Testing a hybrid giant—The Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid PowerBoost

Los Angeles, California—The 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum ‘Hybrid PowerBoost’ is a hybrid in more ways than one. It retains the tough and durable ride Ford trucks are known for, while also managing to be a surprisingly eco-friendly pickup. Its 430hp and 570 lb.-ft. (773Nm) of torque is powered by a 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine, capable of achieving 40/40 (city/highway) kilometers per gallon. This makes it the most fuel-efficient truck in Ford’s lineup and among non-diesel truck competitors. The F-150 Hybrid can easily travel over 700 miles (1,126 km.) on the highway on a full tank of gas without refueling. This was extremely convenient and more than enough for a round trip excursion from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and back, which included city driving, day trips and scenic drives. 

Upon first receiving the test unit, I was already impressed with the F-150 Hybrid’s imposing presence with its 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and prominent “Platinum” branding. Further impressing were the automatic power running boards which extend outward upon unlocking the truck (or upon the driver/passenger’s proximity to either of the four doors). Not only is this a very convenient feature for drivers of most sizes, but it also makes sure the truck looks flush and sleek when not being boarded.

Another convenient feature is found in the tailgate, which has a pullout step for when you need to access the rear bed. The truck’s cargo can pack on a lot of mass as well, capable of towing up to 12,700 pounds. In terms of the F-150 Hybrid’s actual pickup capability, its 5-1/2’ rear bed is deep and spacious, as is standard with trucks of this size. As seen in the picture below, it managed to fit a sizeable IKEA haul with plenty of room for more.

Inside the F-150 Hybrid PowerBoost, you’ll notice a surprising amount of room, especially for the front. So much room in fact, that you can extend the seats fully flat with the Max Recline feature. This isn’t just empty space either, as you’ll find a variety of small and large compartments, shelves, cupholders, and even a shifter console that folds out into a sizeable Work Surface. I found this surface particularly useful on road trips with my partner especially during this pandemic. Dining is also more convenient than ever: I would simply pick up our food at a drive-thru restaurant then proceed to park and eat our meal in the comfort of the truck’s cabin, as this feature only works when parked. Laptops and other work accessories can easily fit onto this surface so you never have to leave the comfort of your F-150 to get some work done. The F-150’s integrated 2.4kW generator (fueled by the powertrain) even allows you to charge via the 120-volt/20-amp plug outlets found within the cabin and rear bed. 

Back seat passengers will also enjoy the spaciousness of the cabin, as there is plenty of legroom and personal space for three people without compromise on the middle seat. When driving solo or with just one passenger, the extra seats and floor space can comfortably accommodate anything from groceries, pet transporters, and even larger rolling luggage for added utility. When combined with the rear locking under-seat storage, you’ll always have room for whatever you need to bring on your next adventure.

When driving the F-150 Hybrid PowerBoost, you can immediately feel the weight and ruggedness of the truck’s ride. This doesn’t come at the expense of your feet or legs either, as accelerating is both responsive and untaxing. However, it does take some time to reach higher speeds as expected with the sheer weight of the truck. The black leather seats are not only aesthetically classy but premium to the touch, although comfort-wise it does take time to adjust and break in especially with the included lumbar back rest. To help with this, Ford has included a dial which adjusts this customizable feature while also helping your posture to boot. 

The F-150 Hybrid’s interactive 12-inch touchscreen on the dashboard is easy to navigate, but it does take some time getting used to the menus and settings as there are a lot of them to peruse and understand. A lot of the dials and knobs scattered on and below the steering wheel further customize the car and let you easily switch settings, such as the truck’s “drive mode.” For instance, the knob just below the ignition button lets you adjust between 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High), 4A (Four-Wheel Drive Auto, 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High), and 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low). The latter two options will only be used for specific terrain and conditions such as when the truck is stuck in deep mud/sand or even when pulling extra weight in the cargo. 2H will be your standard for general driving, while 4A allows you even more traction for varying road conditions or uphill climbs. To further customize your drive, you can even choose between certain driving modes depending on your style: Eco Mode for easy and economical driving, Sport Mode for a more responsive experience, and Normal Mode for a balanced and regular drive.

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Safety comes from the F-150 Hybrid’s Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0. This assistive feature allows for Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition), Evasive Steering Assist (ESA) which utilizes the truck’s camera and radar sensor technology to anticipate a slowed or stopped vehicle and apply Automatic Emergency Braking if necessary, Intersection Assist which uses the same technology as the ESA but for scenarios where you’re making left turns onto potentially dangerous incoming traffic, and a Connected GPS dependent upon an available network signal. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid PowerBoost is available now and starts at $63,635 (Php3,195,000, at today’s exchange rates, without freight and duties). While this is a steep price premium in comparison to a standard F-150 for instance (starting at $29,290 or Php1,470,000), this truck is certainly aimed at those seeking a more ‘platinum’ experience. From the spacious and luxurious interior to the exterior’s high-strength steel frame complete with premium 20-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires, the F-150 Hybrid does not disappoint. Adding to this the more quality-of-life features such as the hybrid electronic ten-speed automatic transmission, automatic power running boards and tailgate, and Ford Co-Pilot360 – the F-150 Hybrid not only gets the job done but gets it done in style.

Pictures by Alexandra Delos Reyes