Six months and 10,000 miles into Edmunds’ long-term test of the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid, a clear picture is emerging regarding its fuel efficiency. As the fourth F-150 to join Edmunds’ extensive long-term vehicle testing program, this hybrid pickup truck promised to deliver impressive gas mileage. However, real-world testing reveals a significant shortfall compared to EPA estimates, echoing concerns seen with previous F-150 models. Despite outperforming a Raptor in a drag race, the question remains: what is the true value proposition of the F-150 Hybrid, especially concerning its MPG?
The Gap Between EPA Estimates and Reality
Vehicle window stickers set consumer expectations, but the EPA’s fuel economy ratings are increasingly seen as overly optimistic in real-world driving conditions, much like inflated MSRPs. The Ford F-150 Hybrid, marketed as the PowerBoost powertrain, boasts an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg (24 city/24 highway). Edmunds’ long-term testing, however, tells a different story.
After six months and 30 fill-ups covering 10,000 miles, the F-150 Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of just 19.3 miles per gallon. This figure excludes towing and performance testing, representing typical daily driving. While 19.3 mpg would be considered respectable for a conventional full-size pickup, the hybrid powertrain comes with a significant price premium of over $4,000. Disappointingly, the test truck only reached an average of 24 mpg per tank on two occasions and 23 mpg twice. The majority of fill-ups hovered around 18 mpg. This data indicates that the advertised 24 mpg is achieved only about 13% of the time and requires very specific driving habits. The reality is that the F-150 Hybrid consistently falls short of its promised fuel economy. It’s worth noting that Edmunds’ test truck is equipped with a towing-optimized 3.73 axle ratio, which could slightly impact fuel economy. However, this factor alone shouldn’t account for such a considerable MPG deficit.
Conclusion: Rethinking Hybrid Truck MPG Expectations
The Ford F-150 Hybrid offers a blend of performance and potential fuel savings, but Edmunds’ long-term test highlights a crucial point: real-world MPG may not live up to EPA expectations. While the hybrid system provides benefits like enhanced acceleration and potentially reduced emissions in certain driving situations, the significant gap between advertised and actual fuel economy raises questions about its overall value proposition for buyers primarily seeking MPG gains. For consumers considering the Ford F-150 Hybrid for its fuel efficiency, it’s essential to temper expectations and understand that achieving the EPA-rated 24 mpg in everyday driving may be challenging.
