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There is nothing more American than buying way more vehicle than you need.
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But car and gas prices are reaching low earth orbit, while ever-embiggening trucks swallow up entire lanes and feel like office buildings on wheels.
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Given all that, there’s no better time for the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid to come out, packing capability and frugality in equal doses, wrapped up in a shell that feels like anything but a bargain-basement punishment.
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Overall, the Maverick can handle 1,500 pounds of payload, which is enough for half a cubic yard of dirt, sand or gravel, or three dozen bags of mulch.
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Hybrid Mavericks are capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds, which covers a flatbed and a riding mower, or a couple of jet-skis, and should be more than most people need.
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It’s possible to double that tow rating, letting you tow a small trailer or some ATVs, but you have to upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine ($1,085), all-wheel drive ($3,305) and add the 4K Tow Package ($745) to make that happen.
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All-wheel drive is only available with the Maverick’s optional 2.0-liter turbo I4, which produces a decent 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
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The base gas-electric hybrid powertrain utilizes a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle I4 and sends its 191 net hp to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission.
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I know what you’re thinking — a tiny hybrid pickup truck with front-wheel drive? — but hear me out, because the Maverick’s base powertrain is utterly impressive.
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Keep scrolling to check out even more pictures of the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid.
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