2024 Ford Maverick XLT FX4 :RPM News Weekly

Posted by Rich Taber in In the News, RPM Drives, RPM Photo Gallery 6 months ago 1159 Views Comments Off

5-03-24 Featured Vehicle

By Rich Taber

A few weeks ago, we, here at RPM News Weekly, reported on the 2023 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid. Other than the obvious hybrid distinction, it has a lot in common with the gasoline EcoBoost powered XLT model. Even so, the XLT FX4 variant of this compact pickup offers one particularly significant difference that’s not as apparent as the flashy FX4 decals adorning its hind quarters. You’ll have to get underneath the truck, or poke your head around the wheel wells to get a glimpse.

We’re talking about the suspension of course.

If you run down the spec sheets on the 2-liter EcoBoost equipped trims, there are no differences in output or transmission. Plus, you won’t find any notable differences in size, inside or out, unless you look at the Maverick Tremor (a different story we may get to in a few weeks). There are a few variances between FWD and AWD editions due to tire sidewall size (e.g. ground clearance, approach angle, etc.) and a Tow Package option for AWD equipped models. But that’s it.

Where you’ll stop short in your perusal, though, is under the Suspension heading. Where the other AWD Mavericks come with twin-tube dampers, the FX4 raises the off-road competence by employing mono-tube dampers with hydraulic rebound stop. If you’re planning to regularly go off-road, this is why you’ll want the FX4 AWD instead of one of its siblings (not counting the Tremor, of course).

What are the advantages? Typically, a mono-tube damper provides more damping force, offers better heat dissipation, reduces the potential for aeration of the fluid in the damper, and is generally considered more responsive. The trade off is in ride comfort.

Our FX4 test ride also featured the optional FX Luxury Package. Why not ride in style while kicking up some dust? Check out this slide show for a full look at the model we drove.