When it originally launched for the 2021 model year, the 3.5L V6 PowerBoost engine gave us the very first Ford F-150 hybrid in that truck’s illustrious history, and it quickly became a customer favorite thanks to its high output, thrifty fuel economy, and the also-new Pro Power Onboard generator, which provides enough juice to power an entire home for days at a time. The very first Ford F-150 hybrid proceeded to earn a spot on the 2021 Wards 10 Best Engines list, repeating that feat in 2024 – and now, 2025 as well.
The Ford F-150 hybrid has once again landed on the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list for 2025, making the cut after Wards Auto evaluated a total of 28 nominees – 20 of which were electrified in some manner, consisting of 10 EVs and 10 hybrids. In that regard, the Ford F-150 hybrid is one of six returning winners, notably. The Wards’ 10 Best Engines’ list has been around for 31 years now, and bases its winners on a variety of criteria.
Those criteria consist of horsepower, torque, NVH (noise, vibrations, and harshness) management, observed efficiency, and new technology onboard. Wards did remove a price cap back in 2021 that was previously in place for nominees since 1995, but value remains part of its criteria, regardless. To be eligible for testing and the list, powertrains must be return winners, all-new, or significantly improved.
For the 2025 Wards Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list, each brand selling a vehicle in the light-vehicle U.S. market was eligible to submit at least one nominee, while those with a volume of 350,000 units or more could add another nominee. As for the Ford F-150 hybrid, it managed to earn a spot on the list for the third time for a few very good reasons. This time around, that was “because the Ford powertrain outshines most others in the full-size pickup segment. It’s powerful, smooth and quiet, and it is stunningly efficient for a vehicle its size,” according to Wards 10 Best Judge Dave Zoia.
Comments
And… a month ago, Consumer Reports said the F-150 Hybrid was the worst reliable truck of all brands. I don’t put much faith in CR as they have never been trustworthy in my opinion. All I can say is that after 4yrs & 5mo of owning my 2021 XLT 4×4 Sport 302A PowerBoost, I am very happy with my decision to go for a 1st run vehicle & engine. Subsequent model years were plagued with substandard or non-available parts/options that has see the platform degrade in value by price per option. I cannot get what I have in my 21 on any lot now without going to a King Ranch or Platinum, but then I would get things I absolutely do not want to spend money on such as the big sunroof (weight), the funky tailgate, etc.
The 21 XLT 302A was the best ‘bang for the buck’ when ordered with all the right stuff. I don’t want to even think what I would do if I have to replace it.
I can’t remember which hybrid F150 I was fortunate to rent from Enterprise earlier this year, but it was the 2nd best driving experience that I have had in a long time. I was completely taken by surprise when it switched so smoothly from gas to electric or vice versa. There were times when I would be going down hill and would just keep the pedal steady as we bottomed out and started to climb a pretty nice upgrade. I waited for it to switch back to the engine but it stilled stayed in electric mode to my surprise until I manually stepped down on the gas. The only other F150 that I just fell in love with was a fully loaded King Ranch. The hybrid was an XLT trim level, but both gave me an amazing driving experience. I currently own a 2004 Excursion XLT that I don’t want to let go.