Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD Struggled in Slippery Conditions, But Ford Says It's Fixed
The Maverick Keeps Evolving
The Ford Maverick was introduced not as a heavy-duty off-roader, but as an affordable truck for buyers who may not want to spend F-150 money. As the Maverick became more popular, customers wanted the hybrid version to become more capable, and so Ford added an all-wheel-drive system starting in the 2025 model year.
One issue that emerged, however, was how the AWD hybrid setup performed in challenging, low-traction conditions such as ice and mud. Now, thanks to real-world feedback from the media and testing by the Ford team, the automaker says the traction control system has been recalibrated and improved for the 2026 Maverick Hybrid AWD.
Why the Hybrid AWD Needed Work
The issue was discovered after a Maverick struggled to send enough power to the wheel with grip, limiting its ability to move forward. Ideally, the AWD system should reduce wheelspin at wheels with less traction and transfer torque to those with more grip. Ford has long worked on 4x4 systems for vehicles like the F-150, but pairing AWD with a hybrid powertrain – which delivers power differently from a conventional gas setup – created a different challenge on the Maverick platform.
To solve the issue, Ford's Brake Controls team recalibrated the system to transfer torque to the wheels with better traction more aggressively. The update allows the brakes to pinch the wheels with less grip, helping redirect more power to the wheels that can actually move the vehicle forward.
The development also led Ford to add three-wheel roller testing to its internal engineering procedures as a standard part of the evaluation process.
Tightening Up the Maverick
The upgrade does not require any hardware changes. 2025 Maverick Hybrid AWD customers will be able to download the improved calibration through an over-the-air update, with Ford set to announce more rollout details soon.
This could help cement the Maverick's position in the compact pickup segment, where it does not have much direct competition right now. Hyundai is reportedly ending the Santa Cruz program in favor of larger trucks, but more automakers are said to be interested in joining the fray, including Toyota. That gives the Blue Oval brand more reason to keep refining the Maverick before the segment gets more crowded.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 6:30 AM.