Towing With the Ford Maverick Hybrid Isn’t Great
There are two popular opinions about the Ford Maverick Hybrid. Some fans love it for its affordable price if they can find one and its excellent fuel economy. Other drivers are upset that it can’t be paired with all-wheel drive. Those who want AWD may be on to something after seeing this 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid towing test.
Updated on 06/09/2023 for freshness
How much can the 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid tow?
When properly equipped, the Ford Maverick Hybrid can tow up to 2,000 lbs. This is the same amount that the Maverick can tow when equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, adding AWD and the Tow Package increases the capacity to 4,000 lbs.
But the Maverick Hybrid isn’t available with the Tow Package. You have to upgrade to the more powerful gas engine. Also, the Maverick can carry a payload of up to 1,564 lbs, no matter which configuration you pick.
Cars.com decided to put the Maverick Hybrid to the test by hauling a loaded trailer that came in at 1,800. The total gross weight of the Maverick and trailer came to about 5,980 lbs, which put a strain on things.
We accelerating on flat sections of pavement, the 2023 Maverick Hybrid experienced a slight delay in getting up to speed. If there were hills or inclines, then it may have struggled to keep up.
Also, braking was relatively easy, but the idea of coming to a stop on an incline made the driver nervous. It seemed like the brakes were already working hard enough. The team didn’t go above 60 mph to fully reach highway speeds either. They stayed on the backroads to be safe.
The flat countryside put the Maverick Hybrid at its limits. If you plan to tow on steep terrain or on the interstate, consider hauling less weight. You could also opt for the more powerful engine and Towing Package, though.
On a positive note, the driver mentioned that the Maverick Hybrid typically has a bumpy and unladen ride, but the extra weight helped smooth things out a little.
How many miles per gallon does the Maverick Hybrid get?
The 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city, up to 33 mpg on the highway, and about 37 mpg combined. So, while the hybrid model might not be the best for towing or off-roading, it can provide savings at the pump.
It’s equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor to crank out 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds, which isn’t bad.
That’s plenty of power to pass others on the highway and for merging into traffic. However, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 255 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It helps the Maverick reach 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds.
Can the Maverick Hybrid do truck stuff?
Yes, the 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid is a practical compact truck. Aside from towing smaller trailers, it has an extremely useful bed. It has 33.3 cubic feet of space for bikes, tools, and muddy gear.
The bed can fit 4×8 sheets of plywood and has tie-downs to secure other cargo items. Plus, the optional tonneau cover will protect your cargo from the elements. It’s effortless to fold up and use.
Towing with the Ford Maverick Hybrid might not be the best, but that’s fine. The Maverick Hybrid is still capable with plenty of practical uses and an excellent fuel economy. Just be careful about not maxing out its towing capacity.
