Is The Hybrid F-150 Worth It?

The overall lineup for the 2021 Ford F-150 pickup includes many exciting additions. One model in particular is gaining additional attention, the PowerBoost Hybrid. You don’t automatically associate the term ‘hybrid’ with pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, but its inclusion in the 2021 lineup demonstrates Ford’s commitment to new alternative-fuel models.

In fact, the PowerBoost Hybrid represents the first and currently only light-duty full-size pickup with a full hybrid (not just mild hybrid) powertrain. The PowerBoost Hybrid certainly brings a lot of interesting advantages, especially to those who need a pickup for work.

Vastly Improved Gas Mileage

This new F-150 will shock you when it comes to fuel economy numbers, with an incredible rating of 24 mpg combined (24/24 mpg city/highway). This beats out not only all the other models in the F-150 range, but also all the gasoline variants of the Chevy Silverado 1500, and the Ram 1500, too. Whether or not you could guarantee these ratings in colder weather is questionable, but for the pickup category the numbers are impressive. It’s also worth mentioning, the PowerBoost F-150 can travel over 700 miles on the highway without stopping to refuel, making long road trips even easier. 

The only F-150 that comes close to beating the PowerBoost Hybrid in terms of fuel efficiency is the F-150 Diesel model, which manages a very impressive 27 mpg on the highway, but only 20 mpg in the city, bringing its combined rating to 23 mpg. Better fuel efficiency on a working vehicle that you’re driving all day from job to job is part of what really sets this F-150 PowerBoost apart.

Onboard Generator

Besides the hybrid powertrain, the F-150 is given an additional use for its electrification, and that’s the Pro Power Onboard feature. In short, it’s an integrated generator with a 2.4kW output that is charged up by your F-150 powertrain. You can upgrade to the 7.2kW output option if you want. Activate the features and you can then use the four 120-volt/20-amp plug outlets in the rear bed, as well as a number of in-cabin outlets. When you’re using power tools in your working day, then you need a place to plug them in. Instead of relying on sockets at your work location, you can instead turn to your F-150.

Technology Firsts and Other Innovations

The 2021 F-150 is the first full-size pickup in North America to offer over-the-air updates to its system bumper-to-bumper as standard. While you’re focusing on your work, you’ll never have to worry about your truck’s systems and other tech functions being out of date.

There are some great optional innovations in the F-150 PowerBoost, too, such as the Work Surface feature. Opt in for this feature and it will allow you the ability to fold down your shifter with the push of a button while it’s set to park. Once the shifter is stowed away, what you’re left with is a superb flat surface onto which you can put your laptop, paperwork and other work materials for each day. You’ll never have to feel that this handy space is wasted, nor do you need any additional pull-out tables or similar features you see in other vehicles. Better yet, the Work Surface feature is smart, and won’t activate while the vehicle is in drive mode, or even if there are objects sitting around the shifter like your keys.

F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid: Electrifying 

Ford is helping to forever shift the way we look at pickup trucks. Thanks to Ford, we now have pickups with an incredibly efficient hybrid powertrain. We also have a pickup with on-board power supply perfect for people who need to charge and power up on the go. On top of that, all this and more is achieved while retaining the same great looks, interior features, technology integration and other qualities that make the Ford F-150 so loved among pickup drivers. This one’s a winner from Ford.