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The world of full-size trucks is quickly changing. Not only are we now getting electric trucks, but mainstream manufacturers are putting hybrid powertrains in these pickups. Sure, Ram has had its mild-hybrid system for some time, but Ford and Toyota now offer true hybrid engines. So, let’s see how the 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid compares to the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid.

Cost comparison

There’s no getting around it; whether you want a Toyota or Ford truck, you’re going to be shelling out a pretty penny. And, because neither truck comes standard with a hybrid engine, you will also have to add on some more cost in order to get the benefits of this kind of powertrain. 

A black Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid pickup shows off its truck of the year powertrain by pulling a heavy camper trailer up a steep hill, a bridge visible in the background.
2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost | Ford Motor Company

You can get the 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine on the base model of the 2023 Ford F-150. But you will need to opt for the larger cab size. To get the hybrid, you should expect an additional cost of around $5,000. That makes an estimated price of a base F-150 with the hybrid engine about $40k. 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra will cost you a bit more than that. And that is because Toyota has limited what it calls the i-FORCE Max engine to the higher trims of the truck. To get the hybrid powertrain, you will have to start your search at the Limited trim. And that raises the cost to around $57k. 

Is the Ford F-150 Hybrid better than the Toyota Tundra Hybrid?

Now, I have only had driving experience with the Toyota Tundra’s hybrid engine. I tested this full-size truck in the Capstone trim, which is essentially the ultimate version of the model. I found the engine to be more than enough to power the vehicle. And it returns some decent fuel economy. With 389 horsepower and 479 pound-foot of torque, the twin-turbo V6 almost sounds like a V8. 

The rear-end of the Toyota Tundra Hybrid pickup truck.
Toyota Tundra Capstone | Eric Boman, MotorBiscuit

According to Car and Driver, the PowerBoost engine puts out 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. And Ford has claimed that it can achieve a driving range of 700 miles. For a full-size truck, that is certainly an impressive range. And if you are looking to conquer highway miles, likely to be appreciated. 

A Ford F-150 Hybrid truck tows a boat out of the water.
Ford F-150 Hybrid | Ford

When it comes down to it, the best truck is likely the one that fits your preference. As a non-domestic truck, the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid excels. But, the F-150 has long been one of the top pickup trucks in the country. 

Both trucks offer a hybrid engine

Regardless of whether you go with the Toyota or the Ford, you can get both pickup trucks with a hybrid engine. And that is a reflection of how the world of trucks is changing. With modern engine technology, you no longer need a big V8 powerplant to move a truck. 

The hood of the Toyota Tundra, showing the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine badge.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid | Eric Boman, MotorBiscuit

Although, it is valid to be worried about how long a turbocharged engine will last in vehicles like these. A turbo is just one more component that can fail, as is an electric motor.

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