38 MPG combined makes the 2025 Ford Maverick HEV FWD 2.5L 4-cyl the fuel economy champion in the compact truck segment, a remarkable feat for a vehicle that still offers the utility of a 4.5-foot bed and a comfortable five-passenger cabin. This isn’t just about saving a few bucks at the pump, it’s about redefining what a pickup truck can be for a sprawling demographic that needs versatility without the gas station guilt. Ford understood that many truck buyers don’t need to tow 10,000 pounds or tackle the Rubicon Trail. What they do need is a practical, efficient, and affordable vehicle that can haul some lumber on the weekend, navigate city traffic during the week, and occasionally handle light-duty hauling. The Maverick Hybrid with front-wheel drive is precisely that vehicle, an engineered solution that resonates deeply with first-time truck owners, urban dwellers, and empty nesters alike who appreciate smart design and an even smarter powertrain.

City and highway performance

Looking at the EPA figures, the 2025 Maverick HEV impresses with 42 MPG in the city. This isn’t just a number, it’s a direct consequence of its series-parallel hybrid architecture. The 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor and an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), excels in stop-and-go urban environments. The electric motor frequently takes over at lower speeds, during coasting, and even for short bursts of acceleration, significantly reducing gasoline consumption where conventional powertrains are least efficient. For many buyers, the majority of their driving takes place in urban or suburban settings, making this exceptional city MPG a primary driver for their purchase decision.

On the highway, the Maverick Hybrid maintains a respectable 35 MPG. While inherently less efficient than city driving for most hybrids due to the more consistent use of the gasoline engine, 35 MPG for a compact truck is still excellent. This highway figure ensures that longer road trips remain economical, a key consideration for families or individuals who frequently travel between cities or to weekend getaways. The eCVT manages power smoothly, ensuring the most efficient engine RPM for cruising, while the overall aerodynamic profile, though still a truck, contributes to maintaining efficiency at speed. It’s a powertrain designed not just for impressive peak numbers, but for consistent, real-world fuel savings across a diverse range of driving scenarios. Explore more about MAVERICK MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA’s estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Ford Maverick HEV FWD 2.5L 4-cyl stands at an impressive $1,150 per year. This figure is based on an assumed 15,000 miles of driving annually, with a representative mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. For many buyers, particularly those transitioning from older, less efficient vehicles, this represents a significant reduction in their yearly operating expenses. This isn’t a hypothetical calculation, it’s a practical projection of tangible savings that directly impacts personal budgets. The consistent efficiency of the hybrid system means less frequent stops at the gas station, translating not just to financial savings but also to convenience and reduced anxiety about fluctuating fuel prices. This low annual cost reinforces the Maverick Hybrid’s value as an exceptionally economical daily driver, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on utility.

Real-world expectations

While EPA ratings provide an excellent benchmark, real-world fuel economy can always vary. For the 2025 Maverick HEV, the EPA numbers are generally achievable, often exceeded in city driving for those with a light foot and good hybrid driving habits. Drivers who maximize the electric assist, practice smooth acceleration and gentle braking, and anticipate traffic will find themselves consistently near or even above the 42 MPG city rating. Highway numbers are more dependent on speed; driving consistently above 70 mph will naturally see the figure drop closer to 30-32 MPG, but adherence to speed limits will keep it firmly in the mid-30s. What truly defines the Maverick Hybrid’s real-world appeal is its consistency. It’s efficient under ideal lab conditions and delivers meaningful savings in everyday commuting, proving its worth whether you’re navigating urban sprawl or cruising down a two-lane highway. The vehicle’s mission is clearly defined: deliver truck utility with sedan-like efficiency, and in real-world scenarios, it succeeds admirably.

How it compares

Few vehicles directly compete with the 2025 Ford Maverick HEV in its unique segment, especially when fuel economy is the primary consideration. Its most direct rival in the compact truck space is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which with its 2.5L 4-cyl engine achieves 23 MPG combined (22 city/26 highway), significantly less than the Maverick’s 38 MPG combined. Even the turbocharged Santa Cruz, at 22 MPG combined (19 city/27 highway), falls far short. This stark contrast highlights the Maverick Hybrid’s class-leading efficiency, a core reason for its widespread appeal. Moving beyond trucks, its efficiency even rivals some compact sedans and SUVs. A Honda CR-V Hybrid FWD typically achieves around 37 MPG combined (40 city/34 highway), making it very competitive but lacking the open bed utility. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid FWD also lands around 39 MPG combined (41 city/38 highway), again without the Maverick’s unique combination of efficiency and truck bed. For the buyer who values the utility of a truck bed but demands exceptional fuel efficiency, the Maverick Hybrid stands in a league of its own. Check out all Ford fuel economy data for more comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To really squeeze every last mile out of your Maverick HEV, focus on smooth driving inputs. Harsh acceleration and braking force the gasoline engine to engage more frequently and aggressively, burning more fuel. Treat the accelerator and brake pedal like an egg to maximize electric-only driving phases.

Anticipate traffic conditions well in advance. Coasting to a stoplight or decelerating gradually allows the regenerative braking system to recover more energy and recharge the hybrid battery, directly improving your city MPG figures.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before longer trips, to ensure optimal efficiency and safety.

Use the vehicle’s drive modes intelligently. While the hybrid system is designed for efficiency, understanding how different modes affect power delivery can help. On longer highway stretches, for instance, a more relaxed cruise control setting can reduce unnecessary acceleration and deceleration cycles.

Minimize unnecessary weight. While the Maverick has a decent payload capacity, remember that every extra pound requires more energy to move. Remove anything in the bed or cabin that isn’t essential for your typical commute or weekend activities.