The pickup truck market has been one of the most profitable ones in recent years. We have seen the arrival of EV pickups which is a completely new game. But most trucks are now turning towards more green powertrain solutions. Hence Hybrid pickups becoming more and more popular. In this article, we take a look at some of the best hybrid pickups that are already on the market, or about to be.
2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
Being unique in the Toyota Tundra Hybrid 2023 mostly entails blending in. The Tundra hybrid’s new i-Force hybrid system, like those of the other full-size hybrid trucks, largely increases horsepower with mileage improvements as a bonus. The 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that comes standard in all new Toyota Tundra models adds roughly 50 horsepower and over 100 lb-ft of torque.
This brings us to 430 horses and 540 pound-feet of torque with the hybrid system. The most fuel-efficient model in the inventory is the rear-drive Tundra with an i-Force engine. The hybrid pickup, which shares the 2018 Tundra’s revised suspension and interior in addition to its powertrain, is a good option for anyone seeking a full-size hybrid vehicle geared more for cruising than rigorous carrying.
2023 RAM 1500 Hybrid
The Ram 1500 is the most luxurious and enjoyable to drive in its segment. Its engine lineup consists of three different powertrain options, each of which uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 260 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, the 305 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6, and the 395 horsepower 5.7-liter V-8. Look for the 702 horsepower Ram 1500 TRX, which was reviewed separately, for even more power.
When it comes to this half-ingenuity, ton’s Ram’s modern tailgate and lockable bed cargo bins are simply the tips of the iceberg. For those who want to brag, Ram also offers 1500 with a huge 12.0-inch infotainment screen. The Ram 1500 is among the favorite full-size pickup trucks on the market right now thanks to its tremendous 12,750-pound maximum towing capacity and a strong preference for luxury. The V6 and V8 come with mild hybrid technology called eTorque, so this is where the better fuel economy comes from. Also, it improves power and performance.
2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid
The 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid is maybe the least unexpected full-size hybrid truck. Ford was among the first automakers to offer a hybrid full-size truck in the form of the highly powerful F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which we praised as maybe the greatest F-150 on the market right now. This is similar to how aluminum body parts and electrical motors were introduced.
The F-150 hybrid sets the bar for other big hybrid trucks by combining a 35-kW electric motor mated to the transmission with an already-tuned twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. It produces a powerful 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, over 50 more than the comparable gas-only V-6, and also gets the best fuel economy of any traditional combustion pickup in the F-150 family.
2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid
Given that it is a small, unibody vehicle with a hybrid system as standard equipment, the 2023 Ford Maverick lives up to its name and costs about $10,000 less than any popular full-size truck. A front-wheel powered hybrid pickup with Ford Escape underpinnings may not be a “true truck” to some.
However, those who need a cargo bed but don’t require a monster of a pickup to tow 14,000 pounds won’t complain if they can get 42 mpg in the city. Although though this small hybrid truck only has one cab and bed option and a “only” 5,080-pound towing capacity, its value, and capabilities have put it in a great spot to be one of the top-selling pickups, not just in that category.
2024 Toyota Tacoma
A lot will depend on Toyota’s upcoming 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the model’s next iteration. The new truck is anticipated to represent a significant upgrade over the current Tacoma, which is far past its prime in terms of engineering and design. According to reports, the new Tundra will be offered with a variety of drivetrains, among those powertrains there should be a twin-turbo V-6 with a comparable hybrid system.
While the purported pure EV version of the upcoming Tacoma will be the most efficient model, buyers who are not yet ready for an EV truck will also have access to Toyota’s more traditional gas and developing hybrid truck powertrains, which the new Tacoma will almost surely feature. The upcoming Tacoma should have around 275 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. These are good numbers for a hybrid pickup.
Is the hype real?
The hybrid pickups are here to stay, that much is certain. With everyone changing to green powertrains it is no wonder hybrids are so popular. But the main factor in deciding whether you need a hybrid pickup is how are you going to use it. Due to its total size, smaller bed, and motor, the Maverick cannot tow or transport as much as larger vehicles, but it is far more affordable, more economical, and yet quite capable for many customers.
In addition, Mavericks with hybrid engines are the least expensive models available. Despite having a more potent and effective powertrain than regular vehicles, the Tundra and F-150 hybrid pickups cost more than their gas-guzzling siblings. Although the Ram 1500’s mild hybrid system isn’t as effective as the full hybrid systems that other pickups use,e it is the most affordable engine option available, thus it is unquestionably worthwhile, at least financially.
