If you’re looking for a compact pickup that can tow a boat, save on gas, and won’t break the bank, the 2022 Ford Maverick might fit the bill. Buzz and excitement have surrounded Ford’s first fully hybrid truck, and car enthusiasts are champing at the bit to see if it lives up to the hype. But as far as the Maverick’s ground clearance goes, that will depend upon whether you choose front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive.

The Ford Maverick’s performance expectations

The Ford Maverick’s base powertrain comprises a 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder and an electric motor producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque with FWD. It has an optional AWD drivetrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder harnessing 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The FWD engine mates with a continuously variable transmission, and the AWD pairs with an eight-speed automatic.

According to Ford, the 2022 Maverick hybrid will have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40/33/37 mpg city/highway/combined and can travel 500 miles on a single tank. The automaker hasn’t released the AWD engine’s EPA ratings yet.

Ford also says the 4.5-foot steel bed, which expands to six feet with the tailgate open, can haul 1,500 pounds. Depending upon the powertrain, the Maverick can tow 2,000 pounds, or if you add the 4K Tow package to the AWD EcoBoost, it can tow 4,000 pounds. The 4K package also includes a hitch with a seven-pin connector, a transmission oil cooler, an upgraded radiator and cooling fan, a shorter final drive ratio, and a trailer brake controller. The truck’s bed is also designed to support multiple modular configurations. And expect two 12-volt prewired power sources in the bed.

Ground clearance differs between FWD and AWD models

The Maverick is another game-changer from Ford, this time in the compact truck segment. But just because this pickup is small doesn’t mean it can’t get the job done. However, to get the ground clearance you want, know that it differs depending upon whether you choose FWD or AWD.

Maverick models with FWD stand 8.3 inches off the ground, while models with AWD have a ground clearance of 8.6 inches. This is just a little less than the Bronco Sport Badlands, with 8.8 inches of ground clearance, MotorTrend reports.

How much does the 2022 Ford Maverick cost, and when will it come out?

The inaugural Ford Maverick will offer three trims, along with the previously mentioned 4K Tow package. The base-model XL will start at $19,995. And the other two trims — the XLT and Lariat — will start at $22,280 and $25,490. Also, a First Edition package is available to initial customers for $1,495, which will add unique graphics and other special touches. The first Maverick trucks are scheduled to roll out this fall, and Ford is already taking orders.

With the Maverick, the Blue Oval is definitely trying to hit give consumers’ biggest wants: fuel efficiency, power, and affordability. The automaker is also throwing in some unique features, such as two cleats in the bed that double as bottle openers, and “Ford Integrated Tether System” slots in the backseat for 3D-printing your own accessories.

So if the 2022 Maverick lives up to what it promises on paper, it could soon dominate the small truck segment and attract new buyers who had never considered purchasing a pickup. And that’s likely Ford’s goal.