Towing Test: Fuel Economy in the Ford F-150 Powerboost Hybrid
Despite the automotive industry’s focus on electric vehicles, pickup trucks continue to be a stronghold for internal combustion. But even within this market, there’s a growing interest in fuel efficiency. Modern trucks come equipped with various fuel-saving technologies, including cylinder deactivation, aerodynamic enhancements, and hybrid systems. This begs the question: can a hybrid pickup truck like the Ford F-150 Powerboost deliver on its promise of better fuel economy, especially for those who frequently tow?
The Cost of Efficiency
Let’s be honest: saving money on fuel doesn’t come cheap. Many buyers opt for the quad-cab, short-bed configuration with four-wheel drive. In that form, an entry-level XL F-150 will set you back over $60,000 once you include the 4×4 option and destination charges. Our test unit, a Platinum trim, starts at a price of over $100,000, but with options, the final price tag was $110,590. These options included 22-inch chrome wheels, Platinum badges, a luxurious interior with quilted “smoked truffle” leather, and the 3.5L V6 Ecoboost hybrid powertrain. It’s all very upscale, but does the hybrid system justify the expense?
Modern Towing Convenience
Beyond the luxurious features, this truck is built to work. My task was to drive it north to pick up a U-Haul car trailer, load a dune buggy and then drive three hours south where the buggy was to be delivered. Unlike my old half-ton Chevy, the modern amenities in the F-150 Platinum are impressive from the get-go. Backing the truck to the trailer was a breeze, thanks to the reverse camera displaying a dotted line indicating the hitch’s path. Hooking up the trailer lights was also simple with the included 4-pin and 7-pin connectors. Another feature I appreciated was the ability to save “trailer profiles,” inputting the trailer’s dimensions, brake type, and gross weight. The truck uses this information with the active suspension and stability control to minimize trailer sway.
Power and Performance
The Platinum hybrid is equipped with a 3.5L Ecoboost V6 engine coupled with an electric motor. Combined, the powertrain delivers 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The F-150 Powerboost is undeniably powerful. Acceleration is brisk, and passing power is readily available. It’s a muscular truck, but what about the “eco” side of Ecoboost?
Fuel Economy Results
The F-150 hybrid in our tested configuration is rated at 11.2 L/100 km in the city and 10.0 L/100 km on the highway. During my test, with cruise control set at 110 km/h, I recorded 12.4 L/100 km unloaded. Granted, there were some hills and wind, but this figure was surprising. Loaded with the trailer and dune buggy, the fuel economy dropped to 17.6 L/100 km. These numbers are similar to what my old 1999 Chevy achieved without any hybrid technology.
Factors Affecting Fuel Economy
Several factors could influence fuel economy during this test:
- Cold weather: Temperatures were below -15 degrees Celsius for most of the day.
- Aerodynamics: The dune buggy was not aerodynamic and created drag.
Final Thoughts
Despite the less-than-stellar fuel economy, the Ford F-150 Platinum impressed me as a tow rig. The suspension handled the additional tongue weight well. The seats are comfortable for long trips, and the interior is a pleasant place to spend time. Ford’s hybrid system offers benefits beyond fuel economy. The large battery provides access to electrical outlets in the bed, allowing users to run power tools. The truck focuses on horsepower and towing capacity, but in today’s world, engineers should put more focus on fuel economy, especially while towing.
