Ford Unveils Refreshed F-150 Lineup with Hybrid Pricing Surprise
Ford has taken the wraps off its mid-life refresh for the ever-popular F-150 pickup truck, introducing several noteworthy changes. The updated F-150 range boasts standard LED lighting, a redesigned grille, fresh wheel designs, and the inclusion of standard Sync 4 infotainment across all models.
One of the standout alterations is the replacement of the naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 engine as the base option. In its place, Ford has introduced a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. However, the most intriguing development is the pricing strategy for the hybrid 3.5-liter V6 PowerBoost engine, which now comes at no additional cost compared to the best-selling turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine.
Andrew Frick, Vice President of Sales and Trucks at Ford Blue, the division responsible for internal combustion engine-powered vehicles, stated, “We’re making hybrid more accessible to our customers, giving them the power of choice by offering it at the same price as the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. This is the latest example of Ford democratizing technology for all truck customers.”
While much attention has been focused on the electric F-150 Lightning, which made waves during testing, its initial price increases deterred potential buyers. Ford slashed the Lightning’s price significantly in July, and its Model e division, responsible for EVs, is expected to continue operating at a loss this year due to the substantial investment in scaling up production to meet a target of 150,000 Lightnings annually.
Currently, the hybrid variant accounts for 10 percent of F-150 sales, but Ford is doubling production of this powertrain and equalizing its price with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, thanks to economies of scale.
In terms of efficiency, the hybrid F-150 doesn’t offer a substantial advantage over the 3.5-liter V6, delivering a combined 23–25 mpg (10.2–9.4 L/100 km) compared to the 20–21 mpg (11.8–11.2 L/100 km) of the latter. However, it brings conveniences like a 2.4 kW onboard AC power source (upgradeable to 7.2 kW). Given the widespread availability of gas stations, customers may find the range impact from towing to be less bothersome than if they were driving an all-electric truck.
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