US manufacturers deliberately under-rate the payload of some of their products so that they can drive the sales of the higher margin, heavy duty products.
There is no earthly reason why a $45k truck would otherwise have a 900-1100 lbs payload.
Ford might be an exception to that rule.
An Australian Toyota Hi-lux can carry 2 tons. Yes, it does have a different frame than the American Tacoma (the Tacoma frame is joined at the cab...i.e. not one piece) but I've seen off-roaders really abuse their Tacoma's and be just fine.
Totally ridiculous specifications that are driven by marketing departments, not engineering departments.