Deep Dive: 2022 Ford Maverick's AWD System Explained

After a recent road test covering several thousand kilometres of winter testing (and a city-stopping snowstorm), I wanted to better understand how the Ford Maverick's AWD system works, what’s gone into its testing and development process, and what drivers can expect to get out of the system in real life. For insight, I reached out to Scott Wilson, a Calibration Engineer with Ford from Richmond Hill, Ontario. Wilson is one of the many folks who worked on the the 2022 Ford Maverick, and specifically, this compact truck's AWD system.
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[@JamesSmith-mw8xy]

I have watched countless videos about the Maverick .This one explaining how the AWD system works, is by far the best, most informative and useful video I have seen. Great job

[@JustinPritchard]

Thanks James, that's great to hear!

[@randyhenry2477]

10-4 on that. I had no idea either. The voicing is professional too. (Justin)

[@JustinPritchard]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone, I will definitely do more videos like this. I love sharing the winter driving angle with my viewers! Cheers from Snowy Sudbury!

[@greggb681]

Justin, you are fucking BRILLIANT! So stoked to see your youtube channel grow. Your channel is unique, and it's amazing

[@Db131FPT]

Can you do a deep dive on the tremor’s added features like the twin clutch locking rear diff and advanced 4wd?

[@xXCatsLoverXx]

Really like the in-depth information on how the system actually functions. Very interesting!

[@AverageBud]

A fantastic insight into the mechanics behind the AWD system. What an awesome video.

[@ourv9603]

Thanks Justin! I think we are going to trade our 2012 Wrangler for a Maverick. I want a Gladiator but it is WAY more truck than I need. The Maverick seems just about right. That feature where the truck locks the inside rear wheel sounds like the similar feature found on the new Bronco. !

[@JustinPritchard]

Bronco takes it a step further-- but exactly the same principle!

[@godwhomismike]

The more I see of this truck, the more I am happy I ordered one. This is one excellent video showing the capabilities of this truck in snow, which is what my truck in Northeast PA will see from December to mid-March. I also got the Lariat FX4 package with the additional 17" Falkan AT tires. I have heard a lot of good things about those optional tires in the snow/ice. Hope my order gets assigned a build date soon.

[@codnerd1234]

Did you get a date ? Thinking about an estimate for me aha

[@NarySllim]

Really impressed with the awd system. They aren’t the first to do it and maybe not the best but from every review I’ve seen it works extremely well.

[@robertren23]

That's probably why Ford sold their AWD technology to manufacturers.

[@matthewq4b]

@@robertren23 Ya this just a copy of the Mercedes ESP that has been around since 1995, it does exactly the same thing as this Ford AWD system in 4matic applications. The patent on the Mercedes ESP system recently expired so we are now seeing other manufactures adopt it. I'm a Ford guy but this one of those items that is not an inhouse Ford invention.

[@glamdring0007]

This is the best Maverick video I've seen bar none. Simply outstanding technical info. If possible please do the same detailed look at snow driving and AWD system of the Santa Cruz as the two are close rivals.

[@JustinPritchard]

Thank you! And that sounds like a good story idea to me, stay tuned!

[@richardparnell8402]

I've been watching my AWD system and while the truck does tend to use fwd it will use AWD if you go past 2,000rpm. I'm not complaining, I think the truck is really nice.

[@otarsulava]

Very helpful and informative, I wanted to know how it drives specifically in snow, Thank you 👍

[@jviews1]

excellent and technical. Thank you.

[@Little.R]

The all-wheel drive system works a lot like the all-wheel drive system on Volvos around the 2010 era. My XC70 is a beast on the snow, looks like the Maverick will do the same.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Sort of. The haldex system uses a physical pump. Uses fluid to make it work ,this doesn’t

[@dknapp2602]

i have had a good feeling about the maverick since the first time i seen it and this video tells a lot about it and how the AWD works and i am sold on it and i think Ford is going to do very well with the New Maverick

[@Nsquared97]

Justin, I'm curious how much the AWD/nannies allow you to have fun in the snow. Can the TCS/stability be completely defeated? Will the vehicle allow some slip angle? Thanks for the deep dive!

[@JustinPritchard]

Yup, thanks, even without turning it off it pretty much leaves you alone as long as you are smooth at the controls. Not sure if it can be fully defeated but when disengaged you get more wheelspin than you need. It's set up pretty nicely I figure-- if you're making smooth inputs and keeping things under control the nannies basically leave you alone.

[@johnmancus8844]

Thanks for the additional info on the snow drivability of the Maverick!!!! Well done and thank you.

[@pacificrocknorthwest5612]

Thanks for the info; could you ask if theres a way to keep the power going on all four wheels all the time? Or least not disconnecting the rear differential at all.

[@JustinPritchard]

When you engage "slippery" mode from the AWD selector, I believe that is fairly close to what you're describing. There is no lock button, and I'm not sure if there's a way to prevent the system from disconnecting. Power is always being transmitted to the rear axle, and that clutch pack can grab on and use it in the blink of an eye. Some other vehicles using all wheel drive lock button to similar effect

[@dc9mm2]

At 145 in video on sunny day I see the half shafts spinning so that still spin . So your saying the drive shaft stops spinning? as the half shafts on rear axle clearly still spin. So there PTU up front some how disconnects from drive shaft and back by the center differential inside it I guess it disconnects too so the drive shaft no longer spins . But the half shafts on rear axle always spin so there is some drag loss compared to the FWD model,. .

[@fordmaverickmaniac]

Even with some drag, my AWD I show in videos on my channel averages 26mpg combined.

[@dc9mm2]

@@fordmaverickmaniac 26 mpg average is what I would expect. I have a hybrid on order.

[@mikestackhousemusic]

I ttest drove n awd the other y riht fter loppy snow storm. I PULLED OFF TO TH SHOULDER IN THE SLOP., sTOPPEE, AND THN BOOTED IT. the MQFERICK JUST PIN LQINCHE. NO PIN. vey imprsie.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

After a 500 mile break-in, I had Costco install Michelin CC2's because my FX4 came with Pirelli Scorpion ASR M&S but not 3 Peak Mountain. I want good snow grip on the road. Thank you for the explanation.

[@mojorisin7371]

These videos are a big help especially with gear heads who want more in depth reviews on how specific components work such as the awd system in this Maverick. Very informative point of view of real world driving conditions and your opinions on its handling and functionality of the Mavericks awd system, thanks for taking the time to do the proper research giving the review a more rounded explanation ✌🏽🇺🇲

[@ericjohnstone910]

Hi iv just watched your video on ford awd. And hope you can advise me on an issue i have ford edge awd it has the power distribution on the speedometer showing out put to wheels my question is when starting car from cold display shows on pulling away blue lines to each wheel untill reaching speed when rear drive no longer needed when car gets to temperature and weather warm to hot on pulling away from a stop only out put display to front wheels only increase but rear show nothing is this a design where rear wheel power is not needed or should it show every time on pulling away from a stop please can you help

[@arminderrattu5333]

Great video Justin , thanks for the info about the awd system 👍🏽

[@GmanTheTank]

Do any of the drive modes lock the AWD system on?

[@JustinPritchard]

The slippery mode does virtually the same thing, even split of torque across the axles though I don't believe it is "locked" per se

[@chosenone1004]

I completely understand that we continue to evolve with vehicles, but is this truly necessary? I’d personally rather just turn on the 4H or 4L when needed. Now this would be a great system if this is what you got in Auto 4x4 . But I personally like the 4H 4L availability. Plus this appears to be a very expensive repair if something computer related fails and the vehicle is not under warranty anymore . I just don’t know

[@HuronRiver-ke8xn]

I liked the information. I personally think it was missing the advantages each mode excells in an how the AWD works in each mode. Also the bad in a certain mode when trying to get unstuck like taking traction control off to get it rocking. Im also really curious if tow mode allows more power to rear wheels which could or should help in deep snow, if it did divert more power to rear wheels. Otherwise besidex lacking information on the 6 or 7 different modes available in different models, it was very insightful.

[@GarageDoorGuy89]

* As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. -Romans 3:10-11 * For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; -Romans 3:23 * For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -Romans 6:23 "MOREOVER, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I have preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures;" - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 * And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. -Acts 16:31 * Trust Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God for your salvation today.

[@krebgurfson5732]

utter garbage, haldex style systems are a terrible automotive trend for people who need real AWD. Sure it's great for people who don't experience snow that often, but for me i need AWD all the time having the rear wheels deciding on their own if they're going to spin or not is absolutely dangerous on slippery highways. I can't find a single new car that features a center differential, only these cheap failure prone haldex systems which have a a mind of their own and literally require front tire slip to work. awful

[@wb6004]

It would be great if we could get Ford to actually listen regarding basic things that the Maverick needs to make available: fog lights, electric rear window defroster, basic cruise control in the XL, heated and ventilated front seats...

[@Steven91992]

I would like to buy one but I had such bad luck with Ford in the past with my two f150 I don't think I want to go through that again.

[@craigsmith6224]

Thanks. I am wanting a truck/vehicle that handles better in OR snow on the 🏔️ passes.

[@timdaoust4284]

At about the 3 minute mark anyone else notice the 2 stroke snowmobile braap! Lol

[@kdcarver]

Thanks for the in-depth video. Appreciate it.

[@Ruslan.88266]

This is only on the fx4 version, don't be fooled.

[@torres870rem]

More Ch**** to break.

[@JamesSmith-mw8xy]

While it may be true , there is more " stuff to break" , I want an upgrade from my 2007 Ford Ranger 2WD with a 143 hp Five speed manual. Now if only the new Maveick could be as reliable as my old Ranger, that would be awesome. But I don't know if it will be .

[@Wire-Free]

Super cool explanations, thanks for sharing!

[@lorrinbarth1969]

If this system is able to deliver 100% of the engine's power to the rear axle what does that mean? Are the front wheels then disconnected somehow? I don't believe that is possible. If that is what Ford told you then you either need to present a better explanation or admit that this is Ford marketing hype.

[@edswrld]

The drive shaft is disconnected and reconnected via a gear box and actuator In snow mode the actuator keeps the extra axel coupled meaning the awd is always on

[@SCJDW]

Does it ever feel like it needs some weight in the truck bed to provide better traction?

[@JustinPritchard]

Nope! Good question. Even after 800 km on a snowy highway I never had that impression, that it was too late or needed some additional weight.

[@stephenfortin1861]

3:08 BRRAPPP!!

[@GurpreetSingh-he9cq]

Great video worth considering the truck

[@billyrock8305]

This will sell like crazy.

[@mikecoffin820]

This is top notch content!

[@sleepwalker29]

Honda Ridgeline tows 5000 pounds. Maverick towns 4000. This is Fords attempt at building a AWD Ridgeline. Maverick has bedflex and the Ridgeline unibody don't.

[@JohnDB252]

Main issue is the part where you mention that braking the inside rear wheel transfers power to the other wheel. With a traditional differential in the rear that is a factual statement, but due to the RDU's nature, essentially it's a spool in the middle with clutch packs and left and right, that is absolutely not a true statement. If both clutches were enabled and you apply the brakes on the inside, it's applying those braking forced on the outside as well, taking away power that could go down. Anytime the brake is applied to the inside wheel the clutch packs in the inside wheel should be disengaged. The RDU alone can send up to 100% of the rear drive torque to either side regardless of the braking state of the opposite side. Second issue, is with the claim of 100% of torque to the rear wheels. That is simply not possible since the front wheels cannot be disconnected from the front differential, unless the front of the vehicle is off the ground. Or, you've born both front axles, and good luck seeing how far you can actually get solely on the RDU before it overheats. Even if the front wheels are on a solid sheet of ice they have some level of traction granted the rear may be making +90% of the effort if they have good traction.

[@educationleader786]

Really liked the video. Great job!

[@TrailJockeys]

Would the FX4/4K do well enough dealing with the snow drifts on the highways out here in SK or would the Off Road setup of the Tremor be even more suited for these conditions?

[@rpmautoreviews9249]

Did he mention what the sand and mud mode does ? Also, do any of the modes lock the center diff ? by design to power thru slippery surfaces, or touch spots like sand ? Wondering because a locking diff is only on the Tremor, but I believe it should be on lower trims as well, as it's a key awd feature. But maybe one of the modes does that on it's own, and that would be good to know ?

[@driftx2]

Ford doesnt go on snow

[@krebgurfson5732]

2:00 beautifully illustrates an inherent flaw with haldex systems. jarring automatic activation which at high speeds could result in a slide.

[@johndeere1951a]

Excellent but could've benefited from diagrams or graphics from Ford training manual along with dialog to show components involved. I want to see more to fully understand. 👍🇨🇦🍁 🇺🇲✌️☕New Hampshire

[@davidtimmermann7226]

Did Ford make the PTU and RTU servicible?

[@spacebound1969]

I think the PTU is serviceable if it's like the one in my Fusion. The RDU requires a pump to service in my Fusion unfortunately as well. These are things you don't want to ignore, you'll want to give them new gear oil every 30-50k miles.

[@zakstang4062]

Great info! Thanks!

[@ADVRider78]

Great explanation. I wonder if Ford has used this system in other vehicles before, such as the Explorer?

[@hooligan8957]

Nice review. I’ve been looking at these. Only think holding me back is Unibody!

[@fayekeller7411]

Thank you Justin great video! I did see something in one of the videos that kind of concerned me and that is the movement of it looks like the exhaust pipe I mean constant moving with shifting back and forth and that could be the video could be my eyes my eyes do shake. My concern with that much movement after a while something's going to break loose so just wondering if that's something that you noticed.

[@stonedmetal666]

Its similar to the 90s honda rt4wd or the focus RS drivetrain.

[@drastixdx3874]

Pick mine up tomorrow afternoon! I’m somewhat excited for snow to test mine out

[@versyschris]

Nice video again. Very informative and well explained I thought.

[@drastixdx3874]

Pick mine up tomorrow afternoon! I’m somewhat excited for snow to test mine out

[@SogaGoat]

This was a well made video. Seeing it now convinces me that if I should order a maverick, I will get the AWD version.

[@fordmaverickmaniac]

Yes the AWD has more capability especially in snow. My channel has videos showing mine driving up snow covered streets in Park City, including what happens when I stop at the steepest spot.

[@Burroughsbikebuilds]

Wonder if they’ll program a drift mode for funzies.

[@philipc239]

In other word.. it's the CX5 awd system???

[@JuanGabriel-fo5kk]

Buen video 👍. Saludos desde México

[@ess78201]

Same as the intelligent AWD in the 2022 Ford Edge?

[@JustinPritchard]

From the driver's seat it would feel very very similar. Not sure if it's the exact same system.

[@Gofish163]

Beautiful ❤

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Good review 👍

[@Robbbie1974]

Another great video, Justin! 👍

[@dangunn6961]

43: Whoa listen to that rattle. What is that?

[@dangunn6961]

I have a 17 year old Honda Civic that sounds better than that.

[@JustinPritchard]

That sound is characteristic of the high pressure fuel delivery system used by this engine and many like it. Completely normal.

[@dangunn6961]

@@JustinPritchard My engine has GDI and turbos and Variable Valve timing and doesn't sound like that.

[@jamesm568]

So is it just as unreliable like it is on the Ford Escape?

[@cwqrpportable]

Get outdoors and get some sunshine and Vitamin D........... you appear to have brain fog

[@jamesm568]

@@cwqrpportable Guess that means a yes as the Ford Escape has been plague with all wheel drive issues for years now. Go to your Ford dealer and prove me wrong as their will be 3 to 4 Ford Escapes with all-wheel drive failures.

[@cwqrpportable]

@@jamesm568 Oh go whine to someone else..... who cares?

[@jamesm568]

@@cwqrpportable Someone that wants an economical vehicle that's not a money pit. Luckily for the Maverick the warranty claims have been minor so far.

[@cwqrpportable]

@@jamesm568 Right on....