Is the 2021 F-150's PowerBoost Hybrid Worth the Cost?
Ford promises more power, better fuel economy, and improved towing with its new hybrid option, but does that justify the cost?
Worth It?
The 2021 Ford F-150 is packed with a host of innovative new features, but perhaps one of the most interesting is the PowerBoost Hybrid option. While most thought that there would be a dedicated F-150 Hybrid model, turns out, the option is available across the pickup's entire engine range. And now that Ford has released pricing for the PowerBoost Hybrid option, it's worth asking - is it worth it?
Photos: Ford
Pricing
Interestingly enough, the cost to add PowerBoost Hybrid to the 2021 F-150 varies greatly based on what engine you choose. For the entry-level 3.3-liter V6, it's an additional $4,495. The 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is cheaper at $3,300, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter Coyote V8 are less still with a price tag of $2,500.
Photos: Ford
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More Power
Ford says that when paired with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, the PowerBoost Hybrid "is targeted to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup," though they haven't released any final figures yet. But we do know that the hybrid consists of a 35 kilowatt (47 horsepower) electric motor, which is integrated into the truck’s 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
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>>Join the conversation about the new PowerBoost Hybrid right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Fuel Economy
On top of that, Ford is targeting an EPA estimated range of approximately 700 miles on a single tank of gas and at least 12,000 pounds of available maximum towing with the new powertrain. Those are impressive numbers, indeed, and the improved fuel economy alone might justify the cost of entry depending on how much you actually drive the truck.
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>>Join the conversation about the new PowerBoost Hybrid right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
PowerBoost also uses software calibrated specifically for truck use, including drive modes like tow/haul mode to help customers better manage to tow heavy trailers. The electric motor applies regenerative braking energy capture to help recharge the 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery is located underneath the truck, and therefore doesn’t impede on cargo or passenger space.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the new PowerBoost Hybrid right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Portable Power
One other benefit of PowerBoost Hybrid models is that they also come with the more powerful 2.4-kilowatt ProPower Onboard system, with an optional 7.2-kilowatt setup that isn't available on strictly gas-powered pickups. For those looking to do some camping or use a lot of power equipment off the grid or at the job site, this is a big consideration.
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>>Join the conversation about the new PowerBoost Hybrid right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
Doing Calculations
So ultimately, whether or not PowerBoost Hybrid is worth the cost will depend on the customer. Those that want to be able to power an entire camper trailer will almost need to tick that box and the 7.2 kW ProPower Onboard option. Folks who drive long distances and/or tow a lot could also benefit from it. If none of this applies to you, it's likely that you may never recoup those initial costs in any substantive matter, but that's the case with hybrids in general, anyway.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about the new PowerBoost Hybrid right here in the Ford Trucks Forum!
For help with service of your truck, check out the how to section of Ford-Trucks.com