2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Towing Review: Hybrid + Generator as Track Weekend Superstar?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- We previewed the 2021 Ford F-150 last year, and Ford sent us a new truck for a week of evaluation as follow-up! This 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat was equipped with two key features: #PowerBoost hybrid drivetrain and #ProPowerOnboard 7.2 kW generator! The PowerBoost drivetrain sticks an electric motor between the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine and 10-speed automatic, providing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of total output. Pro Power Onboard takes that hybrid drivetrain (and battery) and allows for 32 hours of power flow from the 7.2 kW generator outlets in the truck bed. Is this F-150 PowerBoost hybrid the ideal truck for towing your trailer and camping in it once you get to the racetrack? We hooked up Jake's enclosed trailer to see how it might all work out.
#2021F150
Join the Out Motorsports Community:
outmotorsports...
Buy Out Motorsports Swag:
outmotorsports...
SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW US!
/ outmotorsports
/ outmotorsports
instragram.com...
outmotorsports...
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally a truck review that shows the payload sticker. That and the window sticker are the most important things that people want to see and almost no one ever shows them.
thank you for talking about payload, that is so important for truck buyers who tow.. and hardly any reviewer talks about it on UA-cam. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful! We strive to do (much) more than saying "and it can tow X lbs" without actual discussion and sampling how WELL it tows whatever weight. Most don't, and that's useless for those of us who actually tow and need impressions of how a vehicle handles the load before buying... since dealers won't let you hook up to try it, generally.
@@OutMotorsports That's great - also never heard about the navigation adjusting route based on trailer dimensions. That's the first I have heard of that!
It's new with Sync 4 on this 2021 - SUPER clever feature that will be so handy.
9:25 skip for towing info
Great job, and I own one.
What was your observed MPG with that trailer? That’s what I’m most curious about.
Fantastic truck, and great review. Would love to have something like this, but that price is definitely eye watering. XL has way more than I need, and even with the 2.7 (and payload/tow package) can tow a healthy enclosed trailer.
Thanks! Definitely important to keep in mind how many incentives and rebates seem to be on domestic-branded trucks. Curious how these will actually end up priced as MSRP is never reality, for whatever reason. But yes - the 2.7 trucks are plenty capable (and pretty sprightly). Even an XLT trim ends up pretty well-equipped these days!
@@OutMotorsports It is reality NOW. LOL! We all thought that a year ago though. No shame
@@michaelgabriel2998 Hah, and a year ago, "MSRP never being reality" was... the opposite direction of where it is now.
@@OutMotorsports been a wild time
What was your mpg while you were towing that trailer? I just got a 21 Limited and I'm coming from a 14 Limited both are 4x4 and I am a little disappointed with my mpg after I did a 45-mile test, pulling my empty motorcycle trailer, which is 7.5 x 14 Aluminum Haulmark, weighs about 2100lbs and I was getting 11.7mpg @70mph, my 14 did about 12.5mpg. I'm running 93 octane I expected way better mpg with a 10sp transmission and the additional pwr. Curious to see what you avg.
I priced an XL 4WD Hybrid with 7.2 kW generator, spray-in bedliner, some basic towing and off-road accessories (not the big packages) and came up with $50K MSRP. That's $5K over the RAM 1500 Hemi Tradesman I priced. I think it might be worth it, especially with the better mileage in the F-150.
We love a good Hemi but fuel efficient they are not! Worth remembering, too, that domestic trucks (generally regardless of brand) are always sold pretty far below MSRP. You could likely get an XLT for $50k out-the-door or do an XL as you mention for mid-40s. Hard to say but worth discussing at a dealership or three.
Watching the cars pass during the acceleration test was impressive. Also, thanks for towing a common weight. Very few people tow at max capacity.
Very welcome! Our trailer + car combination is a pretty good representation of what most people will tow with a half-ton truck - some will use an open trailer and others may put something a bit longer and heavier out back, but this seems to be the sweet spot before a 3/4-ton is a real advantage.
Thank you for this most excellent, informative video. You've answered every question I had re: the hybrid F150 and its towing capacity/features/options, etc...
The folding shifter is a huge improvement. The rotary dial in the Expedition is very hard to use in manual. When towing I frequently use manual to control downhill speed. Very awkward with 5he rotary dial but seamless with the old style console shifter.
Nothing is an improvement over the stalk shifter. And here I am still getting a truck with that stupid console electric folding shift
Great review! I fully agree that a rotary gear shifter makes more sense than the complicated folding shifter. 👍
Really good looking truck. That price tag though😬 very cool to see Ford incorporating/advertising hybrid technology in a different way!
The one thing to remember is domestic-branded trucks always seem to have tons of incentives/cash rebates as part of the pricing model... really curious on the actual out-the-door pricing on these PowerBoost trucks once they start selling in some volume.
MPG towing ?
Great review! Yup, love hearing the numbers - payload, towing, MSRP! Fantastic. Personally, I would take an XL PowerBoost with a few options and get that MSRP down about 20K and would give me several hundred pounds more of payload. The only issue is that I want a quad cab, not a crew cab. Hoping the PowerBoost will be offered in the quad cab at some point. Nice channel!
Thanks for the nice comments and glad you enjoyed! Agreed on your preference to get PowerBoost in a "SuperCab" configuration instead of just SuperCrew - perhaps Ford will allow that at some point. Guessing they went with the volume seller first to launch.
Rivian hitch uhaul the best way for me
Looking at getting a Powerboost and I just wanted to say that this was the best most thorough review I've seen on it, and just a well done video. So you have a new subscriber.
Thanks, Jeff! Glad you enjoyed - tell your friends, too. We try to tow with everything that shows up with a hitch on the back.
Thanks.
Have this truck in a metallic white.
New just under 70k
Paid $67,425 out the door financed for 60 mos at 0% interest.
Happy with the purchase so far with just over 16k miles on it so we will see.
Will probably want to sell due to just inheriting a dually from an estate that is paid for.
Don’t know as we love that 7.2 KW onboard generator.
The truck is almost sound proof rides and drives like a very high end vehicle.
Love it but something has got to go.
Thank you for the great review! I love the features and capabilities of the 2021 F-150 with PowerBoost, especially when optioned with the Work Surface, the 7.2kw ProPower and Max Recline seats! Ideally, I’d prefer the Ford Ranger similarly equipped if it were available. I’m in the market most likely this Fall; waiting to see what’s available in the next iteration of Ranger. Fingers crossed.🤞
Glad you enjoyed! Ranger is such an old truck even though we just got it a few years ago, and we're really hoping to see a redesign soon. Margin isn't always there to go too wild on "midsize" trucks (although look at Jeep and the Gladiator...) so curious how much Ford can/will do with the next Ranger. You know we'll have one for review and towing tests whenever they DO do something!
great review ; however, you didn't mention the gas savings by idling. My wife has COPD so sometimes I idle for extended periods and it's mostly electric and the engine only kicks on for short periods. This saves gas from my Lincoln Town Car which uses gas during entire idling period.
Very interested in this since they discontinued the F150 diesel, which I've really enjoyed. I do tow quite often and also appreciate longevity, so I'm going to have to decide between this and the RAM Ecodiesel, which will also be discontinued after 2023.
I have a 2021 Powerboost, and today, I towed a new 6x12 cargo for the first time. The MPG was a disappointing 10.
The stick shift and it folding is the coolest part of the interior
I have one. It is gimmicky. Fold down console/work surface ain't great while using front cup holders either.
I really don’t see the point of it. Another thing that can go wrong.
@@skoolynugenator1802 you can keep the shifter up all the time if you like
Still wish you could get the hybrid option and built in generator with the Coyote V8.
Honestly though, the 3.5 EcoBoost is SO good (doubly so with a trailer hooked up) we don't miss the Coyote aside from the good V8 sounds.
@@OutMotorsports I understand what you’re saying. But the Coyote V8 with the added torque from the power boost option with a generator would be sweet. I’m a big turbo fan too but would just prefer a non turbo work truck.
Great review. I really dig the engineering and features behind this truck, but I could never justify paying the premium. $70+k is getting into two vehicle territory. You could have a luxurious hybrid sedan to daily drive and a bare bones v8 truck to tow with for approximately the same money. Yowza.
Thanks! And yes, $70k+ is really insane money for a lot of people. We're glad Ford is offering the PowerBoost drivetrain and Pro Power Onboard on even the basic XL and XLT trims, at least.
@@OutMotorsports I stopped by a local dealer yesterday to browse and see even the very low end XL STX with 101a package trucks are $50k. Ouch. I’m doomed to drive old junk forever it seems lol
I’m really liking this setup. I’m just concerned about two things. It’s new, so how reliable will it be? And two, if I installed a lift and larger tires, would it affect the drivetrain in a negative way? Just curious.
Well, there's a warranty for a reason. Just have to hope Ford is responsive and takes action on any issues that come up. As for a lift/tires - shouldn't affect things much compared to a gas-only truck, though you'd likely have less battery-only capability as the larger tires would increase unsprung weight and rolling resistance a bit. Lift + tires would also contribute to a drop in MPG.
I'm really curious about this. The generator is really amazing as well are looking at an airstream to add to our collection. Also the trailer navigation is huge because next boat might have a fly bridge. Really cool to see they got the tow capacity close to the v6 tow capacity. This one is definitely getting checked out
You have a big smile every time you accelerate haha
Nobody has ever been sad about a whole lotta torque.
This is great info. Thanks for sharing.
Have a 2018 would love a powerboost lariat. But without the roof.
A convertible? That’s different 😝
@@SoonerMikeD The Vista roof smarty pants. Would be cool !!!!
Youll have to get the XLT and build it like a lariat, the top Technology packages will come with the sunroofs as a standard feature.
I own a 2021 Lariat pretty much like the test vehicle in this article. This article was very informative and well done but I would like to see something addressing the poor mileage when towing. All that power is nice but I.m getting 6 mpg towing a 4900 lb camper and under 8 towing 2500 lb boat. My previous EcoBoost got 9 and 10 with the same camper. Is this vehicle the right choice? Maybe a small v8 is more suitable for someone towing a medium size load often.
How about being able to run the air conditioning at any time with the 7.2kw generator built in? Pros and cons to everything but that is why I'm interested in buying one 😊
Are you towing at 90 MPH? That fuel economy is abysmal.
Nice review. In looking at placing an order for a F150 Lariat 4x4 with the power boost set up. Debating on if it would be helpful. AT some point I'll get a boat to tow, but also interested in getting good MGP.
Did this test truck have the trailer max package?
Looks like it had the regular Trailer Tow package and not Max Tow.
Why didn't you install your trailer tow harness that Ford gives you that will give you al the info on your tow experience. That's a video in it self I guess
FYI , just got this truck , as a Lariat and no work surface (wish I had that) shifter still folds.
I don’t like Ford because that’s how I was raised. But I’m here watching this video loving that on board generator feature
It is REALLY slick. Worth it if you buy the hybrid!
I was raised like that to, unfortunately alot of Americans are raised like that. I believe that us why Ford is doing so much to remodeling there brands, like the new Maverick, MachE, Broncos, F150s, and the Ford Gt.
Why my 2021 powerboost sways a lot with my rv trailer and my work trailer? I had 2019 3.5 ecoboost before with no problem same trailers
Ok, so mine did not come with the max tow, so what is regular standard tow?
"It's just lovely"
'tis.
I’m glad the xl has the column shifter, the folding console shifter is a potential deal breaker for me.
It's nice to have either option! One of our friends purchased an XLT with the folding shifter and his has been more sturdy in feel and operation compared to the test truck we drove.
The tech is very cool - but $72k for a half ton?! I'll stop complaining about the fuel economy of my 2011 3/4 ton.
They get REALLY spendy. Remember though, MSRP never ends up as the out-the-door price with domestic-branded trucks. Lots of rebates/incentives. And thankfully, PowerBoost is offered throughout the model range, even on XL and XLT.
You can get the Hybrid after deals and such for around 45k without all the bells and whistles, but still all the good stuff
The fold down shifter comes with a truck without the work surface also... Yeah it will make some noise, the motor has to put the shifter down. Kinda sucks it shook for you, this is the first time that I have heard of this happening. Yeah ford just pulled the fold down shifter idea out of thin air, lol. They spent many weeks on job sites watching the trades on how they work and what they do with their vehicles. Have seen many videos of them discussing this very thing. Decent review overall though.
Rental trailer for rivian truck
What is the price of the 3.5L.XLT
Nice Video, can we see a video with inner city driving to let us know what the kind of mileage you get on the powerboost vs a V8. lets say inner city driving for 100 kms. It would be nice to see the difference in range you get on the hybrid vs Gas, since most of us do our driving in the city.. most of us not all of us, but this is for the city drivers. Is it worth it to have this for a daily driver or does it not make as much difference compared to the V8 for the V8 lovers. I cant decide which one to get, but id rather pay the extra for the poweboost to get my money back in mileage after a few years.
One thing that worries me is what happens in a few years when Warranty has ran out and you have an electrical problem, its going to happen one way or another.
Thanks in advance.
Hey Jav, so we don't have the truck anymore (it was a week-long loan) BUT we did do a lot of city driving in Washington DC during the week we had it. Compared to a V8-powered truck, the hybrid really excels in the city, just like any other hybrid. We got about 19 MPG in pure city driving, which is less than Ford's rated 24 MPG - but it was pretty cold out, which hurts MPG no matter what you're driving. And Jake's personal truck (a 2016 Ram 1500 w/5.7L Hemi) will do a solid 12-13 MPG in city driving at its best. So a 30-40% improvement over a gas V8 drivetrain is totally worth it!
Warranty-wise, you can always pick up an extended service plan from Ford if you're concerned about the electronics. They've been doing hybrid drivetrains for over a decade now, though.
Here's more of our thoughts in written form, if they're helpful:
www.outmotorsports.com/2021/03/2021-ford-f-150-powerboost-review-towing-test-a-hybrid-by-any-other-name/
Do you know when you are in tow/haul mode does it limit the amount of torque output? Would the torque levels fall to what the regular 3.5 ECO outputs since tow/haul mode disables the battery usage? Say you are in regular or sport mode and the battery is enabled, does that give the extra added power to reach the full 570lb-ft torque or can you get that max torque regardless of drive mode and if the battery is being used or not? I'm really interested in the powerboost but concerned the torque might be limited when in tow/haul mode and if the battery is disabled that it limits the overall torque output. If thats the case i might just save the money and get the regular 3.5 ECO. I would rather have 36 gallon tank vs the smaller tank the powerboost comes with. I dont want to drive from gas station to gas station when towing my travel trailer if the powerboost limits torque output to the same as the regular 3.5 and then your stuck with a smaller tank and both the powerboost and eco getting the same MPG when towing. Thoughts?
There's nothing to indicate torque output would be limited - quite the opposite, given you can feel that surge of extra "boost" and see the actual turbo boost gauge at 0 psi. The "disables battery usage" comments aren't quite accurate - the truck just disables the EV-only mode when you're in Tow/Haul, so you can't creep around a parking lot on just the battery. But the hybrid setup is absolutely, 100% working while towing.
@@OutMotorsports ok thank you!
What is your Pin/Tongue weight when towing and what did that do to your Gross Vehicle Weight? We had a RAM 1500 EcoDiesel and would max out our GVWR before hitting our max payload.
Total trailer weight (with car inside) is about 6500 lbs. It's an aluminum trailer so weight is down compared to a steel trailer of the same size. We need to measure tongue weight officially, it's been a while - but rough 10-12% estimates put tongue weight at 650-780 lbs, which left about 520 lbs for people/stuff in the truck given our exact test truck's payload capacity of roughly 1,300 lbs.
That electric folding shifter is the feature I dislike the most. Just put a freaking knob on the dash like the other Ford vehicles.
How much weight were you towing for the video? Maybe it was mentioned in the video but I didn’t hear it.
Roughly 6,800-7,000 pounds
1324 for payload! Geez might have to get the 3.5 eco
Hello guys, I'm in the market looking to upgrade my 2011 F150 Ecoboost. I'm moving from Vegas to Tampa and will be towing a 24ft trailer with a combined weight of around 9.000 lb. My truck will be loaded with a weight of around 800lb of cargo and people. That's pretty much the heaviest and longest tow I'll be doing in the near future. I'll be then using the truck as daily driver and towing small to medium loads on a smaller trailer (no more than 5.000 lb). I'm debating if I should go for a 3/4 ton or get a new F150, specifically looking at the new Powerboost. I just think that after my trip a 3/4 would be way to much for needs but on the other hand not sure if a the F150 could in fact take such journey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Trailer length should be fine stability-wise. You'll be over the stated payload assuming 10% tongue weight, so if you want to keep it totally within Ford's specs, put as much cargo in the trailer as you can.
Officially, Ford will tell you you're slightly overloaded. Unofficially (and this is not an endorsement from us) you'll likely be just fine. Use a weight distributing hitch. Set your trailer tires to the maximum cold pressure stamped on the sidewall. Take it easy, don't try to be a hero anywhere, and keep your speeds to a reasonable level.
I’d like to know if this was max tow package or not?
No, just the standard Trailer Tow Package.
What's the make/model of the enclosed car trailer you are towing?
It's a CargoPro 8.5x20' enclosed from about 2004/2005. All aluminum, 2,560 lbs empty.
11:24 You said battery mode isn’t in use while in tow mode. Does it still regenerate the batteries when you brake?
It can tow in hybrid mode, so it should recharge. It just can't tow in electric only mode.
Was a WDH used for the tow?
Hmm, this one was a while ago but it likely was, yes. I try to use WDH on anything that's pulling 50%+ of rated weight as is recommended.
The Ford front end design is so much less... offensive than Chevy's offering right now.
I have no brand preference but I think the new Silverado’s and Sierras are much better looking.
I agree, the GM offerings are terrible in my opinion.
Nice to have a neutral review.. instead of a salesman like talk
Can powerboost pull a 23 ft pathfinder boat?
Easily, assuming weight wise you’re under the limit.
@@OutMotorsports oops I meant a 26 ft pathfinder. 4250 lbs + trailer + gear
The shifter going down and up sounds Like a power window
How much weight were you pulling? How did it feel at 70 mph on the highway?
About 6,800 pounds. It felt great on the highway! Plenty of stability and the PowerBoost drivetrain has an abundance of power and torque in reserve just about always.
@@OutMotorsports without a weight distributing hitch isn’t that more than Ford recommends? …
@@gickneorge He had a wdh on
Jake. Do you prefer this over the Ram1500 Limited?
Ooh, that's a tough one! The Ram 1500 Limited feels more outright luxurious in its materials and ambiance, where even the top-trim F-150 Platinum (which I filmed in our "first look" video) still feels a bit more utilitarian at its core. Both are really excellent options based on personal preference *although* for towing, either of Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost or PowerBoost hybrid drivetrains are so, so good and preferable to Ram's gas-only Hemi or EcoDiesel. Haven't driven the Hemi eTorque yet.
@@OutMotorsports top trim ford is a limited as well, not a platinum!
@@spud2727 You're right and we know that... slip of the tongue!
@@OutMotorsports I'm going to drive both but I haven't heard a preference for Hybrid over the Ram Ecodiesel for towing and some like the Duramax, although I'm less interested in a GMC. It seems to me that the F150 will be "good enough" and has the extra features to overcome the slight edge for towing with the Ram and it's nice interior and drivability. I do have a 250 for bigger loads also.
What feet size is the trailer?
20’ box, 4’ v-nose. 27’ hitch to tail lights.
Red Letter Media sound!
How many inches is the ball dropped?
It was set up as roughly a 2" drop.
I want an XL with the Powerboost, I love vinyl floors and no leather… save the carpet and leather for the girls vehicles
You can't get the Hybrid with a supercab, only a crewcab with the short 5.5' bed
Correct, that's what we said. Ford calls their crew cab "SuperCrew" which can be confusing vs the shorter "SuperCab".
@@OutMotorsports Yes, that is what I meant. Called it a crewcab, but meant Supercrew. Hopefully they will eventually make the Hybrid available in the slightly smaller Supercab with the 6.5' bed. I want it for a cabover camper and maybe go all electric for cooking and heating. No need for propane.
It would be awesome for camping! Hopefully enough of these will sell for 2021 that Ford can justify adding it on the SuperCab trucks, too.
You can actually get the powerboost with a crew cab and a 6.5' bed
@@gondorian1006 not the 6.5' bed.....only the 5.5' bed with the Powerboost
Was that national harbor in DC?!
Sure was!
@@OutMotorsports I miss that place. Really nice area.
We have used the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
1324 for max Cargo in that $72k truck.
Let's look at that...
Dad & grandpa want to take the 2 teenagers camping for the weekend & want to tow a camper. How much can it weigh?... Let's say Dad & grandpa are 400lbs & 2 boys are 300 . That leaves 624lbs for "cargo" . They put 100lbs of gear" in the bed. Now they are at 524 remaining. Since a properly loaded trailer should be at least 10% of its weight as tongue weight, & tongue weight is "cargo" now the max they can pull is a 5200lb trailer, & are fully maxed out.
😂😂 72k is what I was priced for a new F450 Lariat loaded last October….Geezzzz
Keep in mind, domestic trucks all seem to have various forms of huge rebate offered so MSRP is generally not what you'll pay, at least on the half-tons.
Rotary dial shifter would make way more sense!
You can max tow with this truck - Power Boost Hybrid but you can't plow your driveway of snow with it? Ford you let me down!
What do you mean you can’t plow with it?
Nobody in their right mind would tow anywhere near 12k with a half ton. And if you do, you should be charged with murder when you kill someone on the road because of a mishap towing that amount if weight
It’s 14,000 for the 3.5L ECOBOOST
Assuming you mean tow rating, it's 13,800 lbs for a 2021 3.5L EcoBoost w/4x4 and the same axle gearing (3.73) as the PowerBoost hybrid we drove. But yes, you can get one spec'd to 14k though it appears you must purchase a 2WD truck (wompwomp) to do so.
www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_F150_Dec3.pdf
This truck is filled with sugar.
look at that sag
Normal squat. Try a ram with coolers, now that's sag!!
What does it matter your "sexual orientation" when reviewing an automobile?
Hi! It matters because the LGBT community hasn’t really had any representation in the automotive world, even though so many of us are huge enthusiasts. So that visibility and the community we’ve built matter to other queer car enthusiasts who are looking for their people.
It doesn’t much matter to the straights because this isn’t all here for you. But we thank you for the ad revenue either way.
Terrible review
Thanks for watching!
Towing review....
Thats not what I watched.
I watched some city dweller, hook up 1/2 the capacity and then talk about folding shifters and crap that has zero to do with Powerboost or towing.
👎
Well, city boys own and tow with trucks, too. What would you prefer to have discussed in a towing review? We covered the payload of this specific truck, the hybrid drivetrain and its availability, how PowerBoost would work at a racetrack to power an enclosed trailer, how the hybrid drivetrain pulls over 50% of this particular truck's rated weight, and some towing-related technology to help guide you on whatever route you're taking. The folding shifter was a notable talking point given it's new for 2021, seems a bit pointless, and ours sounded kinda sickly.
In any case, thanks for the ad revenue. We're pleased with what we put out but are always receptive to feedback.
Cut the guy some slack. It was a good review. If you don't like "city dwellers", don't watch. As he said, many urbanites and suburbanites buy and use trucks for work and play. Trucks are not just for you "country folks". Didn't think even truck ownership could be a divisive issue.
Lmao...more weight helping you slow down more quickly