The pickup truck is the most popular passenger vehicle segment in the United States. Americans, for years, 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.
Given the popularity, one would assume that trucks are available with multiple powertrain choices. They are, but hybrid options are only a handful. Currently, there are only four hybrid pickup truck options available for purchase in the United States. In this article, we’ll dive deep into those options and what new choices customers will have in the future.
Why so few hybrid pickup truck options in America?
There are only four hybrid pickup truck options in the U.S. because manufacturers didn’t find a business case in hybrid trucks in the past. Here are the main reasons:
Price
Firstly, hybrid powertrains cost more than ICE-only powertrains. In the case of the Ford F-150, the Powerboost hybrid variant commands a premium of USD 3,560 in the XLT SuperCrew 5.5-ft. configuration. Even though the entire cost difference isn’t attributed to the hybrid engine, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models generally start at a much lower price, making them attractive to customers.
Maintenance
While hybrids deliver extra mpg, the cost savings from fuel efficiency may not offset the higher purchase price, which can also be off-putting for buyers. Moreover, a hybrid will contain a battery, which may need replacement during ownership. If the battery warranty period is over, it might cost customers a hefty price to get it replaced—a problem second or third owners may face.
All-Electric trucks are on their way
Another reason for limited hybrid truck options is the transition towards pure EVs. There are already more electric pickup trucks in the pipeline than hybrid trucks on sale. With increased climate consciousness, skyrocketing fuel costs, and more awareness about the benefits of EVs, carmakers are betting big on pure-electric trucks. This segment will have more than a dozen options by the end of this decade, which may affect the growth of the hybrid truck market.
Hybrid trucks may not have been popular so far, but carmakers and consumers seem to embrace different electrification forms in the journey toward carbon neutrality.
Ford F-150 Hybrid
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.
The combined fuel efficiency of this engine is 25 mpg in 2WD (EPA confirmation pending) and 23 MPG in 4WD, 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 1,735 lbs. of cargo while benefiting from the efficient, strong hybrid powertrain.
Features
Key features of the F-150 Hybrid include remote tailgate release, power-adjustable front seats, trailer brake controller, wireless charging, Bang & Olufsen sound system with 8 speakers, a subwoofer, and Ford’s latest Sync 4 software integrated into the 12-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, among other features.
Price
The Ford F-150 Hybrid is available in the SuperCab 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 57,400 (excl. USD 1,995 destination charges and USD 645 acquisition fee).
Ford Maverick Hybrid
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.
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. However, 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 2,000-pound towing and 1,500 lbs payload capacity. However, the optional 2-liter non-hybrid EcoBoost engine with the Tow Package doubles the capacity to 4,000 lbs.
Features
Additionally, the Maverick’s popularity also stems from its practicality. It gets a 54-inch Flexbed that allows compartmentalizing storage in various ways. Moreover, it also gets power sockets in the bed and the cabin for external appliances. Other standard features include LED headlamps, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi connectivity, and wireless charging.
Price
The Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck price starts at USD 25,315 for the base XL variant. XLT starts at USD 27,815, while Lariat is priced at USD 34,135. All prices are exclusive of USD 1,595 destination charges and a USD 545 acquisition fee.
Ram 1500 eTorque
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. The Ram 1500 eTorque got a facelift just back 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.
Features
The Ram 1500 eTorque is only available in Tradesman and Big Horn trims. Dual-pane, power-operated sunroof, 10-speaker sound system, heated steering wheel and front seats, head-up display, 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation etc. are some of its key features.
Price
The prices of the Ram 1500 eTorque in the U.S. start at USD 40,275 (excl. USD 1,995 destination charges).
Toyota Tundra Hybrid
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 22 MPG in 2WD and 19 or 20 MPG in 4WD. The hybrid powertrain makes the truck heavy. While the Tundra Limited i-Force V6 weighs 5,215 lbs., the Tundra Limited i-Force Max V6 Hybrid tips the scale at 5,710 lbs.
Price
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid’s prices starts at USD 57,625 (excl. USD 1,850 delivery, processing, and handling fee).
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
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.
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! Fuel economy ratings aren’t out yet, but we’re certain they’ll knock gas-powered competitors out of the park by a significant margin.
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in early 2024.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger
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.
Range-extenders are a halfway house—like strong hybrids and PHEVs—between gas-powered engines and pure electric powertrains. Their target customers are those who are not yet ready to switch to EVs due to limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, or both. Ram plans to launch the 1500 Ramcharger in 2025.
Chevrolet Silverado Plug-in Hybrid (Upcoming)
Retracting 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 launch a Chevrolet Silverado Plug-in Hybrid and has fast-tracked its development.
GM recently launched the Chevrolet Silverado EV, but the truck’s volumes and profitability are still uncertain. With prices starting at USD 72,905 (excl. USD 1,895 destination charge), it’s quite expensive for most customers. Moreover, 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.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid (Upcoming)
According to an Autocar report dated February 2021, electrification is in the pipeline for the Santa Cruz, Hyundai’s chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke told the British publication. The Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s light-duty pick-up truck with a relatively affordable starting price (USD 25,700).
The Ford Maverick Hybrid, an affordable hybrid pickup truck, has garnered great interest among buyers, and it’s already sold out. Hyundai may look at launching a rival to the Ford model by electrifying the Santa Cruz.
It’s not like the Korean carmaker is new to hybrid powertrains. In the United States, the brand offers strong hybrid versions of the Tucson, Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra. The Tucson Hybrid gets a 1.6-liter engine mated to an e-motor and a 1.49 kWh battery. The system adds 59 hp and 195 lb.-ft. to the overall output.
The Tucson also gets a PHEV version with a 13.8 kWh battery and 33 miles of electric range. While Hyundai has not given a timeline for the Santa Cruz Hybrid, it may consider using its existing resources for the pickup and re-engineering the model to make it more emissions-friendly.
Jeep Gladiator 4xe (Upcoming)
Jim Morrison, former Senior Vice President, Jeep (North America), has indicated that there is a plan to launch a Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid electric model. He talked about future products in a conversation with Motor Authority outside the New York International Auto Show in April 2022. Below is what he said:
Well, we have said it (electrification) will come with all our vehicles. Yep, By 2025.
Jim Morrison, former Senior Vice President and Head, Jeep (North America) in April 2022
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.
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 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
