On- and Off-Road Power Makes the Difference
America loves its trucks, so-much-so the vast majority of them are primarily used more for commuting than for their ability to perform work tasks. While many are used for vocational reasons, those commuters eventually become weekend warriors, whether at the home improvement store or hitting the road towing a boat or camping trailer.
This is where the 2024 F-150 SuperCrew PowerBoost Hybrid Platinum 4X4 shows its strength. It delivers both on-road and stationary power, is easy on fuel, and becomes a stallion when the electric power of the hybrid motor is called on.
The 2024 Ford F-150 full-size pickup is offered with six different gasoline propulsion options and one all-electric.
2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6
326 horsepower (hp) and 400 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6
400 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged PowerBoost V6 Hybrid
430 hp and 570 lb.-ft. torque
3.5-liter EcoBoost high-output V6
450 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of torque
5.0-liter V8
400 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque
5.2-liter high-output supercharged V8
720 hp and 640 ft.-lb. of torque
If you’re interested in never stopping at a gasoline station again, Ford offers the all-electric F-150 Lightning with up-to 580 hp and 775 lb.-ft. of torque.
Hybrid Performance and Efficiency – On the Road
The 2024 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid drivetrain comprises a 35 kilowatt/47 hp electric motor sandwiched between the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 Hybrid engine and a 10-speed transmission, with a disconnect clutch so it can run in pure EV mode.
The total horsepower of the system is 430 with 570 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood, running on 87 octane. That wonderful torque becomes very obvious as the 5,540-pound F-150 SuperCrew 4X4 PowerBoost Hybrid did 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Beyond acceleration, the hybrid torque aids the payload of 1,800 pounds and a tow rating of up-to 11,200 pounds (some other F-150 models are capable of towing up to 13,500 pounds).
We didn’t get the opportunity to tow during our week in the F-150 PowerBoost, but our truck was equipped with pro trailer backup assist, trailer reverse guidance, reverse brake assist, a smart hitch and onboard scales.
Our good friends at Pickup Truck + SUV Talk produced this towing video of the 2021 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which has the same engine and transmission as the 2024 model in this review.
Clean Fleet Report kept the transmission in two-wheel mode (2H) that provided the best fuel economy. Four-wheel drive Low (4L) and High (4H) are options based on the road conditions, that will maximize torque to all four wheels for increased traction. The transmission shifted quickly but we did notice a slight hesitation accelerating from a stop, so it was not as smooth as could be.
Choose a Mode
There are driver-selectable drive modes of Eco, Sport, Normal, Slippery, Rock Crawl, Baja, Off-Roading and Tow/Haul. Dry pavement all week limited our drive modes to the first three.
The EPA rates the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid at 22 mpg for city/24 highway/23 combined. In 281 miles of mostly highway driving (with an empty bed) through Southern California we averaged 22.7 mpg, which included 63 all-electric miles. This means the driving range, with the 30.6-gallon fuel tank full, will be about 695 miles.
All-city errand-running driving returned 18.1 mpg, but the impressive numbers were on a 70-mile run on Interstate 5, from Dana Point to Oceanside and back. Selecting the Eco drive mode and setting the adaptive cruise control to 65 mph, we averaged a stout 27 mpg. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.
We always smiled when the Brake Coach dash read-out gave us a “100% Energy Returned” message, which was a reflection of being easy on-and-off the accelerator and letting the regenerative braking do its job. Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into electricity, when braking or coasting, and stores it in the battery. So driving around town, in stop-and-go rush hour freeway traffic or coasting down hills will recharge the battery.
BlueCruise
Our F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid was equipped with the optional BlueCruise 1.3 hands-free highway driving system that can be used on more than 130,000 miles of North American roads.
This technology, demonstrated here, offers hands-free driver assistance when used in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go, lane centering and speed sign recognition. BlueCruise is best used for long distance driving and not for in-town, country roads or mountain curves. The system uses a series of facial recognition cameras to tell if the driver is facing forward. Once engaged, if the driver turns their head away for several seconds a “Watch The Road!” warning will come on the 12-inch instrument cluster. In one case, a message curiously said to take control of the wheel when my hands were on the wheel.
Clean Fleet Report has tested BlueCruise on several Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Its accuracy and functionality has improved over the past few years. For testing consistency, we always engage it on an open highway, on a sunny day, and where the lane lines are clearly marked. Earlier versions of BlueCruise would occasionally try to find the lane center, which made it wander at times, would drop-out at bends in the highway and sometimes when the lanes narrowed.
The Technology Is Getting Better
Our most recent experience was different and improved, but not all of those earlier issues have been completely resolved.
We were also impressed with the semi-automatic lane change assist feature. Traffic permitting, depress the turn signal lever in the desired direction and, when the sensors read it is safe, the F-150 would glide into the adjoining lane. Once there, return the turn signal lever to neutral and you continue down the road. While this feature isn’t necessarily needed now, it will be an integral part of fully autonomous vehicles.
All 2024 model-year vehicles equipped with BlueCruise have the option to purchase three years of BlueCruise access for $2,100 when you buy the vehicle, or the option to receive a 90-day complimentary trial. BlueCruise then requires an annual or monthly subscription fee.
Hitting the Open Road
Driving with an empty bed, the suspension seemed to be trying too hard at times to absorb the bumps and cracks in the road that were apparent on Southern California’s concrete freeways. Regardless, the independent double-wishbone with heavy-duty gas-pressurized front shocks, and the conventional leaf spring and solid axle with shocks in the rear kept the General Grabber 275/50/20 tires firmly planted to the road.
Stopping was strong with power anti-lock front and rear discs that are part of the regenerative braking system. This combination of powerful brakes and the motor slowing the F-150 PowerBoost produced confident and straight stops.
Pro Power Onboard: Built-in Generator
Where the F-150 PowerBoost shines is its ability as a mobile generator power source. Whether on a work site, camping or in an emergency when the power goes out, the Pro Power Onboard feature will keep tools and appliances humming and lights shining bright.
The 7.2-kW system (7,200 watts) is an option exclusive to the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid. A less powerful 2.4-kW system (2,400 watts) is standard. The number of outlets is dependent on which system is being used—the 7.2-kW has four 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt outlet in the bed.
When idling, the hybrid engine automatically turns on and off as needed to charge the battery. The system can run up-to 32 hours under maximum load, longer when the demand is lower.
The best way to understand how to use the Pro Power Onboard system is to take a look at this video.
Behind the Wheel
The spacious interior of the F-150 PowerBoost Platinum is impressive with all the features expected on a premium pickup, including a 12-inch cluster screen with configurable gauges. The power 10-way leather, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats are accompanied by the 60:40 heated rear seat, which when folded up, reveals a dry storage space.
The foot pedals power adjust and have memory, making it so multiple drivers of different sizes can easily find comfortable and safe driving positions. The power telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel also has memory, and the gear shift lever power-retracts into the console to create a flat workspace.
Cabin features on the Platinum model include wood trim and bright door scuff plates, a fold-out-and-down work surface, wireless charging pad, tray-style rubber floor coverings and a twin-panel moonroof. The 12-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen houses the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14-speakers and a subwoofer for HD AM/FM with SiriusXM, AppleCar Play and Android Auto. Connections are through Bluetooth, wireless phone charging, USB ports and multiple power outlets. The 5G LTE with a Wi-Fi Hotspot provides for flexible device connectivity.
There are three bed lengths—5.5, 6.5 and 8.0 feet—and three cabin sizes—Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew. The cabin was insulated from outside road and wind noise as we cruised the highway. At slower in-town driving speeds the hybrid engine was silent when running in electric mode.
Safety
Safety systems include keyless entry keypad, 360-degree cameras, head-up display, rain sensing wipers, front, side, driver knee, and overhead curtain airbags, and Ford Co-Pilot360. The advanced driver assist system (ADAS) includes pre-collision assist with emergency braking, a requirement to engage the BlueCruise system.
The 2024 F-150 received a 5 Star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)
Convenience
The F-150 PowerBoost has standard or optional features of a tilt-and-telescope steering column, electric parking brake, remote keyless entry and start, security entry keypad on the driver-side door, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a theft deterrent system. The remote power tailgate has a convenient slide-out step, the power running boards help with access, the power sliding rear window and the power exterior mirrors are nice touches.
Warranties
The 2024 Ford F-150 PowerBoost comes with these warranties.
- Hybrid Components – Eight years/100,000 miles
- Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles
- Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles
- Aluminum Body Panels – Five years/Unlimited miles
- Paint Adhesion – Five years/Unlimited miles
Pricing
Pricing for the 2024 F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Clean Fleet Report drove included a significant discount.
- Base price $73,735
- Options $11,970
- Destination & Delivery $ 1,995
- Sub Total $87,770
- PowerBoost Discount $ 1,900
- Total MSRP $85,800
If you start with the F-150’s Lariat trim package the base price with the hybrid powertrain is about $8,450 less.
Observations: Ford 2024 F-150 SuperCrew Powerboost Hybrid Platinum 4X4
In mid-March 2018, Ford announced it would be introducing 24 battery electric hybrids over the next few years, including trucks, crossovers and SUVs. The full-size 2020 Explorer hybrid SUV, the 2021 F-150 PowerBoost hybrid pickup and 2022 Maverick have been the first to come along.
For 2024, the F-150 PowerBoost has updates including BlueCruise 1.3, Sync 4 and both of the 12-inch screens are standard. What hasn’t changed is the fuel efficiency, the massive torque that is perfect for towing, and the deal-maker of the Pro Power Onboard electric generator. The F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid will make people forget about a diesel engine to power their pickup, or in some cases the need to buy a separate generator.
The performance and drivability rank up there with the F-150’s competitors, as do the interior features and driving comfort. If a full-size pickup that can power your job site, campground or complete house in an emergency is intriguing, the 2024 Ford F-150 SuperCrew PowerBoost Hybrid Platinum 4X4 should be on your shopping list.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Ford.
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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