Update (January 14, 2025): ‘Ram mid-size pickup truck’ added.
The pickup truck is the most popular passenger vehicle segment in the United States. Americans, for decades, have been resonating with the practicality of the pickup—the high-riding position, the ability to wander off the beaten path, and most importantly, the payload and towing capacity. According to data gathered by Car and Driver, the top three vehicles (by sales volume) sold in the U.S. in 2023 were trucks.
The limited hybrid pickup options in the U.S. come from a lack of business viability in the past, mainly due to higher costs and concerns about long-term maintenance. Despite their fuel efficiency, the higher purchase price and potential battery replacement costs have deterred buyers, but the market is gradually shifting as electrification gains momentum.
Currently, there are five (mild/full) hybrid pickup truck options available in the United States. In this article, we’ll dive into those options and the new choices that customers will have in the future.
Ford F-150 Hybrid (Current)
Specifications
The Ford F-150 hybrid pickup truck is visually identical to the regular F-150; the difference is under the hood, where the truck comes with the 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine. The engine is mated to a 46.5 hp electric motor, which draws energy from a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The peak output of this hybrid system is 430 hp and 570 lb.-ft. A 4×4 system is standard in the hybrid pickup truck since the 2024 model year.
The combined fuel efficiency of this engine is 23 MPG, which is far better than the fuel efficiency of all other powertrains available on the F-150. Moreover, Ford’s Pro Power Onboard exportable energy is standard on the F-150 Hybrid. A 2.4 kW system with up to four 120 V/20 A sockets is standard, while customers can choose a more powerful 7.2 kW system with six outlets. Additionally, the hybrid pickup truck can tow up to 11,200 lbs. and haul up to 1,750 lbs. of cargo while benefiting from the efficient, strong hybrid powertrain.
Price
The Ford F-150 Hybrid is available in the SuperCrew version with a 5.5-ft. bed or a 6.5-ft. bed. The trim options are XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. Prices start at USD 58,065 (incl. USD 1,995 destination charges and USD 695 acquisition fee).
Ford Maverick Hybrid (Current)
The Ford Maverick is the most affordable hybrid pickup truck in the United States. It’s excellent value for money and was among the most popular models in 2023.
Specifications
The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine that works in tandem with a liquid-cooled 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery under the rear seats and a 94 kW (126 hp) electric motor. The combined power is 191 hp, while the torque output from the engine is 155 lb.-ft. Ford hasn’t released the combined torque output, but the electric motor produces 173 lb.-ft, so expect the combined output to be well over 200 lb.-ft. With the MY2025 update, Ford has started offering the Maverick Hybrid with an all-wheel-drive system and the 4K Tow Package as well.
The Maverick Hybrid is in a league of its own when it comes to fuel efficiency. Its powertrain returns a combined figure of 37 mpg (FWD MY2024). However, the towing capacity isn’t comparable to its elder sibling, the Ford F-150 Hybrid. The Maverick is a light-duty hybrid pickup truck given its maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. and maximum payload capacity of 1,500 lbs.
Price
The Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck price starts at USD 28,685, including USD 1,595 destination charges and a USD 695 acquisition fee.
Ram 1500 eTorque (Current)
In 2019, Ram introduced the eTorque mild hybrid technology for the Ram 1500 truck. While this is not a strong hybrid where the truck can be propelled exclusively by electric power, Ram says the mild-hybrid technology helps boost efficiency. It received a facelift in November 2023.
Specifications
The Ram 1500 eTorque employs a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine that produces 305 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. A belt-driven motor generator, which works with a 0.43 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that operates at 48 volts and has an energy storage capacity of just 0.43 kWh, assists the engine. It enables three essential fuel-saving functions: engine start/stop, torque assist, and brake energy regeneration. The belt-starter generator produces 9 kW and 90 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Ram 1500 eTorque delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 MPG in 2WD and 21 MPG in 4WD.
Price
The prices of the Ram 1500 eTorque in the U.S. start at USD 42,270 (incl. USD 1,995 destination charges).
Toyota Tundra Hybrid (Current)
The Toyota Tundra is the third strong hybrid pickup truck on our list. The truck comes in seven variants: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone. Only the top five variants are available with the iForce Max 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. The base variants get a non-hybrid engine.
Specifications
The Tundra hybrid’s powertrain packs some serious punch. The peak output is 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. The electric motor produces 48 hp and 184 lb.-ft on its own and draws power from a 288-volt NMC battery with a 1.87 kWh capacity. The power gets sent to all wheels through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
The truck is extremely capable of performing off-road. All variants of the Toyota Tundra get a 2-speed transfer case with high and low range, an automated limited-slip differential (LSD), and an e-locking rear differential. The maximum towing capacity is 11,450 lbs, and the payload capacity is 1,680 lbs. According to Toyota, the combined fuel efficiency is up to 22 MPG (2WD)/21 MPG (4WD). The hybrid powertrain makes the truck heavy. While the Tundra Limited i-Force V6 weighs 5,160 lbs., the Tundra Limited i-Force Max V6 Hybrid tips the scale at 5,710 lbs.
Price
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid’s prices start at USD 59,950 (incl. USD 1,945 delivery, processing, and handling fee).
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid (Current)
Toyota has hybridized the Tundra already, and electrifying the Tacoma was obviously the logical next step, as the company has promised to add electrified variants of more Toyota and Lexus models globally by 2025. The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid comes in a variety of configurations, including special variants engineered for off-the-grid overlanding and desert racing adventures.
Specifications
Toyota has employed a different i-Force Max powertrain in the Tacoma Hybrid. It’s a combination of a 2.4-liter single-turbo engine with a 48-hp electric motor. The e-motor, integrated into an 8-speed transmission, feeds off a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack. The hybrid system produces 326 horsepower and a whopping 465 lb.-ft. of torque! It returns a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 24 MPG.
Price
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid’s prices start at USD 47,815 (incl. USD 1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee).
Scout Terra (Upcoming)
Scout Terra, one of the first models of Volkswagen Group’s new company Scout Motors, will be available as an EV and also an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) for the American market. The latter, featuring ‘Harvester’ technology, will have a small gas-powered engine that only operates as a generator, charging the battery pack when needed. Two motors, one on each axle, will enable four-wheel drive. With the battery pack fully charged and the gas tank full, the EREV will deliver a range of more than 500 miles, although that figure is a company estimate at this point.
Volkswagen Group doesn’t delve into details specific to the EREV variant, but it has revealed some generic details. Built on a ladder-frame chassis, the Terra will be a full-size pickup truck measuring 229.2 in. in length, 79.9 in. in width, and 77.7 in. in height (with antenna), with a wheelbase spanning 148.6 in. It will have a crew cab body with a 5 ft. 5 in. bed. The company estimates its first pickup truck to have a maximum payload capacity of nearly 2,000 lbs. and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.
The production of the Scout Terra will take place in Blythewood, South Carolina, starting in 2027.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger (Upcoming)
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is the range extender variant of the Ram 1500 REV. It employs two motors, one on each axle, producing 663 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque. The front motor can shut off when additional power or grip isn’t required, thus reducing energy consumption. The rear motor will be available with an electronic locking differential.
By default, the 1500 Ramcharger’s dual-motor powertrain gets its juice from a 92 kWh battery pack. Additionally, there’s a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine with a 130 kW generator under the hood and a 27-gallon gas tank in the rear.
The 130 kW generator converts mechanical power produced by the engine into electric power. An inverter converts this electric power into a usable form and directs it to the battery pack to charge it. Moreover, if the driver demands additional power, the motors can use the generator’s power along with the battery pack’s power.
The battery pack can be charged at up to 145 kW, and adding up to 50 miles of range takes approximately 10 minutes. Ram estimates the 1500 Ramcharger will deliver a combined (electricity + gasoline) range of 690 miles. The company claims it clocks 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds and that its towing and payload capacities are 14,000 lbs. and 2,625 lbs., respectively.
Ram plans to launch the 1500 Ramcharger in 2025.
Chevrolet Silverado Plug-in Hybrid (Upcoming)
Reversing from its earlier announcements after seeing a decline in demand for EVs, GM has confirmed it will launch plug-in hybrid vehicles in North America. According to a report Autoweek published on February 20, 2024, the company plans to bring out a Chevrolet Silverado Plug-in Hybrid and has fast-tracked its development.
GM has launched the Chevrolet Silverado EV, but the truck’s volumes and profitability are still uncertain. With prices starting at USD 66,900 (excl. destination freight charge), it’s quite expensive for most customers. Additionally, with towing and payload capacities of 10,000 lbs. and 1,440 lbs., respectively, it’s not as capable as the combustion-powered Silverado, which can carry up to 2,260 lbs. and tow up to 13,300 lbs.
A Chevrolet Silverado PHEV might be an attractive solution for customers who have environmental considerations without compromising on core trucking capabilities.
GMC Sierra Plug-in Hybrid (Upcoming)
According to the Autoweek report mentioned above, a GMC Sierra Plug-in Hybrid is also in the pipeline as GM shifts its focus from EVs to semi-electrified models with higher sales volume potential for near-term growth. The GMC Sierra Plug-in Hybrid will likely be a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Silverado Plug-in Hybrid, offering a better road presence with a more stylish exterior and a more upmarket cabin with higher-quality materials and more advanced features.
Kia TV EREV (Upcoming)
The Ford Maverick Hybrid has garnered great interest among buyers, exceeding Ford’s expectations. Economy models are Kia’s forte (no pun intended), so it won’t be a surprise if it challenges the Blue Oval’s contender in the compact truck segment.
According to a report from The Korea Economic Daily, a semi-electrified ‘Kia TV’ pickup is in the pipeline and will enter production in 2028 or 2029. It won’t be an HEV or even a PHEV, but an EREV, short for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. An EREV is similar to a PHEV but it uses the internal combustion engine to only recharge the battery pack, serving as a generator like in a series hybrid electric vehicle. The Kia TV will have an electric range of over 530 km (329 miles) and a towing capacity of over 4,535 kg (10,000 lbs.).
Hyundai TE EREV (Upcoming)
Hyundai Motor Group’s product roadmap includes a Hyundai TE EREV as well, possibly a mechanical cousin of the Kia TV EREV. Chances are it could be a derivative of the next-gen Hyundai Santa Cruz, although it’s early to say with certainty, with the aforementioned report from The Korea Economic Daily stating the same 2028/2029 start of production (SOP) timeline for this model.
Jeep Gladiator 4xe (Upcoming)
Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa has confirmed on a LinkedIn post that the company plans to launch a Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid in 2025.
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe could carry the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe. The current Jeep PHEVs club a 2.0L gas engine with two electric motors that get their juice from a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system direct the engine’s power to the wheels. A pure-electric drive mode is available, in which the vehicle can travel for an EPA-est. distance of up to 26 miles.
Toyota Tacoma/Tundra Plug-in Hybrid (Upcoming)
Toyota could add a Tacoma plug-in hybrid and a Tundra plug-in hybrid in the U.S., as per a report from CNBC. Jack Hollis, Toyota’s Executive Vice President for North America, has told CNBC that the company is evaluating new options for its pickup range as authorities firm up emission and fuel economy regulations. He said that there is potential to expand the company’s pick-up line-up but didn’t delve into details about the production or release timeline of the Toyota Tacoma Prime or the Toyota Tundra Prime.
Ford F-Series Super Duty Hybrid (Upcoming)
Ford has confirmed that it will bring “multi-energy technology” to the F-Series Super Duty trucks in the next generation. While it is coy about the nature of the alternative powertrain, the industry anticipates that it will offer next-gen F-Series Super Duty models with a hybrid system.
Ford will build the electrified heavy-duty trucks in three factories, including the Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant in the U.S. as well as the Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada. The company has confirmed the Canadian factory, scheduled to become the Super Duty line-up’s third production site worldwide in 2026.
Ram mid-size pickup truck (upcoming)
In November 2023, Stellantis announced plans to launch a new mid-size pickup truck and revive production at the dormant Belvidere Assembly Plant. The company committed to a USD 5 billion investment to reopen the facility and begin two-shift production in 2027, aiming for an annual output of 80,000 to 100,000 units.
In August 2024, Stellantis delayed the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant, without clarifying if that would affect the arrival of the new mid-size pickup truck. However, Ram CEO Chris Feuell has assured “it will be brought to market,” as per a MotorTrend report. Feuell said the choice of its platform will surprise us, hinting at a unibody construction instead of body-on-frame. We expect the future model to sit on the STLA Medium platform and be available with a hybrid powertrain.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
