Can a hybrid truck be as efficient as a diesel pickup? Yes, according to this latest data from Canada. The Natural Resources Canada has published the latest fuel efficiency ratings for the new 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. The gas/electric hybrid 4×4 powertrain is rated at 24 MPG city / 24 MPG highway & 24 MPG combined. Yep, a 4×4 crew cab truck has a rating of 24 MPG combined which happens to be the same as for an F-150 4×4 with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. A diesel F-150 4×4 has a rating of 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway & 24 MPG combined on the same cycle.
The diesel-powered truck is more efficient at a steady highway speed, but the hybrid wins out in city driving.
The United States EPA estimates for the new F-150 are not in yet. The EPA rating may be slightly different from what the Canadian government published because the agencies use different test cycles and/or verification procedures. The MPG rating process usually involves the manufacturers providing their own MPG estimates and data to the government agency. The agency either looks over and verifies the submitted data or retests the vehicles in question before publishing the ratings.
The 2021 F-150 hybrid is a combination of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor for a total power rating of 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The truck uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford will continue to sell the F-150 3.0-liter diesel V6 with 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque.
Will the F-150 Hybrid match the said MPG ratings in the real world for most owners? We look forward to your feedback on this, and we plan to test the fuel efficiency of the new truck as soon as one becomes available.
