Will a Maverick work for my business… is the hybrid worth it?

Advice Needed
1

I’m considering getting a Maverick as a work truck for my business. I need something affordable and efficient, and the size seems perfect for my tools and parts. Since I’m in Chicago, AWD is a must. Ideally, I want a hybrid, but AWD hybrids aren’t available until 2025.

I found a 2024 Ecoboost AWD with 4K tow that’s almost exactly what I’d order in a 2025 hybrid. It has 5,000 miles, and I might be able to get it for $25K. But I worry about long-term reliability with the turbo engine and 8-speed transmission compared to the hybrid.

Should I save $10K now with the Ecoboost or wait and spend $35K on the hybrid? I plan to keep whichever one I get for the long haul since used vehicles are so expensive right now. I’m also watching for discounts on 2024 hybrids as the 2025 AWD hybrids will likely be very popular.

Any advice on reliability, value, and high-mileage use as a work truck?

2

Figure out how much gas you’d save with the hybrid and see if it’s worth the extra cost. Personally, I think the hybrid will last longer.

3

Morgan said:
Figure out how much gas you’d save with the hybrid and see if it’s worth the extra cost. Personally, I think the hybrid will last longer.

If this is for work, compare the total cost over time. The hybrid’s mileage will probably save you a lot.

4

Morgan said:
Figure out how much gas you’d save with the hybrid and see if it’s worth the extra cost. Personally, I think the hybrid will last longer.

Good point, I’ll do the math.

5

My concern would be the size of the bed. Most work trucks I’ve seen have 8-foot beds, often with tool chests on top.

6

The bed size is fine for me. I’m currently working out of a sedan.

7

Asa said:
The bed size is fine for me. I’m currently working out of a sedan.

I get it. I’ve done amazing things out of a small car too. Seats down, tools in the trunk, materials on the roof. When my car finally gives out, I’ll probably get a hybrid Maverick or wait for a competitor to come out with something similar.

8

I’ve used both for work and prefer the Ecoboost. If I lived up north, I’d consider a hybrid FWD with good tires. Reliability feels about the same to me, though the hybrid will save you more on gas.

9

We bought a 2024 hybrid for $25K in June for our company. It’s already at 14,000 miles and still runs great. It replaced an F-150 and saves us $100–120 a week on gas. Maintenance is easier too, and it has great features like CarPlay and remote start. Perfect light-duty work truck.

Here’s the setup we use.

10

@Ben
I’m seeing 2025 models going for much more than $25K. Am I missing something? Are people talking about used ones?

11

Sam said:
@Ben
I’m seeing 2025 models going for much more than $25K. Am I missing something? Are people talking about used ones?

Ours was technically used, but it only had 130 miles on it.

12

@Ben
That’s a great deal!

13

I chose the hybrid mainly for the better MPG—38–42 compared to 25–30. Over 100,000 miles, that’s a big savings. This will be my first winter with it, so we’ll see how FWD handles. I might get snow tires if it’s worth the cost.

The stock tires aren’t great on dirt roads, especially uphill, but I’m not hauling much weight in the bed yet. I got a 2024 Hybrid XL for $28K in August. If you overload the truck, you might have issues—I killed a Transit Connect in 12K miles from overloading it.

14

@Whitney
I’m only carrying about 250–350 lbs of tools and parts, so I think I’m good. I just want the 4K tow package for the extra cooling, just in case. Right now, I’m managing out of a Taurus sedan, so anything’s an upgrade.

15

@Asa
What kind of work do you do that only needs a small amount of tools and materials?

16

Hart said:
@Asa
What kind of work do you do that only needs a small amount of tools and materials?

I install and repair soda systems in bars and restaurants. It’s mostly small parts, hoses, and a few tools.

17

@Asa
That makes sense. Thanks for explaining.