The 2026 Ford Maverick XLT AWD brings a compact pickup bed and a five-seat cabin together in a vehicle that is considerably smaller than a full-size truck. XLT adds aluminum wheels, Intelligent Access and extra bed storage to the entry XL specification. Buyers can choose a hybrid or a turbocharged EcoBoost powertrain, and those choices change fuel economy, transmission type and available packages.
This guide covers the Canadian-market Maverick XLT with all-wheel drive. The video below shows the Automotive Car Reviews walkaround; the information that follows separates standard XLT equipment from optional features.
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Models available
The 2026 Maverick range includes XL, XLT, Lobo, Lariat and Tremor. XLT sits between the simpler XL and the more extensively equipped Lariat. Lobo has its own appearance and chassis specification, while Tremor focuses on off-road equipment. Their features should not be carried over to a standard XLT.
The base XLT hybrid is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available with the hybrid, while the 2.0-litre EcoBoost uses AWD. An XLT badge alone therefore does not identify the powertrain or drivetrain. The available Luxury, Black Appearance, FX4 and 4K Tow packages further distinguish individual trucks.
Engine and transmission

The 2.5-litre hybrid combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for 191 horsepower total system output. It uses a power-split electric continuously variable transmission. The hybrid is not a plug-in and does not require external charging; its 52-litre fuel tank supplies the gasoline engine.
The alternative is a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, rated at 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic and a 62-litre fuel tank. This is a different powertrain from the hybrid, rather than a higher-output setting of the same engine.
Both are available in the XLT AWD specification. Ford’s option rules should be considered when choosing packages: FX4 off-road equipment is offered with the EcoBoost AWD configuration, while hybrid AWD buyers can select the appropriate towing package.
Towing and payload
XLT includes a 2K trailer hitch receiver with a four-pin connector. The regular trailer rating is up to 2,000 lb, approximately 907 kg. Adding the available 4K Tow Package to an eligible AWD build increases the equipped rating to 4,000 lb, approximately 1,814 kg. AWD alone does not provide the 4,000-lb rating.
Ford lists the 4K Tow Package as an option for both eligible hybrid AWD and EcoBoost AWD builds. the Canadian hybrid-AWD builder showed it at $1,000 CAD. The package also changes the equipment supplied with the truck, including provision of a conventional spare tire. The actual build sheet and towing instructions determine the applicable rating.
The advertised Maverick payload maximum is 1,500 lb, approximately 680 kg, for qualifying configurations. That headline should not be assigned to every XLT AWD. Passengers, bed cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight share the allowance stated on the truck’s door-jamb label.
Fuel economy
Natural Resources Canada’s 2026 guide lists the Maverick hybrid AWD at 5.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway and 6.4 combined. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost AWD is rated at 10.6 city, 7.8 highway and 9.4 combined. The hybrid’s lower published combined figure is an important difference when comparing the two AWD powertrains.
These are government powertrain ratings, rather than measurements for every optional wheel or package combination. Ford may display estimates that differ slightly by configuration or update date. Actual consumption also changes with temperature, load, towing and trip length.
Interior and seating

The Maverick XLT AWD seats five people. Standard XLT upholstery is unique cloth in the Navy Pier/Aspen Grey interior treatment. The driver’s seat has six-way manual adjustment and the front passenger’s seat has four-way manual adjustment. A full rear bench has a folding seatback and flip-up cushions, with storage bins beneath the seating area.
Standard cabin equipment includes single-zone manual air conditioning, a manually adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, power windows and door locks, and Intelligent Access with push-button start and approach detection. The layout gives XLT practical features without assuming the leather-like upholstery or additional comfort equipment of Lariat.
Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start and a 400-watt power outlet are optional equipment. The XLT Luxury Package is one route to additional comfort features; the Canadian hybrid-AWD builder displayed the package at $2,000 CAD. A power moonroof is also available. Those features should be checked on a listing rather than inferred from the trim name.

Bed and dimensions

The Maverick’s approximately 4½-foot bed has a published length of 1,382 mm. Ford lists a bed width of approximately 1,353 mm. XLT adds a bed storage cubby and four additional tie-downs, making it more useful for organizing smaller items and securing cargo. Covers, bedliners and other accessories are available separately.
Ford’s XLT illustration lists an overall length of approximately 5,076 mm, body width of 1,844 mm and height of 1,748 mm. Those dimensions help explain its compact footprint, but the bed’s length still sets a practical limit for carrying long materials with the tailgate closed.
Standard XLT wheels are 17-inch Carbonized Grey-painted aluminum designs with 225/65R17 tires. AWD versions normally have a tire inflator and sealant kit. A conventional spare is available, and Ford lists it with the 4K Tow and FX4 packages. The small spare mentioned for the base hybrid FWD should not be assumed to be fitted to the AWD truck.
Infotainment

A 13.2-inch centre touchscreen with SYNC 4 and an eight-inch instrument display are standard. The infotainment system includes a six-speaker AM/FM audio system, Bluetooth and compatible Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Front connections include one USB-A and one USB-C port.
SiriusXM with 360L is included in the technology offering, and Ford lists a one-year Connectivity Package with an available longer purchase option. Subscriptions and connected features depend on activation and the relevant service plan. XLT’s standard six-speaker system should not be described as the premium B&O audio offered on higher specifications.
Safety and driver assistance
Standard XLT features include Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, a lane-keeping system, post-collision braking, a rearview camera, automatic LED high beams and automatic on/off headlamps. The cabin includes front and side airbags, Safety Canopy side curtains and a driver’s knee airbag.
The additional Ford Co-Pilot360 package is optional. Ford lists blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, exit warning, rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic braking among the available additions. These should not be described as standard on every XLT AWD. Standard cruise control also does not imply that adaptive cruise control or a 360-degree camera is included.
Pricing
Ford’s Canadian builder listed the XLT’s hybrid FWD starting figure at $40,195 CAD. Selecting the hybrid AWD configuration produced a $42,695 CAD total for the unoptioned example. Its summary showed a $40,100 base MSRP plus $2,595 in fees, before sales tax and additional options.
The 4K Tow Package and XLT Luxury Package displayed at $1,000 and $2,000 respectively in that AWD example. Paint, appearance equipment, a bedliner and dealer-installed accessories can add further cost. The FWD starting price should not be presented as the price of the AWD truck, and an EcoBoost build should be quoted separately.
Competition
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the closest alternative for buyers seeking a compact pickup with a passenger-focused cabin. A Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado or Nissan Frontier moves into the larger midsize class and is worth comparing when bed size and trailer requirements exceed what the Maverick offers. These alternatives also take up more space and need their own configured capability comparison.
Within the Maverick range, XL is worth considering for a simpler specification, while Lariat adds more standard comfort and assistance equipment. XLT AWD offers a useful middle ground, especially when the buyer chooses only the packages needed. The main decisions are hybrid versus EcoBoost, the required trailer rating and which comfort features justify the extra price.
Explore our other truck reviews to compare equipment and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Maverick XLT hybrid have AWD?
Yes. The XLT AWD specification is available with the 2.5-litre full hybrid or the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. The hybrid does not require plugging in.
Does AWD give a Maverick XLT a 4,000-lb towing rating?
No. The normal rating is 2,000 lb. An eligible AWD truck needs the optional 4K Tow Package to reach the 4,000-lb maximum.
Are heated seats standard in the Maverick XLT?
No. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and other comfort upgrades are optional equipment. Check whether the truck includes the appropriate Luxury Package or options.