Ford Wants the Worst F-150 Model to Be the Best
For some trucks like the Ford F-150, going from first to last has never been challenging. It’s been the most popular truck for 46 years in a row. But it may have challenges within its lineup as executives want the struggling 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid to climb from the bottom to the top.
The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid needs a comeback
The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid is stealing the show despite having a rocky start. However, it’s only responsible for 10% of sales, which lags behind other gas-powered options in the lineup. The entry-level 3.3-liter engine was dropped, so its main competition is the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
To increase PowerBoost Hybrid sales, Ford is offering the hybrid powertrain at the same price as the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. To get the 3.5-liter EcoBoost or Hybrid setup, you have to opt for the Lariat model or a higher trim.
The Lariat starts at $66,990, and upgrading the powertrain from the 5.0-liter V8 engine costs about $290. So, while the F-150 Hybrid is still one of the more expensive options, it’s now easier to get.
Andrew Frick, Vice President of Ford Sales and Trucks, shared that Ford is making the hybrid more accessible to customers by providing the power of choice by offering the hybrid at the same price as the 3.5-l EcoBoost.
He continued to explain that this is an example of Ford democratizing technology for all truck customers. Ford did it with EcoBoost engines and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy bodies, and now Ford is doing it with the PowerBoost Hybrid.
Ford is doubling production of the F-150 PowerBost Hybrid to increase availability while allowing prices to be cut.
Is the F-150 Hybrid reliable?
If you feel like the 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid is the first time you’ve heard about the hybrid truck in a while, you aren’t alone. Since it debuted in 2021, attention quickly surpassed it for the Ford F-150 Lightning.
However, increasing prices may have had a negative impact, and Ford knows it will continue to lose money on EVs until production can scale up.
Also, while the F-150 Hybrid has more sales than expected, that might not be a reason to celebrate. It may be lacking due to having a reputation for being the least reliable truck in 2023. The ranking is based on driver feedback and experiences shared by actual owners.
Complaints are related to body integrity, electronics, power equipment, transmission, drive system, brakes, climate system, and battery failure. There are complaints about the 12-volt system failing early on and needing to be replaced, but the system is covered by the warranty.
Meanwhile, the gas-powered F-150 models have an above-average reliability rating with fewer reports of problems.
How much power does the F-150 Hybrid have?
The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid pairs the 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and a battery pack to generate 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The gas-powered engine provides 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the F-150 Hybrid can tow up to 12,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,120 lbs. It gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway, with the ability to travel 700 miles between fillups.
The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds and has a quiet performance. But the real attraction is related to the Pro Power OnBoard Generator that can power tools, RVs, campsites, tailgate parties, and even your home for days.
Stay tuned as we track the Ford F-150 Hybrid’s performance and sales to see if it’s improving. We will see if its reliability rating changes too.
