All-new 2021 Ford F-150 has segment’s first hybrid engine

The light-duty but Ford tough F-150 full-size pickup is all new for 2021. Exterior styling doesn’t stray too far from what went before, but new cab and tailgate geometry along with active grille shutters and an automatic active air dam combine to reduce drag and improve gas mileage.

The biggest boost in fuel economy comes from an all-new full hybrid F-150 powertrain called Powerboost. More about that in a few minutes.

Much of the F-150’s transformation takes place inside, with a handsome redesign of the cab using higher-grade materials, providing more storage space, updating technology, and offering new color selections. Through it all, Ford kept the cab trucklike, with large buttons and knobs in conventional intuitive locations. One fun exception is the push-button opener for a “secret” compartment in the new double glovebox.

There are seven trim levels of the 2021 F-150: XL, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. An assortment of special new features that are standard, optional or unavailable, depending on trim level, includes the following:

An appealing 12-inch center screen and Sync 4, the newest version of Ford’s infotainment system. It isn’t a cinch to figure out, but the learning session is of reasonable duration.

Interior Work Surface. The soft top of the center console box flips down to create a hard flat work table approximately 14×21 inches in size. It’s made possible by the nifty gearshift lever that folds down with the push of a button.

Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The new F-150 is the only light-duty full-size pickup to offer these helpful technologies sourced from Ford’s Super Duty trucks.

Pro Power Onboard. Generator levels of exportable power with in-cab and cargo area outlets. Up to 7.2 kilowatts providing power to work sites, camp sites and other locales. Can be used as a backup home generator during power outages. Power is available on the fly to charge tool batteries.

A host of new driver-assist features including active drive assist, intersection assist, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

And now back to that Powerboost hybrid engine. Its elements include Ford’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, 35-kilowatt electric motor, and 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery pack is attached under the truck body, so it doesn’t hog any passenger or cargo space.

The Powerboost powertrain makes the 2021 F-150 the only light-duty full-size pickup with a full hybrid system. With 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, it’s the most powerful engine in the F-150 lineup. It can tow up to 12,700 pounds and carry up to 2,120 pounds of payload.

Fuel economy ratings for the Powerboost when paired with two-wheel drive are 25 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. In 4WD configuration, the numbers are 24/24/24 mpg. The 30.6-gallon fuel tank gives Powerboost an impressive range.

There is no “Hybrid” badging on the F-150 exterior. Those in the know will spot the hybrid version by the subtle Powerboost insignia on its front doors.

F-150’s hybrid system takes some getting used to. Pushing the engine start button and not hearing a sound from a 430-horsepower full-size pickup is weird. Waiting for the green light at an intersection, familiar with the truck’s silent standby operation, when the engine does kick in a tense person will be startled.

Driving the F-150 Powerboost is generally great, provided you don’t mind some bouncing. The lane keeping system is quirky, most noticeable when I drove Highway 2 going up into the Cascades, where lanes are narrow and twisty but the speed limit is 60.

The extra storage spaces in the cab are a significant boon, especially the inspired double pockets on all four door panels.

Pricing for the 2021 Ford F-150 starts at $29,290.

2021 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW XLT 4WD POWERBOOST

Base price, including destination charge: $45,500

Price as driven: $60,545

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.