Can’t get your hand on the new Lightning electric pick up? The F-150 Hybrid will get you better mileage and some low speed electric motoring.
Trucks are king, taking the top three sales positions, so innovation is necessary to keep sales up. Now you can have all the ability of a truck, but with improved fuel economy with the hybrid version (and even all-electric version) of the F-150 starting production.
The F-150, the most popular vehicle in the U.S., saw some of the biggest upgrades in 2021, including the creation of a hybrid version.
While the promise of better fuel economy is a given, performance also sees an upgrade. With 430hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, this F-150 is downright quick. The 3.5L Powerboost full hybrid system plays very nicely with the ten-speed automatic transmission. The big truck will drive on electric power with light acceleration of speeds up to 25mph.
Driving in traffic will provide the best fuel economy because it switches between gas and electric power smoothly. Like other versions of the F-150, this hybrid is ready to work – towing up to 12,700lbs.
Inside the F-150, you notice a higher grade of materials than the previous model. Step up to the Lariat trim level and it adds some luxury touches to this once humble truck. Leather trimmed, heated and ventilated seats will provide all day comfort for work, or play. The spacious cabin allows you to spread out on the job site with a fold-out center console great for your paperwork or laptop, all thanks to a power folding gearshift handle.
Riding in the back seat is pleasant with tons of head and legroom in the SuperCrew four-door cabin. An updated Sync 4 system improves interface usability and graphics on its huge 12-inch screen. I even tried the voice recognition and it works so much better than the previous system.
When it comes to the looks of the F-150, its redesign was a cautious evolution of the model. While a fresh and modern change from the previous model, it was not too over the top so to not put off loyal buyers. The front end is bolder than before, blending the tough persona with a few modern touches. The new headlight design and grill are specific to the trim level to help set them apart from each other.
A welcome feature is the power lift gate opens and closes with a push of the button from the remote. Another nifty option is the Pro Power Onboard which will power a tailgate party, a job site or help power up some needed items at home, if you lose power.
Cost: $50,980; as tested $66,660
MPG: 24.6 mpg in 402 miles of mixed driving
Options: $6,920 Equipment group 502A; $3,300 3.5L Powerboost full hybrid; $880 tow technology package; $995 Ford Co-Pilot360; $750 Pro Power 7.2kw onboard; $165 interior work surface; $1,005 FX4 off-road package; $695 power tailgate; $595 spray-in bed liner; $180 wheel well liner; $1,695 destination & delivery
Safety: advanced security pack; BLIS with cross traffic alert; lane keeping assist; pre-collision assist with AEB; reverse sensing and 360 degree camera package; trailer sway control; trailer brake control; ultimate trailer camera system; active park assist 2.0; Ford Co-Pilot360 actv2.0.
Things to know: The Ford F-150 is the number one seller for a reason. With the Hybrid version, this truck will work hard and do it with less trips to gas station.
Pros:
- Powerboost hybrid gives you power with better fuel economy.
- Useful features for towing and maneuvering a trailer.
- Many configurations and options increase the appeal of the F-150.
Cons:
- Ride is better than before but still not as smooth as a smaller, light-duty pickups.
- Price tag jumps with options and higher trim levels.
- Will probably have to order, as supply is limited.
