2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid Review: Smooth Sailing and Fuel Savings with a Generator on Board

Analysis: The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid has been refined

The improvements made to the F-150 Hybrid are noticeable. Its enhanced driving experience, increased towing capacity, and improved fuel efficiency suggest that it should have always been the main attraction.

The latest version of the Ford F-150 series for 2024 has been updated in ways that are subtle yet significant. Attention has been drawn to the innovative tailgate design, which now includes a door, and the upgraded quality of the materials inside the cabin. However, the most noteworthy improvement lies in the enhancements made to the hybrid model by the manufacturer, known as the Blue Oval.

Upcoming 2024 Hybrid Model of the Ford

2024 Model of Ford F-150 with Hybrid

I tested the capabilities of the hybrid truck's engine by loading my father and a few friends into a luxurious Platinum hybrid version and took off for a fishing trip in Canada. Before that, however, I spent time driving the children around the city to their different events.

Throughout my exploration, I discovered that America's top-selling vehicle now features a hybrid engine that operates seamlessly, delivering tangible fuel economy benefits. Moreover, it doubles as a mobile power source.

2024 Model of the Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 model of the Ford F-150 with

The Ford F-150 Hybrid smoothens the ride

In its 2021 debut, the hybrid model of the F-150 showcased a powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine was combined with a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery that powered a 35-kW (equivalent to 47 horsepower) electric motor integrated into the 10-speed automatic gearbox. The combined power output reached 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. These impressive specifications remain unchanged, positioning it as one of the strongest light-duty full-size pickup trucks available, excluding the specialized Raptor or RHO editions.

The vehicle's propulsion system delivered a strong and immediate surge of power, with the electric motor's torque providing a swift boost while the turbochargers activated. However, the transition wasn't seamless. The transfer of power between the electric motor and the initial gear changes caused noticeable jolts within the vehicle's mechanical components.

Ford has addressed the jittery performance and smoothed out the ride to some extent by updating the hybrid system's powertrain software. Additionally, Ford has streamlined the powertrain by doing away with the auxiliary starter that was part of the accessory belt drive. Dawn McKenzie, a representative for Ford, informed Green Car Reports that the updated powertrain software has allowed the hybrid motor to assume responsibility for starting the engine via the transmission. This adjustment has resulted in a seamless transition of power, with gear shifts between first to second and second to third gears being almost imperceptible on the $87,625 F-150 Platinum hybrid during a trial, even in situations where the transmission and powertrain hadn't warmed up.

Regrettably, McKenzie has informed GCR that the F-150 Hybrids from 2021 to 2023 will not receive the latest calibration updates because of the alterations made to the hardware that are not just software-related. Consequently, these vehicles will continue to experience the less smooth transitions of power and gear shifts between first to second and second to third gears.

2024 Model of the Hybrid Ford F-150

2024 Model of the Ford F-150 with

The Ford F-150 Hybrid generally meets the government's fuel efficiency estimates. The vehicle is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 23 combined. Real-world driving can yield similar results. During a suburban drive spanning 76 miles, the truck reported an average fuel consumption of 18.4 mpg. On a 686-mile highway trip, cruising over 70 mph with four passengers and a load of fishing equipment, it managed 20.4 mpg. However, reducing the speed to 65 mph with the same weight, the fuel efficiency improved to 24.4 mpg. The truck offers ample power, and by resisting the urge to accelerate hard and sticking to speed limits, one can potentially achieve the official fuel economy figures. Compared to a 5.0-liter V-8 model, which would typically get mid-teen mpg in the city and high teens on the highway, the hybrid version shows a notable 3-5 mpg advantage.

The 2024 model of the Ford F-

2024 Model of the Ford F-150 with

2024 Model of Ford F-150 with Hybrid

Ram continues to surpass Ford when it comes to the quality of the interior and the smoothness of the ride. Despite enhancements to the powertrain, Ford hasn't managed to outdo the Ram 1500 in these aspects.

Despite improvements, the materials inside don't quite match up to those in a Ram. The leather lacks the same level of softness, the plastic components don't have the same quality finish, there's a scarcity of genuine metal elements, and the A-pillar plastic grab handles aren't wrapped in leather, which is quite noticeable. However, Ford boasts the leading digital gauge cluster in its class, a 12.0-inch display that presents large, legible numbers and straightforward information regarding the truck's operations. The 12.0-inch touchscreen also stands out for its user-friendliness, offering an exceptional interface that can handle split-screen functions smoothly, even when using wireless Apple CarPlay. Navigating through its menus feels as intuitive as using an iPad.

Ford has adjusted its adaptive suspension system to enhance the comfort level. However, the Ram outperforms it significantly in terms of smoothness. The Ford's rear leaf springs are designed to carry heavy loads, allowing the F-150 to tow as much as 13,500 pounds in some setups. This results in the truck having a lower front end compared to the rear when it's not carrying any load. Despite the adaptive shocks, the rigid leaf springs don't provide the same level of ride stability or coziness as the Ram's rear coil springs do.

The 2024 model of the Ford F-

2024 Model of Ford's F-150 with

BlueCruise continues to rank as the runner-up

Even after several improvements that have refined its performance on straight paths and in navigating bends, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance technology still holds a firm position in second place. It falls significantly short when compared to GM’s leading Super Cruise technology.

A friend of mine, who works in systems engineering, experienced sheer panic while sitting in the rear of the Star White Metallic F-150 on our way to Canada. The truck's difficulty in maintaining a direct path on the road caused his anxiety to spike. The situation grew tenser as the vehicle repeatedly veered close to the lane's boundaries while navigating gentle bends. It reached a critical point when the F-150 gave up mid-turn on Interstate 94, forcing me to take over the driving.

Before I even get into the difficulties, let me mention the trouble the infrared camera system experienced in detecting my eyes when I was wearing my polarized sunglasses. This was a new problem for me, as I hadn't encountered it in other vehicles equipped with BlueCruise. The system had such a hard time that it required me to take over driving the truck, despite my hand being on the wheel the whole time.

Upcoming 2024 Hybrid Model of the Ford

2024 Model of the Ford F-150 with

The hybrid version of the Ford F-150 demonstrates that worth depends on perspective. Typically, a pickup truck sells for around $66,000.

The hybrid version of the 2024 Ford F-150 is priced at $59,345. While not exactly low-priced, it does fall below the current average price for a pickup truck. This cost applies to the XLT variant, which comes equipped with a 2.4-kw onboard generator and conventional AC outlets located in the truck's bed as standard features.

The vehicle I reviewed differed significantly. The Platinum model I tested, priced at $87,625, boasted a range of features including a color head-up display, a cabin adorned with leather, and front seats that offered heating, cooling, and massage functions. It also came equipped with sizeable 22-inch wheels and wheel well liners. Notably, it included an upgraded 7.2-kw external power system, complete with four 20-amp, 120-volt AC outlets situated in the truck bed, as well as a 240-volt 30-amp outlet.

Invest in the pickup and receive a generator included. Alternatively, you can select the 7.2-kw system on the more affordable Lariat model. Regardless, it's the standout feature of the F-150 Hybrid. On the Lariat, this additional power is a mere $850. I'd quickly point out to my spouse that it's cheaper than purchasing a quality generator on its own.

The latest upgrades in technology and machinery have polished the F-150 hybrid pickup truck, transforming it into the revolutionary market leader it was meant to become. If you're looking for a mobile power source that can also comfortably transport four people along with their angling equipment, the F-150 hybrid stands prepared.

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