2022 Ford Maverick’s Max Towing and Payload Falls Short of Santa Cruz

The 2022 Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with its available 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 and the optional 4K Tow package. That’s a sufficient sum for hauling modest boats, moderate travel trailers, and small utility trailers. However, that max towing drops in half to 2,000 pounds when the Maverick’s powered by its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Loads in this range include items such as a pair of moderate personal watercraft, some kayaks, or an adventure camper trailer. For comparison, other vehicles that tow in the 2,000-4,000-pound range include the  Subaru Outback, Volvo V90, Ford Transit Connect, and Chrysler Pacifica.

Additionally, the 2022 Ford Maverick can haul up to 1,500 pounds of cargo. That’s about 37 sheets of plywood or 75 20-pound bags of ice. It’s also plenty of payload for hauling adventure gear, home supplies, and day-to-day life.

The other new vehicle in the compact pickup segment—the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz—can tow and haul more than the Ford Maverick. The base-trim Santa Cruz can tow 3,500 pounds, and that figure increases to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Basically, the Ford Maverick can tow a maximum of between 2,000-4,000 pounds, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow a maximum of between 3,500-5,000 pounds. The Santa Cruz also packs a payload of up to 1,700 pounds, which is slightly more than the Maverick’s 1,500 pounds.