Ford F-150 Powerboost Hybrid

As hybrid technology has grown and thrived, there has been a recognition that certain categories of vehicles, while embracing the fuel-saving tech, are not as comfortable labeling their vehicle as hybrids. Put pickups into that bucket.

It’s not that I don’t get it, marketing departments need to find ways to appeal to buyers, and, especially for American pickups, that appeal is based more on durability, performance, and capabilities. Fuel economy — even in the $4 a gallon range — not so much.

Whether you have a mild-hybrid offering a start/stop function to save fuel while stopped at a traffic light, to sports cars embracing the instant torque of an electric motor to enhance performance, hybrids are becoming mainstream and breaking many established stereotypes.

I recently tested the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost. Have no doubt, this is a full-blown hybrid pickup that delivers all the expected pleasures of a full-size truck along with the expected performance. Let’s get it out there, fuel economy is 24 city/24 highway/24 combined. That’s very good for a vehicle this big.

Built-In Generator

So, with other hybrids among the competition, what makes it distinct? The answer is compelling, especially if you are someone who works in the trades or needs access to electricity in remote areas.

The now-famous 7.2-kilowatt generator can be powered by the truck’s gas engine with just the flip of a switch providing an incredibly convenient 120 or 240 volts at the back of the bed. Just inside the tailgate, you have three outlets and light indicators showing operational status.

Whether you are powering tools on the job site, camping with the family, or saving the day by running appliances in your home during a neighborhood power outage, this is a game-changer for many who love their pickups.

Fold-Down Shifter

One of the other impressive features inside the F-150 Powerboost hybrid is the optional Interior Work Surface that is created when the shift lever folds down flat into the console with a button push. What results is a huge, flat surface between the front seats that is perfect for a laptop.

Cabin Distinction

The interior of the F-150 is probably as distinct as the hybrid power capabilities under the hood. While it is not something to necessarily hang your hat on, many F-150 owners will admit they spend way too much time in their trucks. Whether it’s work, play, or family weekend trips, pickups get a lot of work.

Higher trims (King Ranch and above) offer Max Recline front seats that slip back into an almost-flat position. If you need to, I have no doubt you could easily catch a nap or even sleep in these large chairs. The seat comfort is excellent and the interior fit and finish is very impressive. Sometimes I had to remind myself I was in a pickup.

Performance

I was never once reminded due to performance that I was driving a hybrid. It always feels like any other pickup truck – and that’s a real game-changer, too. The transition from electric to gas occurs with a noticeable vibration within the cab. It’s nothing to be leery of but it’s probably the only time you will be reminded.

I mentioned the fuel economy numbers earlier at 24/24/24, but when you compare that to the numbers for the non-hybrid 3.5-liter turbo V6 at 18 city, 24 highway, and 20 mpg combined, it’s not hard to see where savings come from.

The hybrid powertrain is available across all trim levels of the SuperCrew F-150. An XL 2WD F-150 SuperCrew PowerBoost, with the upgrade from the 2.4 kW generator to the 7.2 kW unit, lands at $44,405. Adding some of the great stuff featured on my tester will easily get you into the mid-$50s range and even higher.

John Stein is a freelance journalist based in Chicago. He has more than 25 years’ experience driving, testing, and writing about the automotive industry, its latest innovations, and vehicles.