My take on whether or not to use tow/haul mode.
In March this year we bought a 2025 Maverick AWD XL hybrid with the 4k tow package. After reading some of the discussion on this sub about whether or not it we should use the tow/haul mode, I've developed my take based on pulling our 1000lbs trailer loaded with my zero turn mower.
Tow/haul mode seems to never switch into 'electric driving' with the exception of when it is stopped. I assume this is to power for acceleration and climbing hills, and probably protects the engine from lugging, but it results in lower mpg.
Driving in 'Normal' mode results in slow acceleration and a sense that the engine is having difficulty getting up to speed. I'm a bit uneasy about potentially damaging the drive train.
Switching between 'Normal' and 'Tow/Haul" is a simple matter of a few presses of buttons on the steering wheel, so why not switch back and forth between the two modes?
When I am in no particular hurry, not going uphill, and no one is behind me, I might just stay in 'Normal' mode and slowly accelerate. But if any of those aren't true, three button pushes put me in 'Tow/Haul' mode and the truck easily handles the load.
But once up to speed I switch back to 'Normal'. The truck has no problem pulling this load even on slightly uphill roads. I even get some 'electric driving' mileage and the resulting mpg for the trip is quite a bit better than the same trip in 'Tow/Haul' mode.
And switching back to 'Tow/Haul' is just three button presses.
If I was pulling a travel trailer closer to the Maverick's 4,000 lbs. limit I don't think I'd be as inclined to switch between the two modes. Also, if I were pulling a 400 lbs. trailer with 200 lbs. of gravel I might stay in 'Normal' mode. But for my 'in-between' situation, switching back and forth seems to make the best sense.
Many of you seem to be a lot more knowledgeable that me, so if there is a problem with what I'm doing please let me know.