2021 Ford F-150 Limited Hybrid: A 26,000-Mile Long-Term Review

Farewell to Our Long-Term 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid

After more than two years and over 26,000 miles, it’s time to bid farewell to our 2021 Ford F-150 Limited Hybrid. This full-size pickup has been a steadfast companion on road trips, towing excursions, and even performance tests at the drag strip. We’ve utilized its 7.2-kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generator in unique ways, including charging an electric vehicle. While we have enjoyed several aspects of this truck, our real-world fuel economy results left us somewhat disappointed.

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Would We Buy This Truck Again?

As we wrapped up our long-term ownership experience, we asked ourselves: Given everything we’ve learned, would we purchase this truck again? The consensus varied. While the F-150 remains an exceptional truck with innovative features, the hybrid drivetrain may not be the best choice unless you specifically require the Pro Power Onboard generator’s high output. Buyers should carefully consider their needs before opting for this model.

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Fuel Efficiency: How Did the F-150 Hybrid Perform?

Ford’s official EPA rating for the 2021 F-150 Hybrid stands at 24 mpg combined. However, our real-world experience painted a different picture. After 26,852.3 miles, our calculated fuel economy averaged 17.1 mpg—significantly lower than expected. In total, we consumed approximately 1,551 gallons of premium fuel, costing us $6,612.04 at an average rate of $4.26 per gallon.

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Fuel Economy While Towing

Towing has a considerable impact on fuel efficiency. Our data showed that fuel economy dropped to as low as 10.9 mpg when pulling a large Airstream travel trailer. On the other hand, when towing a lighter car on a flat trailer, we observed up to 16.8 mpg. While these numbers are expected for a full-size hybrid truck, they reinforce the need for realistic expectations when using the F-150 for heavy towing.

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Factors Contributing to Lower Fuel Economy

Several elements may have influenced our truck’s underwhelming fuel efficiency:

• Extensive towing and city driving.
• Performance testing, including drag-strip runs.
• Use of the onboard generator for various purposes.
• Frequent changes in driving modes and climate-control settings.
• The truck’s weight—6,100 pounds due to added features and 22-inch wheels.
• Repeated damage to the power-deployable air dam, which is designed to enhance aerodynamics.
• 

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How Does It Compare to Other User Reports?

Our results align closely with user-reported data on the EPA’s website, which lists fuel economy figures ranging from 17 to 20 mpg for the hybrid F-150. While some owners might achieve slightly better numbers, our observed mileage is not an extreme outlier.

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Performance and Driving Experience

Despite fuel efficiency concerns, the 2021 F-150 Hybrid delivers an excellent driving experience. The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 offers strong acceleration and seamless power delivery. The hybrid system provides additional torque, making it a capable option for towing and hauling heavy loads. Additionally, the Pro Power Onboard system remains one of the standout features, offering an unprecedented level of functionality for work and recreation.

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Interior Comfort and Technology

The F-150 Limited’s cabin features premium materials, advanced technology, and a spacious layout. The available 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system provides a user-friendly interface with responsive controls. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite offers valuable safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These aspects contribute to a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience.

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Final Thoughts: Is the Hybrid F-150 Worth It?

The 2021 Ford F-150 Limited Hybrid is a well-equipped, powerful, and innovative truck. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, other full-size hybrid trucks or diesel options might be better alternatives. If you need a workhorse with an integrated generator and strong towing capacity, the hybrid model remains a compelling choice.

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Would we buy it again? For those who frequently use the Pro Power Onboard system, the answer is yes. For those seeking a fuel-efficient daily driver, a non-hybrid F-150 or alternative pickup may be a more suitable option.

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