The Best Hybrid Truck Isn’t the Ford Maverick
In the past, you might have pictured a Toyota Prius when you thought about a hybrid, but now pickup trucks are embracing this technology. The Ford Maverick comes standard with a hybrid engine, and even full-size trucks like the Toyota Tundra boast a hybrid powertrain. And the best hybrid truck might not actually be the Maverick, it looks like the 2023 Ford F-150 hybrid has it beat.
Does the Ford Maverick have a hybrid?
The Ford Maverick is one of the first trucks that offers a standard hybrid engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine benefits from an electric motor to provide better efficiency. It makes about 190 horsepower, but the Maverick hybrid is not available with all-wheel drive.
In terms of fuel economy, the EPA estimates that this small truck can get 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. If you know about pickup trucks, you know that those numbers are fairly impressive. One Youtuber actually reported getting 50 mpg in a Ford Maverick hybrid.
The perks of the Maverick don’t end with fuel economy, though. The 2023 Ford Maverick has a starting price of under $25,000, which is more like a car than a truck when it comes to what you’ll pay.
The 2023 Ford F-150 is now a hybrid
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Ford F-150 hybrid is one of the best hybrid trucks you can get. I’m not saying that someone who needs a full-size truck is going to look at something like a Maverick, or vice versa, but KBB does rank the F-150 above the Maverick.
Ford calls the hybrid in the F-150 the PowerBoost engine, and it’s still fairly new. The Blue Oval claims the engine makes 400 hp and even offers up to 700 miles of driving range. But the reliability of this powertrain might be questionable. Simply put, it is the first time that Ford has put a hybrid powertrain in its full-size truck.
The good news is that the F-150 hybrid does come with some pretty notable features. One of these is the optional on-board power generator. If you need to get power to the job site or your next tailgate party, that could certainly come in handy.
Why are Ford trucks so popular?
Ford trucks are popular because a lot of folks perceive them to be reliable and capable. The Ford F-150 is regularly the top selling full-size truck on the market. And when it comes to the Maverick, it seems like the Blue Oval can’t build that pickup fast enough.
Truck owners can be pretty loyal to their brands though. And there are some things offered by Ram and Toyota, like air suspension, that have not made it to the F-150 yet.
Ultimately, pickup trucks are extremely expensive. And adding a hybrid powertrain can increase the cost, at least in the case of the F-Series. The best way to determine which truck is right for you is to test drive these vehicles if possible. That way, you know what you are putting your money down on.
