Even though the 2021 Ford F-150 with the PowerBoost hybrid system isn’t a plug-in hybrid, it is the first serious attempt at a full hybrid in the pickup truck segment in quite awhile. Ford is positioning its F-150 hybrid at the top of the pyramid for performance, and now we know how high that pyramid goes.
Buyers who spec the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 mated to the hybrid setup get a truck with 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. While that’s 20 hp less than the Baja-blasting Raptor, it is 60 lb-ft more than the pre-runner.
“F-150 is the flagship of Ford’s dedication to building the best trucks and represents our commitment to not just meeting customer needs but exceeding them,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “With capability and functionality foundational to F-series, the all-new F-150 not only tows more and hauls more than any other light-duty full-size pickup, it is built to surpass customer expectations with smart innovations that will make them even more productive every day.”
For the hybrid, maximum payload is set at 2,120 pounds and maximum conventional towing is set at 12,700 pounds. Both are strong numbers for a traditional half-ton pickup. Many who need to tow that or more regularly often upgrade to a three-quarter-ton truck or larger.
The hybrid is offered across the range of F-150, meaning buyers don’t have to go to a top trim truck to get it. But it is the default powertrain at the very top.
Do pickup buyers want a hybrid pickup? With full EV truck offerings on the way, we’re going to find out one way or another.
