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How much weight can you put in the back of a Ford Maverick?

The short answer: most Maverick configurations support roughly 1,500 pounds of payload in the bed, with EcoBoost variants able to approach 1,700–1,900 pounds depending on options. Exact figures depend on year, trim, drivetrain, and equipment, so always check the door placard for your specific vehicle.


Understanding Maverick payload


Payload is the maximum combined weight that can be carried in the bed and inside the cabin without exceeding the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). It does not include fuel or fluids but does include passengers, cargo, and installed accessories. The Maverick’s payload varies by configuration, mainly due to engine choice, drivetrain, and standard vs. optional equipment.


Before listing typical payload ranges, note that these values are approximate and can change with model year and spec. Use the real figure on your vehicle’s door sticker or official Ford spec sheet for precise numbers.



  • Hybrid Maverick (typically FWD) often carries around 1,400–1,600 pounds of payload.

  • EcoBoost Maverick with 2.0L turbo and the upgrade options usually ranges from about 1,700–1,900 pounds.

  • Vehicles with upgraded towing packages or larger tires may have similar or slightly reduced payload due to equipment, but still commonly stay near the 1,700–1,900 lb range.


Conclusion: The payload rating tells you how much you can load in the bed plus passengers without crossing GVWR. Always verify your exact configuration to avoid overloading.


How to determine the exact payload for your Maverick


To determine the exact payload for your specific Maverick, follow these steps:



  1. Locate the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual.

  2. Find the curb weight of your truck (the vehicle’s weight with no passengers or cargo). This can be estimated from the window sticker or dealer data, or by weighing the vehicle.

  3. Calculate payload: payload = GVWR − curb weight.

  4. Subtract the weight of any occupants in the cab from the payload to determine how much cargo you can load in the bed.

  5. Do not exceed the stated payload for any combination of cargo and passengers. If towing, keep in mind tongue weight as a separate limit (usually a portion of GVWR).


Tip: Ford’s official spec sheets and your door sticker are the most reliable sources for exact figures. When in doubt, err on the side of a lighter load to maintain handling and braking performance.


Load distribution and safety tips


Weight distribution basics


How you distribute weight affects handling, braking, and tire wear. Follow these guidelines to stay safe and maximize efficiency:



  • Place heavier items toward the center of the bed and as low as possible to keep a low center of gravity.

  • Spread weight evenly across the bed width to avoid affecting steering or braking sensitivity.

  • Avoid exceeding bed height or stacking items high enough to obstruct visibility or interfere with the tailgate.

  • Remember tongue weight if you’re towing: roughly 10-15% of the trailer’s loaded weight is carried by the hitch.


Good loading practices help maintain traction, steerability, and braking performance, especially on wet or uneven roads.


Summary


Payload capacity on the Ford Maverick varies by year, trim, and drivetrain, but most configurations land around 1,500 pounds of bed-and-passenger payload, with EcoBoost variants capable of roughly 1,700–1,900 pounds. Always verify the exact figure on the door placard and calculate payload as GVWR minus curb weight, factoring in passengers and cargo. Safe loading practices protect braking, handling, and overall vehicle performance.

What is the load rating of the Ford Maverick?


The Ford Maverick has a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is the maximum weight it can haul in the bed and cabin combined. When properly equipped with the available 4,000-pound trailering package, it can tow up to 4,000 pounds. 
Payload capacity

  • 1,500 pounds: This is the maximum weight you can put in the truck, including passengers and cargo. 
  • Includes passengers: Remember to subtract the weight of your passengers from the total payload capacity. For example, five adults weighing 200 pounds each would only leave 500 pounds for cargo in the bed. 
  • For various needs: This is enough capacity for hauling home improvement supplies, a small business shipment, or even a dirt bike. 

Towing capacity
  • 2,000 pounds: The base towing capacity for models not equipped with the trailering package is 2,000 pounds. 
  • 4,000 pounds: With the optional 4,000-pound trailering package, the maximum towing capacity is 4,000 pounds. 
  • For various needs: This allows for hauling items like a small pop-up camper, a small boat, or a trailer with materials. 



How much weight can I put in the bed of a Ford Maverick?


1,500-pound
Each configuration listed above will offer the same 1,500-pound payload capacity. We recommend getting the 250-horsepower EcoBoost engine (which comes standard) to unlock the most capable and thrilling Ford Maverick performance.



Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Maverick?


So it's not as easy as it used to be but I load up four or five sheets of 4x8 plywood here and then we've got to wheel it back out to the truck. And test if it actually fits in the Maverick. Now one



What is the lawsuit against the Ford Maverick?


Ford Maverick lawsuits involve several issues, including a 12-volt battery defect causing power loss and stalling, a defective side curtain airbag that may not deploy correctly, and a hybrid engine fire risk in certain models like the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, which some Maverick owners are also part of. The lawsuits allege Ford's failures in recalls and fixes for these problems. 
12-volt battery defect 

  • Issue: A defect in the 12-volt battery, supplied by Camel Group, can cause sudden power loss, stalling, and failure of the start/stop system, even after being replaced. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed claiming the recall's fix is ineffective and that Ford knowingly sold defective vehicles. 
  • Affected vehicles: Primarily 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sport and Maverick models. 

Side curtain airbag defect 
  • Issue: A defect in the "Safety Canopy" side curtain airbags may prevent them from deploying properly in a crash. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit alleges this poses a severe safety risk and that Ford's temporary fix is insufficient, leaving owners with unsafe vehicles or no vehicle at all. 
  • Affected vehicles: Model year 2022 Ford Maverick trucks. 

Hybrid engine fire risk
  • Issue: A defect can cause a "blown engine," leading to a stall and the release of flammable fluids, creating a risk of fire. 
  • Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit claims Ford sold these vehicles with the defect, and that the company's attempted "fix" was ineffective and did not mitigate the risk. 
  • Affected vehicles: Includes 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2022 Ford Maverick, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair hybrids. Note: A previous version of this lawsuit was dismissed for lack of evidence of concrete injury. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.