Pickup trucks are a big part of American culture due to their practicality, versatility, and large size. With gas prices going up every day, it totally makes sense to invest in a hybrid pickup truck for your next utility/sport/work vehicle. But what hybrid pickup truck is the best option in the USA?
Out of all the hybrid pickup trucks I have researched, Ford F150 Hybrid and Toyota Tundra Hybrid come as my top picks for 2023. These trucks are best for towing, provide excellent mileage per gallon, and have all the modern features anyone would ever need.
2024 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Pickup Truck
Ford trucks are well-known for their ruggedness, durability, and power. And these hybrid trucks are no different. This hybrid pickup truck offers the same premium build quality and advanced features. Plus, the Ford F150 Hybrid offers the best gas mileage while providing more torque and towing capacity than the standard gasoline variant.
The Ford F150 PowerBoost comes with a 3.5L Full Hybrid V6 engine that produces 430 hp and 570 ft-lb of torque. Apart from doing 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5-secs, this hybrid truck also has a smart hitch and can tow a max load of 12,000 lbs.
This truck also has an onboard power generator and can provide up to 7.2 kW of electrical power. It makes it ideal for camping, using power tools, or even recharging other EVs.
Price | Starting at ~$45,530 |
Engine Specs | 3.5L V6 Full Hybrid Engine with 430 hp and 570 ft lb of torque. |
Hybrid Battery Size | 1.5 kW lithium-ion with active cooling. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 10-speed automatic transmission. |
Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 245/70 R17 110T / 245/70 R17 110T |
Towing Capacity | 12,700 lbs max. |
Payload Capacity | 2,120 lbs max. |
Bed Size (inches) | L = 78.9 / W = 51.1 / H = 21.4 |
Dimensions (inches) | L = 243.5 / W = 79.88 / H = 75.79 |
Seating Capacity | 5 person. |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,292 lbs. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 30.6 gallons. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane. |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | 25.02 / 26.13 / 25 mpg. |
Highlighted Features:
- 3.5L V6 Full Hybrid engine.
- 430 hp and 570 ft lb torque.
- 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds.
- 12,700 lbs towing capacity and over 2,000 lbs payload.
- Onboard power generator with 7.2kW max output.
- Ample storage under rear passenger seats.
- FORDPASS app with access to features like remote start and car stats.
- Advanced driver assist features like adaptive cruise, auto stop and go, and lane centering.
- Advanced trailer tow connector with smart hitch.
- Onboard weight scale so you can be sure your payload is under the safe weight limit.
2024 Ford Maverick Compact Hybrid Pickup Truck
For starters, Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck is a really good entry-level option for people looking to buy a hybrid truck. Ford Maverick comes at a very affordable price, especially when compared with other pickup trucks from the competition. Here is the price of three variants of the Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck:
- Maverick XL (Base variant) costs $21,490.
- Maverick XLT costs $23,775.
- Maverick Lariat costs $26,985.
Sure, it doesn’t use aluminum, leather, or wood for the interior, (which is not expected for the price of this truck), but the plastic interior and fabric seats feel premium and modern. Surprisingly, Ford has done an excellent job making it feel modern, stylish, and luxurious.
Ford Maverick hybrid pickup truck comes with a standard 2.5L FHEV (full hybrid electric vehicles) engine with a front-wheel drivetrain. Optionally, ou can get a 2.0L EcoBoost engine with 8-speed CVT automatic transmission, and intelligent all-wheel drive. With this hybrid truck, you can carry a max payload of 1500 lbs and tow 2,000 lbs. You can increase your towing capacity up to 4000 lbs with a max tow package.
You can expect to get 37 mpg (combined) with a 2.5L FHEV engine and 26 mpg (combined) with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This is the only hybrid pickup truck that comes standard with a 2.5L FHEV engine.
Price | Starting at ~$21,490 and goes up to 33,250. |
Engine Specs | 2.5L FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with 191 hp and 115 ft lb of torque.2.0L EcoBoost (gasoline) with 250 hp and 277 lb of torque. |
Hybrid Battery Size | 1.1 kW lithium-ion with active cooling. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 10-speed automatic transmission. |
Tire Size XL/XLT (Front/Rear) | XL/XLT: 225/65 R17 102H / 225/65 R17 102H |
Tire Size Lariat (Front/Rear) | Lariat: 225/60 R18 100H / 225/60 R18 100H |
Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs standard. 4,000 lbs with Max Tow package. |
Payload Capacity | 1,500 lbs max. |
Bed Size (inches) | L = 54.4 inches. W = 42.6 inches. H = 20.3 inches. |
Dimensions (inches) | Length = 199.7 / Width = 83.5 / Height = 68.7 |
Seating Capacity | 5 person. |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,674 for 2.5L FHEV, 3563 for 2.0L FWD, 3,731 for 2.0L AWD. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8G for 2.5L FHEV and 16.5G for 2.0L. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | 37 / 42 / 33 mpg for 2.5L FHEV26 / 23 / 30 mpg for 2.0L FWD |
Highlighted features:
- Standard 2.5L FHEV (full hybrid electric vehicle) engine.
- 191 hp and 115 ft lb torque with standard engine.
- Max payload of 1,500 lbs and standard towing weight of 2,000 lbs.
- 8 inch large LCD with Ford Connect and 4G LTE hotspot.
- Power 8-way adjustable seats and additional 6.5 inch instrument cluster LCD.
- Ample storage under rear passenger seats.
- Compatible with Fordpass app for features like remote start and vehicle monitoring.
- Advanced driving assist features like adaptive cruise, lane assist, hill descent control and evasive steering.
2023 Dodge RAM 1500 Mild-hybrid
2023 Dodge RAM 1500 has a mild-hybrid engine, unlike the full-hybrid engines of Ford F150, Ford Mavericks, or Toyota Tundra. It means that the electric motor can only supplement the power of the gasoline engine, but can not power the truck independently.
This mild-hybrid pickup truck comes with a standard 3.6L V6 engine that outputs 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. You can max out this pickup truck with a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine that can produce 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. The max towing capacity of this truck is 12,560 lbs with a 3.0L V6 engine available on Tradesman HFE, Big Horn, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn, and Limited editions.
RAM 1500 mild-hybrid pickup truck has a suit-case-sized 48V battery pack located behind the rear passenger seat. It also has an improved fuel average over its previous models (2018 and earlier). It offers 20 mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway with a fuel tank capacity of 23 gallons.
It has dual climate controls, a dual-pane sunroof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior is modern and feels luxurious due to genuine wood, leather, and metal parts. The basic variant has a high-quality stereo system with 6 speakers which can be upgraded to a 9 speaker audio system.
Price | Starting at ~35,900 and goes up to 68,700. |
Engine Specs | 3.6L V6 (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with 305 hp and 269 ft lb of torque.6.2L HEMI V8 with 702 hp and 650 lb of torque. |
Hybrid Battery | 0.4 kW lithium battery system. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission. |
Tire Size XL/XLT (Front/Rear) | P275 / 65 TR18 / P275 / 65 TR18 |
Towing Capacity | 7,690 lbs standard. 8,180 lbs with Limited version. |
Payload Capacity | 2,320 lbs for standard (Tradesman). |
Bed Size (Tradesman) | L = 76.3 inches. W = 66.4 inches. |
Dimensions (Tradesman) | Length = 228.9 / Width = 82.1 / Height = 77.6 |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 4,775 |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 23 gallons. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | 22 / 20 / 25 mpg for 3.6L V6 |
Highlighted features:
- Comes standard with a mild-hybrid engine technology.
- Modern and luxurious interior with wood, leather and metallic parts.
- Standard V6 engine produces 305hp and 269 lb ft torque.
- 6.2L V8 HEMI engine for more than 8,000 lbs of towing capabilities.
- Large 12 inch LCD, dual climate control, and dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
- Excellent mileage of 23 mpg (combined) for this class of truck.
- High quality 360 degree surround sound audio system.
- Won award from Texas Auto Writers association for best pickup truck for Texas.
2024 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
According to Toyota, pickup trucks need a specially designed hybrid system. So Toyota designed a special high-power and high-torque drivetrain that uses an i-Force MAX 3.5L Twin Turbo V6 hybrid engine for the Tundra i-Force MAX pickup truck.
This pickup comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provides 22 mpg (combined), and has a fuel capacity of 27 gallons. While remarkably efficient, this hybrid engine produces a maximum of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque for remarkable performance.
It also has a lightweight yet rugged construction with enough glovebox space to use top organizers for glove box. This hybrid pickup truck from Toyota offers multi-terrain support with MTS and CRAWL control technology for remarkable performance in any condition.
The interior is modern and stylish. Genuine leather is used in various locations inside the truck, which gives it a luxurious feel. It also has a panoramic sunroof and powered vertical rear window that opens with a push of the button. It also has a 14-inch touch screen and an excellent multi-speaker audio system.
Unfortunately, like the Ford F150 hybrid, it does not have an onboard power generator. But it comes with all-terrain tires with TRD pro wheels, a light bar in the front grill, and FOX off-road shocks for an optimal ride under rough conditions.
The Toyota Tundra’s hybrid option is a ~$3,400 upgrade for limited, platinum, and 1794 edition models. Also, the TRD Pro and (top-of-the-line) Capstone models are hybrid only. Going hybrid with Toyota is not cheap, but you are investing for probably more than 10-20 years of tough pickup trucking.
Price | Starting at ~$52,300 |
Engine Specs | 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 iForce with 389 hp and 479 ft lb of torque.3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 iForce MAX with 437 hp and 583 ft lb of torque. |
Hybrid Battery Size | 1.87 kW lithium-ion. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 10-speed automatic transmission. |
Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 285/65 R18 / 285/65 R18 |
Towing Capacity | 12,000 lbs max. |
Payload Capacity | 1,940 lbs max. |
Bed Size | 5.5 ft or 6.5 ft standard Toyota truck bed. |
Dimensions (inches) | Length = 233.6-245.6 / Width = 81.6 / Height = 78 |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 5,700-6,200 lbs depending on the trim. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 gallons. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | 22 / 24 / 20 mpg |
Highlighted Features:
- Power i-Force and i-Force MAX hybrid engines that provide 437 hp and 583 lb ft of torque.
- Rugged and durable design which is going to last more than a decade.
- Intelligent towing system that uses sensors and cameras which helps to keep the trailer/camper in line with the truck.
- Advanced blind-spot monitoring and trailer merge warning when towing a trailer/camper.
- Large touch screen infotainment system that is easy to use and works great for navigation.
- Supports wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
- Efficient mileage at 22 mpg (combined) for this size and class of pickup truck.
- High-quality and luxurious interior with genuine leather and metallic parts.
2024 Toyota Hybrid A-BAT Pickup Truck
This compact hybrid pickup truck from Toyota looks a lot like a Prius. Except it is a hybrid truck now. Apart from all the hate, Toyota Prius got for its looks, it was indeed a very economic and comfortable sedan and this pickup truck is no different even in its core technology.
A-BAT stands for Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck which is why this pickup truck looks like this. Toyota has designed the truck’s body for maximum aero efficiency which makes it look a lot similar to early generation Priuses.
This truck also has some neat and unique features. The center console is built from alloy which will house a portable (AC and DC) power pack to power tools and other appliances when camping. This portable power pack will be recharged by solar panels on the dashboard.
This truck has a 4-cylinder gasoline engine married to an electrical motor which not only provides exceptional performance but greater towing capacity. Toyota has not yet announced any performance numbers or towing capacity but it is going to compete for head to head with Ford Maverick and other compact pickup trucks. Will it tow a camper? Only time will tell.
Toyota was expecting to launch this truck in early 2021, but it is still not available. When available, it will start at $40,000 – a lot more expensive than Ford Maverick.
This truck will use Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to provide parallel hybrid and electric-only modes. Considering all this, we can surely expect to see a good amount of power while staying fuel-efficient.
Price | Starting at ~$40,000 |
Engine Specs | 4-Cylinder Toyota Hybrid engine. |
Hybrid Battery Size | Not available yet. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission.Hybrid Synergy Drive. |
Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 19 inch wheels. |
Towing Capacity | Not available yet. |
Payload Capacity | Not available yet. |
Bed Size | 4 ft compact Toyota truck bed. |
Dimensions (inches) | Length = 181.3 / Width = 74.4 / Height = 64.0 |
Seating Capacity | 4 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | Expected to be around 4,000 lbs. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | Not available yet. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | Not available yet. |
Highlighted features.
- Greater efficiency and power for a compact pickup truck.
- Advanced infotainment and driver assist features including adaptive cruise and lane assist.
- Tow-assist features similar to Toyota Tundra i-Force pickup trucks.
- 4G connectivity with Wireless hotspot.
- Intelligent key fob with remote start and remote air-conditioning.
- Portable/removable power bank system to power AC and DC appliances.
- Modern and luxurious interior with futuristic dashboard with solar-panels.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Compact Hybrid
The latest generation of Hyundai Santa Cruz is supposedly an excellent compact hybrid pickup truck. Underneath, it is the same as Hyundai Tucson, and the upcoming hybrid version will offer both drivetrain configurations: standard full-hybrid and plugin-hybrid.
It will have a starting price of about $25,000, 25% more than what Ford Mavericks starts at. At this price, we are expecting a larger towing and payload capacity. The Hyundai Santa Cruz (hybrid version) will still keep the same comfortable interior that it is famous for.
This upcoming hybrid truck will offer the same modern design with split headlamps, two-tone alloy wheels, and roof bars. The interior will mostly remain the same with the addition of an even larger infotainment system and more USB charging ports.
It is also rumored to have a 2.5L full hybrid engine in FWD and AWD configurations. A representative from Hyundai revealed that Santa Cruz’s platform supports a wide range of power trains, so we could even see an all-electric pickup truck.
Price | Starting at ~$25,000 |
Engine Specs | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid engine. |
Hybrid Battery Size | Not available yet. |
Transmission | Electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission. |
Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 18 inch two-tone alloys. |
Towing Capacity | Not available yet. |
Payload Capacity | Not available yet. |
Bed Size | 4 ft compact truck bed. |
Dimensions (inches) | Length = 195.7 / Width = 80.2 / Height = 66.7 |
Seating Capacity | 4 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | Expected to be around 4,200 lbs. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | Not available yet. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | Not available yet. |
Highlighted Features:
- Compact design for first time pickup truck owners.
- Elegant and modern look with split-headlights.
- Comfortable seating and smooth driving.
- Compact, but large enough cargo bed for full size 4×8 ply-wood sheets.
- Expected better fuel efficiency and towing/payload capacity.
- Expected “first” plug-in hybrid pickup truck.
- Large and feature rich infotainment system with good audio quality.
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Pickup Truck (Used)
Read also: Can You Use A Jump Starter While Plugged In?
This truck from Chevrolet was the first that pushed hybrid technology in pickup trucks. In 2013, it was priced at $41,135 – $51,490, depending on the trim and drive train. Chevrolet has since discontinued this hybrid truck, but you can buy it used, ranging from $15,000 to $24,000.
This hybrid pickup truck came with a 6.0L V8 paired with a 60-kW hybrid motor. On its own, the V8 provided 332 hp and 367 lb-ft torque. It gave 380 hp and a slightly better torque when combined with the hybrid motor.
The truck gave better fuel economy, but the performance was sluggish and difficult to maintain due to its complex hybrid transmission. No wonder why Chevrolet soon decided to discontinue this hybrid pickup truck.
Aside from all the criticism this hybrid truck got from the auto industry, some people loved the hybrid truck and still use it today.
Price | Used, from $15,000 to $24,000. |
Engine Specs | 6.0L V8 Hybrid engine. |
Hybrid Battery Size | 300V nickel-metal hydride. |
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic. |
Tire Size (Front/Rear) | 265-70-17 / 255-70-17. |
Towing Capacity | 5,900 to 10,230 lbs. |
Payload Capacity | 1,527 lbs. |
Bed Size | 5.8 ft x 5.2 ft standard size truck bed. |
Dimensions (inches) | Length = 229.9 / Width = 86.2 / Height = 73.7 |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Curb Weight (lbs) | 7,300 lbs. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 26.0 G. |
Fuel Requirement | Regular unleaded with a minimum of 87 octane |
Fuel Economy (CMB/CTY/HW) | 21/23/20 |
Highlighted features:
- Full-size pickup truck with hybrid design for better fuel economy.
- Huge towing and payload capacity.
- 6.0L V8 engine for optimal performance and torque, even if the battery fails.
- Value for money if you find a good used truck.
Are hybrid trucks worth it?
Buying a pickup truck is a very subjective choice. There are a lot of factors that you have to consider before making a $40,000 to $80,0000 purchase decision. For me, hybrid trucks are the way to go. And you can read my reasons to buy or avoid hybrid trucks below to make a sound decision for yourself.
A side note is that whichever truck you end up picking, make sure to have essential gears and tools in your vehicle at all times. It will not only help you in crisis situations but also help you to navigate your way on the road.
Reasons to buy hybrid trucks
- You will get higher fuel efficiency than gasoline or diesel-only trucks. Hybrid vehicles offer twin-engine designs with gasoline and electric motors working together. The power from the electric motor helps the gasoline engine to consume less fuel and be more environmentally friendly.
- You will have reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Hybrid cars use less fuel than gasoline-only vehicles. It reduces carbon emissions which are a critical cause of global warming. In fact, for developing countries that still produce most of their electrical power by burning fossil fuels, hybrid vehicles might be a better option than EVs.
- Improved (and regenerative) braking. The electric motor in the hybrid vehicle acts as a generator when you apply breaks. It slows your vehicle down without using and wearing out actual brakes and prolonging its life. Apart from improved braking, regenerative braking also charges the battery when going downhill.
- Hybrid trucks have more towing capacity. Hybrid vehicles are not slower or have less power when compared to gasoline vehicles. They produce more power due to their twin-engine design that allows for more towing capacity than standard trucks.
- Some hybrid trucks have onboard power generation capabilities. Some hybrid vehicles (like Ford F150 Hybrid) can use an electric motor to generate electrical power. You can use this power for running tools, camping, charging other vehicles, or even powering an entire household in emergencies.
- Hybrid trucks offer higher resale value. Hybrid vehicles tend to keep their value for longer than standard gasoline vehicles. It is due to the advanced hybrid technology and other features that do not age quickly.
Reasons to avoid hybrid trucks:
- Hybrid vehicles are pricier than gasoline vehicles. Hybrid trucks use an electric motor to supplement the gasoline engine. This electric motor and advanced transmission add cost to the overall vehicle, making hybrid vehicles more expensive than standard gasoline ones.
- Hybrid trucks have more complex electronics and mechanics. In hybrid vehicles, the electrical motor is controlled by the vehicle’s compute unit which requires more processing power and additional sensors in the engine, electric motor, and battery pack. The transmission is also more complex in hybrid vehicles than in gasoline/diesel vehicles.
- Hybrid trucks typically require more maintenance. The more complex nature of a hybrid vehicle requires more maintenance. For instance, you might need to change the coolant for the battery pack in your hybrid vehicle and might require additional transmission maintenance down the line. Also, hybrid vehicles are expensive to fix if something with the engine or transmission goes bad.
Final verdict
So, are hybrid trucks worth buying over standard gasoline or diesel trucks? Yes. Hybrid vehicles are more environmentally friendly than regular gasoline or diesel trucks. They have better fuel economy, more towing capacity, better braking and stability, and better resale value. Their higher price is justified by the considerable fuel savings they offer over time.
Can hybrid trucks tow campers?
Hybrid trucks have a towing capacity of 4,000 to 13,000 lbs (1815 to 5,800 kgs) when properly equipped. They can easily tow a 1,000 to 10,000 lbs (453 to 4,600 kgs) camper. You can increase the towing capacity of a hybrid truck by adding the tow package when buying.
Are all Ford Maverick trucks hybrid?
All of the Maverick pickup trucks from Ford are hybrid with an option for a Turbo engine that can tow 4,000 lbs max with the proper configuration. Ford Maverick hybrid starts at $20,000 and Ford Maverick Lariat First Edition (with Turbo engine and all-wheel drive) can cost as much as $40,000.
Does Toyota make hybrid trucks?
Toyota currently offers Tundra with i-Force and i-Force Max hybrid engines. Toyota Tundra hybrid starts at $52,300 and produces 437 hp and 583 ft-lb of torque. It can tow 12,000 lbs and can be configured with either a 5.5 ft or 6.5 ft cargo pickup bed. Toyota will also launch two new compact and midsize hybrid trucks: Toyota A-BAT and Toyota Tacoma.
Does Honda make hybrid trucks?
Honda is currently working on electrifying all of its midsize hybrid trucks. It was expected to release the Honda Ridgeline with a hybrid engine in 2020 but got delayed due to engineering and production challenges.
Does GMC make hybrid trucks?
GMC Sierra 1500 (2012/2013 models) were the only hybrid pickup trucks the company ever made. They offered a V8 hybrid engine and three trims to choose from. Currently, you can buy GMC Sierra Hybrid used for from $21,486 – $25,467. GM is expected to launch a hybrid Sierra in Denali trims for early 2024.
Are there plug-in hybrid trucks?
As of 2023, there are no plug-in hybrid pickup trucks. All hybrid pickup trucks available use regenerative braking and gasoline engine to recharge their batteries. Upcoming Toyota A-BAT hybrid pickup truck might introduce plug-in hybrid recharging technology in 2023-2024.
My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was entirely right. This put up truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!