2021 Ford F150 Platinum Powerboost

Despite strong competition, the F-150 remains the best-selling vehicle available in the United States.

By Isaac Bouchard

Rather than rest on that laurel, Ford continues to improve it, and one of the most intriguing changes for the latest generation is the hybrid version, dubbed Powerboost. It will hit 60mph in 5.3 seconds, which is sports car territory, and can average 24mpg, which is the kind of economy a midsize crossover gets. Remarkable, when you think about it. What makes this possible is a 35-kilowatt electric motor and 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery. Combined with a 3.5-liter, twin turbo V6 and 10-speed auto, full system output is 430 horses and a massive 570lb-ft of torque. This means a model like the Platinum that is reviewed here can easily haul a 10,000lb trailer; depending on gearing and options, it is rated at up to 12,700lb.

Powerboost also makes the Pro Power Onboard mobile generator system—available on other F-150s as well—available with even more bandwidth. The basic version is 2.4-kilowatts and has two 120-volt outlets that push 20 amp each, enough to run two tools simultaneously. The optional system has 7.2-kW, four 120v outlets and a 240w, 30 amp one. It is so useful it makes you wonder why no one has done it before.

Real world use illustrates a few things that aren’t as rosy as the specs: the F-150’s transmission seems to have trouble shifting smoothly at times, and fuel economy (as seen on the 12in digital gauge cluster) can vary greatly; going as low as mid-teens, or as high as 27mpg. But the F-150 Powerboost does indeed seem to average about 4mpg better than a non-hybrid model once you learn to drive it in a way it likes—a remarkable 20 percent improvement. And some surfaces show up inadequacies in its suspension, eliciting large, floating body motions along with sharp smacks from pavement joints, all at the same time. But most of the time the Ford is refined, quiet and smooth. It is always effortlessly fast, now has an interior worthy of the price point and is very comfortable for passengers. The displays are high res and easy to use, and soon a semiautonomous driving suite will be sent as an over-the-air update to the adaptive cruise, lane assist and emergency braking that are now operational. All this shows why light trucks continue to replace sedans as the family vehicle of choice and should keep the F-150 at the top.

EPA Ratings: 24/24/24mpg

0-60mph: 5.3sec

Price as tested: $71,540

Here is what has to say.

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Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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