD hybrid for $30k, I’d be all over it (once they actually have a product to sell me without having to bribe a sleazy dealer). Or maybe even a AWD PHEV for under $40k would be good too.

15% is the amount of XL trim Ford is manufacturing. Very difficult to buy XL Maverick.

Maybe, just maybe the courts should listen to Toyota instead.