by Benjamin Yong
With Ford slowly and steadily electrifying its lineup over the last several years, from cars (formerly) to crossover SUVs, there’s no real surprise even the F-150 would one day ditch fossil fuels. Granted the zero emissions version isn’t in dealerships just yet, but a hybrid option — the only example in the segment right now — has finally arrived. And it’s great.
Still based on the standard 14th generation truck platform, the partially electrified offering is sold as a PowerBoost model and available on the crew cab body style regardless of trim level whether base XL or Limited. Under the hood is a 3.5-litre bi-turbo V6 engine, complemented by a 35-kilowatt electric motor integrated right into the 10-speed automatic transmission.
And who said being eco-friendly had to be boring? This latest Dearborn-built product also happens to be the most powerful within the full-size portfolio generating a combined 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The latter comes on quickly and robustly thanks to the assistance of the electric motor. Other than that, the pickup doesn’t overtly look, drive or sound like a conventional hybrid unless in reverse where a cute alert chime is emitted.
While the alternative truck is capable of driving short stretches sans gasoline, there is no way to press a button to force an EV-exclusive mode. Instead, it happens autonomously under (read: very) light load applications. Give the accelerator any sort of real pressure and the gas powerplant kicks in fairly subtlely.
The onboard 1.5-kilowatt-hour battery can’t be charged externally, however the process is automated via regenerative braking. The stored electricity isn’t only used for propulsion, but reserves 2.4-kilowatts (or up to 7.2 kilowatts at an additional cost) for the Pro Power Onboard feature, which provides juice to in-cabin devices, or tools and toys plugged into the 120-volt outlets found in the cargo bed.
Although I personally didn’t hook up a trailer or anything else out back during my week in the press vehicle, the PowerBoost has a maximum towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. That’s 600 more pounds than the 3.0-litre diesel variant, and 2,600 more than the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6.
As with all 2021 F-150s, the interior has been completely overhauled. The all-new SYNC 4 infotainment system makes an appearance here debuting some neat functionality, such as the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible devices wirelessly. Opt for the 12-inch touchscreen and a split screen setting may be activated to display two apps simultaneously: for instance, the radio on the left and maps on the right.
A number of passengers commented on how upscale the inside felt. And indeed, the Lariat 4X4 I drove was generously equipped including a thumping B&O stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, ambient lighting, leather bucket seats, electric sliding rear window and auto-dimming rear-view camera mirror.
The exterior isn’t too shabby either, especially after adding extras like the FX4 off-road package (skid plates, heavy duty shocks), power tailgate and drop-down step, power deployable running boards and 275/60×20 all-terrain tires. Many of these, of course, yield better performance if you decide to take the truck off-roading.
Lightweight aluminum still rules when it comes to the construction of the pickup, the body sitting on a fully boxed and ultra-strong steel frame. Ford says the current vehicle is the most aerodynamic one thus far boasting active grill shutters, a dynamic air dam, and redesigned cab and tailgate, all of which help reduce drag and contribute to the estimated range of over 1,000 kilometres on a full tank of fuel.
As tested, the 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat 4X4 SuperCrew retails for $61,845, before optional equipment, fees and taxes, and is built in Dearborn, Michigan.
Specifications:
Base price (MSRP): $61,845
Type: pickup truck
Layout: front engine, four-wheel drive
Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo V6 + 35-kilowatt electric motor
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 430 hp @ 6,000 rpm (net)
Torque: 570 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (net)
Brakes: front/rear disc with ABS
Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): 10.5/9.1
