Anthony Fongaro
For a reasonable amount of time, pickup trucks have shifted to electrification. Hybrids and fully electric trucks are becoming more popular, and Ford introduced the F-150 Hybrid in 2021. Besides Ford’s electrification strategy, they brought out the fully electric and much more expensive Lightning. Competition is getting fierce with the likes of the Toyota Tundra Hybrid and the Rivian R1T EV. Is the F-150 still a top contender in the pickup truck market, and is it a good hybrid?
Ford’s design of the F-150 is more evolutionary than revolutionary and easily recognizable. This F-150 Platinum sported Star White Metallic Tricolor paint with massive 22-inch wheels with silver inserts gives it a touch of class. At the front, a bold grille with LED lights and silver trim gives an aggressive look. It is a large truck, so I’m happy this model came with retractable running boards. Ford redesigned the tail lights, but I prefer the previous ones since they were less fussy. Chrome and Platinum badging are on the power-operated tailgate, which can only open electrically. Still, the F-150 is a handsome truck.
Step inside, and the Platinum shows its opulence with Smoked Truffle leather. The steering wheel has controls for media and driving systems, with large digital dials in front of the driver. Controls are easy to use with physical buttons for the climate control and a large infotainment system tethered with a 14 speak B&O Unleashed Sound System. Both front seats are heated, cooled, and have a massaging feature. There are a plethora of cup holders and USB ports throughout the cabin.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 producing 430 horsepower and 570 pound feet of torque. With a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive, the F-150 Hybrid accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 5.4 seconds. It’s quick, but power delivery is jerky. Shifts feel harsh and the transition from EV to hybrid is still rough. Typical with a large truck, handling isn’t the F-150’s biggest cup of tea. Once on the move, switching on BlueCruise, Ford’s level 2 autonomous driving system, works well. On highways, you can perform hands-free driving, but the driver has to be alert and ready to take over. Although this is a hybrid, the truck managed 22 MPG.
Ford prices the F-150 Platinum at $73,425. The vehicle includes several options, such as the Star White Metallic Tricoat paint for $995, electronic locking rear axle for $1,200, Max Recline driver and passenger seats for $340, B&O Unleashed Sound System for $995, Tough Bed spray-in bedliner for $595, and a hard tonneau cover for $1,200. The total price, including destination and delivery charges of $1,995, comes to $87,625 after applying a PowerBoost Hybrid discount of $1,900. That’s quite a lot for an F-150, and I would skip the hybrid entirely. With the regular EcoBoost V6, an F-150 Lariat comes in at around $65,000 with similar options.
Does Ford still make the best pick-up? That depends on a lot of criteria. If we look strictly at the hybrid, the answer is no. In terms of luxury, it is up there with the best. There’s a ton to like about the F-150 including the interior, safety, BlueCruise, and exterior styling. I’d stay away from the hybrid and the Platinum trim. If performance is important, the Raptor and Raptor R are hilariously fun. Ford’s F-150 is still one of the best trucks out there, but Ford needs to get the recipe right to make it truly great.
