Video: The New 2021 Ford F-150 Takes On a Chevy V8 On The World’s Toughest Towing Test!

These trucks tow over 9,200 lbs on the Ike Gauntlet.

2021 ford f-150 hybrid chevy v8 ike gauntlet towing test
image: TFLtruck.com

It’s time to put the new 2021 Ford F-150 on the Ike GauntletTM – the world’s toughest towing test! We already know that the new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gas/electric hybrid is very powerful and quick in a straight line. How does all of this power transfer to towing capability up and down the mountain? How does the new Hybrid compare to a truck with a standard V8 – our Chevy Silverado Trail Boss? Let’s find out!

Ike Gauntlet

The Ike is the world’s toughest towing test because of its steep grade and very high elevation. It’s an 8-mile stretch of I-70 with a 7% grade and a maximum altitude of 11,158 feet above sea level. Mr.Truck and I hitched a Cimarron 4-horse trailer (that we got at our friends at TransWest.com) to the new F-150. We loaded ballast into the trailer for a total weight of 9,240 lbs.

Ford’s hybrid power plant is a premium engine choice that sits near the top of the F-150 range. It’s rated at 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The system allows you to drive under electric power alone for short distances. Electric-only driving mode is not available under heavier loads, and it is not available in Tow/Haul mode.

We are comparing a Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5.3-liter gas V8 because it is currently one of the most popular engine options in GM’s lineup.

Here are the results. In the end, the Chevy V8 and 10-speed controlled the weight better on the downhill, than the V6-hybrid / 10-speed Ford. The new F-150 showed its massive power with effortless uphill acceleration, even with a heavy trailer. However, the F-150 Hybrid is still very thirsty for fuel when under load.

Ike Gauntlet Downhill

Chevy Silverado V8: 6 brake applications

Ford F-150 Hybrid: 8 brake applications

Ike Gauntlet Uphill

Chevy Silverado V8: 8 min 5 seconds and 3.4 MPG

Ford F-150 Hybrid: 7 min 49 seconds and 3.5 MPG

Watch the video for all the details.