2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Review

In hybrid operation, the PowerBoost produces 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful light-duty F-150 available for 2021. Under light loads, the truck can drive short distances on electric power alone — up to 1.6 km (about 1 mile) — before the gasoline engine engages.

Price: How Much Does the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Cost?

When new, the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost carried a noticeable premium over gas-only F-150s, reflecting both its hybrid hardware and its positioning as the most powerful drivetrain in the lineup at the time. The MSRPs below reflect SuperCrew models with the 5.5-foot bed, before destination charges, and without additional options or packages. As with all F-150s, real-world pricing varied significantly depending on configuration.

The PowerBoost hybrid powertrain was optional on most F-150 trims, replacing the standard V6, V8, or EcoBoost engines. Depending on trim level and market, it typically adds about $2,000–$5,500 to the base price. For 2021, the PowerBoost was not available on Tremor or Raptor models.

As expected with the F-150, pricing complexity was (and still is) part of the experience. Ford’s order sheet allowed for nearly endless combinations, and very few PowerBoost trucks left dealer lots anywhere close to base MSRP.

For reference, our Lariat 4×4 test truck carried a base price of roughly $65,000 CAD / $59,000 USD, plus about $4,800–$5,000 for the PowerBoost hybrid drivetrain. From there, options quickly added up. Notable extras included a panoramic moonroof, power-deployable running boards, Pro Power Onboard, all-terrain tires, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-assistance package. In total, the optional equipment added close to $10,000, which was typical for a well-equipped PowerBoost.

2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Interior and Equipment

The interior of a PowerBoost is the same as any other F-150 of that grade. In the case of our Lariat that brought leather trim for the heated and ventilated seats, steering wheel and console. A B&O audio setup, Ford Pass connected services and navigation system are all part of the Sync 4 infotainment setup, which is accessed via a 12in screen.

However luxuriously appointed it is, any F-150 is designed with practicality front of mind. That means chunky, easy-to-reach switches for gloved hands and thoughtful touches like the Interior Work Surface ($200), which creates a flat table between the front seats for your laptop or other gear.

The PowerBoost powertrain also extends the output of the Pro Power Onboard exportable power supply to 7.2kW. Accessed via outlet sockets in the bed, that’s enough power for your truck to take the place of a portable generator, for example, to run home appliances in the event of a power outage, fire up power tools on a jobsite, or handle creature comforts when camping.

F-150 PowerBoost Performance

The PowerBoost features a very similar powertrain to the one in the Ford Explorer Hybrid. The 1.5kWh lithium-ion battery and 10-speed transmission are carried over, the latter incorporating a 47-HP electric motor, but the truck gets a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 in place of the SUV’s 3.3-litre unit.

Nothing about the hybrid installation detracts from the truck’s overall comfort and quietness. Other powertrains bring higher trailering capacity but the 4,994kg (11,000 lb) on offer here will be enough for many buyers and the impressive low-end torque brings flexibility when loaded or towing.

We spent most of our time in the PowerBoost on short runs in the city. Our recorded fuel consumption figure of 13.1L/100km won’t win any environmental awards and is way short of the official number (9.8L/100km). In our experience, Ford’s EcoBoost V6s have a habit of failing to match published figure when it comes to fuel consumption.

Perhaps more importantly, the truck told us it spent about 27% of its time running on electric. That saving would soon add up in high-mileage urban use. Full-size trucks sell in huge numbers and use a lot of fuel, so even a 20% dent in consumption results in a worthwhile emissions reduction, in our view.

Takeaway: Is the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Worth It?

With the all-electric F-150 Lightning due in 2022, there’s a danger that the PowerBoost will be quickly overshadowed. We think that’s a shame because for many Canadian truck buyers, the recharging infrastructure is still insufficient to enable the use of an EV full-time. Until that changes, the PowerBoost offers ample power and attractive features to truck customers looking to trim their fuel bills.