The 2022 Ford Maverick may be a unibody truck, but it does have some notable capability. As Ford’s smallest pickup truck, it marks the return of cheap, compact trucks to the American market. And it’s been so popular that Ford had to place a pause on orders. But, some truck owners may be wondering if the Maverick is actually a worthy vehicle with legitimate capability. Even with its compact sizing, the Maverick proves it is a true truck. When properly equipped, it can handle towing with ease.

The 2022 Ford Maverick is a real truck

For some truck enthusiasts, the idea of a unibody pickup may seem ridiculous. But the 2022 Ford Maverick proves it can do many of the things larger trucks can do. It comes with a standard payload rating of 1,500 pounds. Whether buyers stick with the base hybrid engine or opt for the more potent turbocharged option. 

The small stature of the Maverick means it can seamlessly transition from city life to weekend adventure. Which some shoppers are likely to appreciate. Depending on trim, this vehicle can even come equipped with the FX4 Off-Road package. And that gives it some real off-road chops. 

How much can the 2022 Maverick tow?

The towing capacity of the Maverick depends on its configuration. When outfitted with the 2.5-liter hybrid engine, this Ford pickup truck can tow up to 2,000 lbs. However, this also means that Mavericks with the hybrid powertrain are only available with front-wheel drive. 

In order to get the most towing capacity, buyers must opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This gives the Maverick 250 horsepower and 277 pound-foot of torque. Which on its own is likely to impress potential buyers. The 2.0-liter engine opens the door to the available all-wheel-drive system. And that will enable buyers to get the towing package, which increases the towing capacity to 4,000 lbs. 

In comparison, the Honda Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs, but it is outfitted with a V6 engine. Which means less efficiency. Another unibody truck, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can also handle up to 5,000 lbs of towing. The Santa Cruz does lack an available off-road package for more adventuring.

This small truck is ready for action

While Car and Driver does note that the Ford Maverick can’t tow as much as the competition, it is still worthy of consideration. From its available off-road package to three distinct trim levels, finding the right amount of truck is an easy task with this vehicle. 

Plus, the design of the Maverick is more traditional when compared to other truck models. This is surely a win for buyers who prefer old-school looks to radical exterior language. The Maverick also delivers on features like available AWD and can tow up to 4,000 lbs. Which gives it the utility truck owners have come to expect from their vehicles. We can only hope that the success of the 2022 Ford Maverick encourages other brands to explore the compact truck segment. Bonus points if they are affordable like the Maverick.