2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid: A Smoother Ride and Enhanced Efficiency in America’s Best-Selling Truck

Analysis: 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid improved

Ford has enhanced the F-150 Hybrid. Given its improved performance in driving, towing, and fuel efficiency, this should have been the main story from the start.

The 2024 Ford F-150 series has been updated with modest yet significant changes. While the buzz primarily focused on the innovative tailgate featuring an integrated door and the upgraded interior materials, the key development lies in Ford's enhancement of the hybrid model.

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

I decided to evaluate the performance of the hybrid truck's engine by loading it up with my father and a few friends, all settled comfortably in the leather-upholstered Platinum hybrid version, and set off for a fishing trip to Canada. Before that, I drove my children around the city to attend their different events.

In my experience, I discovered that the top-selling vehicle in America now features a hybrid engine, which operates efficiently and offers tangible fuel savings. Additionally, it functions as a mobile power source.

2024 Ford F-150 with Hybrid Engine

2024 Ford F-150 with Hybrid Powertrain

Ford's F-150 Hybrid smooths out the jitters.

Introduced in 2021, the hybrid F-150 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that powers a 35-kilowatt (47-hp) electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic transmission. The combined system produces a total of 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. These impressive power figures remain unchanged, making the F-150 Hybrid one of the most powerful light-duty full-size trucks available, without needing to opt for the Raptor or RHO versions.

The powertrain delivered immediate and ample power, with the electric motor providing torque to bridge the gap as the turbochargers spooled up. However, the transition of power from the electric motor, as well as the shifts between the first to second and second to third gears, were not smooth and caused noticeable vibrations in the driveline.

Ford has addressed the vibrations and smoothed out the roughness in part by updating the software calibration for the hybrid system's powertrain. Additionally, Ford has streamlined the powertrain by removing the second starter that was previously part of the accessory belt drive. Dawn McKenzie, a spokesperson for Ford, informed Green Car Reports that the new powertrain calibration allows the hybrid motor to take over the duty of starting the engine via the transmission. This update results in seamless power transitions and nearly imperceptible 1-2 and 2-3 gear shifts, even when the transmission and powertrain are cold, in the $87,625 F-150 Platinum hybrid test vehicle.

Regrettably, McKenzie informed GCR that the hardware modifications required surpass software capabilities, meaning the 2021-2023 F-150 Hybrid models will not receive the updated calibration. Consequently, these vehicles will continue to experience rough transitions in power and during 1-2 and 2-3 gear shifts.

2024 Ford F-150 with Hybrid Engine

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

Ford F-150 Generally Meets EPA Fuel Efficiency Estimates

The current F-150 Hybrid is rated by the EPA at 22 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Depending on your driving habits, you might achieve similar results. In suburban driving over 76 miles, the truck averaged 18.4 mpg. On a highway trip covering 686 miles with four adults and a load of fishing gear, the truck averaged 20.4 mpg at speeds exceeding 70 mph. However, at a steadier 65 mph with the same load, the truck achieved an average of 24.4 mpg. The vehicle offers substantial power, and if the driver can avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain speeds within legal limits, the EPA's fuel economy figures appear attainable. In comparison, a 5.0-liter V-8 version of this truck would likely achieve mid-teens mpg in city driving and upper teens on the highway, making the hybrid model 3-5 mpg more efficient.

Hybrid Version of the 2024 Ford F-

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 Hybrid Version of the Ford F-150

Ram continues to outshine Ford in terms of interior design and ride comfort. While Ford has made advancements in its powertrain, it still falls short of matching the Ram 1500's superior interior and smoother ride experience.

Despite the enhancements, the materials used still fall short compared to those in a Ram. The leather lacks the same softness, the plastics don't have the same refined texture, there are fewer authentic metal components, and the plastic grab handles on the A-pillars aren't covered in leather. However, Ford boasts the best digital gauge cluster in its class with a 12.0-inch display that features large, easy-to-read numbers and system information at a glance. The 12.0-inch touchscreen interface is also among the top, offering effortless split-screen functionality, even with wireless Apple CarPlay. The menus are intuitive and user-friendly, similar to operating an iPad.

Ford claims it has adjusted the adaptive suspension to enhance ride comfort. However, the Ram provides a significantly smoother experience. The rear leaf springs on the Ford are designed for heavy-duty hauling (with some models capable of towing up to 13,500 pounds), causing the truck to sit with the front end lower than the back when it's empty. Despite the adaptive shocks, the stiff leaf springs don't offer the same level of ride control or comfort as the Ram's rear coil springs.

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

BlueCruise Retains Second Spot

Even with several improvements that have refined its straight-line navigation and curve management, Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance system continues to hold a firm second position. It still trails significantly behind GM’s Super Cruise system.

A friend of mine, who works as a systems engineer, was in the backseat of an F-150 on our trip to Canada. He almost experienced a heart attack when the Star White Metallic truck had trouble maintaining a straight path on the road. His anxiety increased as the vehicle repeatedly veered towards the edges of our lane on gentle bends and eventually gave up, forcing me to take control again in the middle of a curve on I-94.

Before getting into the challenges with the infrared camera struggling to detect my eyes through my polarized sunglasses, it's worth mentioning that this is a problem I hadn't encountered in other BlueCruise vehicles. The system had such a hard time that it insisted I take over driving the truck, despite the fact that I already had one hand on the steering wheel.

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 Hybrid Ford F-150

The worth of the Ford F-150 hybrid depends on perspective.

Typically, a pickup truck sells for around $66,000.

The 2024 Ford F-150 hybrid is priced at $59,345. While this isn't a bargain, it's still below the current average price of pickup trucks. This price pertains to the XLT model and includes a standard 2.4-kilowatt onboard power supply with household AC outlets located in the truck bed.

My vehicle was quite different. Priced at $87,625 in its tested form, my Platinum model was equipped with numerous features, including a color head-up display, a leather-trimmed interior, and front bucket seats that offered heating, cooling, and massage functions. It also boasted 22-inch wheels and wheel well liners. Most notably, it featured a high-output 7.2-kilowatt external power system, complete with four 20-amp, 120-volt AC outlets in the bed, as well as a 240-volt, 30-amp outlet.

Purchase the truck and receive a generator, or choose the 7.2-kilowatt system as an additional feature on a more affordable Lariat model. In any case, this feature is the standout of the F-150 Hybrid. For the Lariat, the upgrade is a mere $850. I'd quickly inform my wife that this is cheaper than purchasing a high-quality generator separately.

Revamped with the latest software and hardware, the hybrid F-150 pickup truck now operates smoothly and lives up to its potential as a revolutionary model in its category. Need a vehicle that doubles as a mobile generator while transporting four people and their fishing equipment? The F-150 hybrid is up to the task.

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