The Ford F-150 always impresses. As the leader in full-size truck sales, Ford has the resources for advanced R&D and the confidence to implement new technology into a proven platform. Even when compared to wild competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck, the F-150 can still come out on top.
One standout feature of the F-150 Hybrid is its ability to pull into a gas station and fill up instead of waiting at a charging station. That convenience translates to nearly 800 miles of range, making it the ultimate pickup for eliminating range anxiety. You’ll get 23 MPG overall and, more importantly, all the torque you expect. It feels like you’re driving a big V8 or large diesel. When you arrive at the job site, you can sit in the truck and finish your phone call with the A/C running even with the engine off. Ford has taken its trusted internal combustion platform and refined it with hybrid capability.
Pro Power Onboard
The PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain seamlessly combines a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine with a 44-horsepower (33-kilowatt) electric motor, regenerative braking, and a lithium-ion battery. The transition between electric and gasoline power is impressively smooth. You can hear the engine engage, but it’s subtle and well-controlled.
The standout benefit of the hybrid system is Pro Power Onboard. With 2,300 watts of portable power available from outlets in the cabin and cargo box, you can run tools or gear without hauling a separate generator. Ford designed the system to operate whether the truck is parked or in motion, so you can charge devices on the way to the job site or power a campsite once you arrive.
Engineers noticed that many owners carried bulky generators, which ate up cargo space and were a hassle to load and unload. As Ford’s Chief Designer Ehab Kaoud explained, “Our engineers came back and said that we could fit a built-in generator that would sit inside the wall of the truck and wouldn’t take up any space… it’s a feature that customers really appreciate.”
The Kitchen Table
Climb into the F-150 and you’re greeted by cupholders galore and an abundance of clever storage. But one of the coolest design features is the fold-away gear shifter. Press a button next to it and the shifter retracts, allowing you to fold out a flat work surface that is perfect for grabbing lunch or working from your laptop. Sonic meals have never been cleaner with a solid place to rest your burger, tots and slush.
There’s also a hidden storage compartment above the glove box. Tap a button and it reveals a handy stash spot where you’d normally expect to find an airbag.
Sounding Good
Ford tapped B&O to handle the truck’s audio, offering two systems. The entry-level setup includes eight speakers, while the Unleashed system in this tester features 18 speakers and 1,080 watts of power. There are even headliner and headrest speakers for an immersive audio experience. While these may compromise a deep soundstage, the A-pillar tweeter placement brings the soundstage up high and clear.
Laser-etched B&O speaker grilles add a premium touch. The system is tuned with a Digital Signal Processor both statically and dynamically, ensuring excellent audio quality whether you’re parked or on the move. It’s a great starting point for audiophiles looking to upgrade further with help from a mobile electronics specialist.
Safe Surroundings
While pickups aren’t typically associated with safety tech, Ford includes its Co-Pilot360 safety suite as standard. This package includes Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which monitors for obstacles and alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings. In extreme cases, the system can automatically apply full braking if a collision seems unavoidable.
Tied into the safety suite is Ford’s BlueCruise Level 2 autonomy system. Though GM’s SuperCruise covers more mapped roadways, both systems work well. Personally, I prefer the physical button and light confirmations GM uses. With Ford’s system, you simply take your hands off the wheel when prompted and look for the right icon to confirm activation.
Either way, these systems are a blessing in heavy traffic.
There is a reason the F-150 is America’s best-selling truck. If it has been a while since you’ve checked one out, you’ll be amazed by the latest innovations. Trucks may never be fuel-efficient, but 23 MPG overall and nearly 800 miles of range make the F-150 a category leader. My nicely equipped tester came in just under $80K, which is competitive in today’s market.
If you’re in the market for a new pickup and haven’t driven a Ford lately, don’t overlook the F-150.
