When you think of the Ford F-150, chances are you’re envisioning a V8-powered truck capable of on-road and off-road performance. As a result, the introduction of the Ford F-150 Hybrid naturally raises some questions. This is because a significant portion of F-150 owners actually use their trucks to work. To figure out how the new hybrid model stacks up, The Fast Lane Now to it out to a ranch to do some work.

Why would you want a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid?

The Ford F-150 Hybrid truly has to innovate if it wants to improve the best-selling pickup truck in the U.S. To impress buyers, the F-150 Hybrid leans on its power and efficiency figures. According to Car and Driver, under the hood of the hybrid model lives the same 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine. The main difference is the addition of an electric motor, which significantly boosts power. Total output is rated at 430 hp and 570 lb-ft. To put that into context, the most powerful V8 option develops 400 hp and 410 lb-ft.

In terms of efficiency, the Ford F-150 Hybrid obviously excels. According to Ford, the new hybrid model consumes an average of 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for an average of 25 mpg with rear-wheel drive. Opt for all-wheel-drive, and your efficiency drops slightly. The AWD Hybrid consumes an average of 24 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for an average of 24 mpg. The result here is that the eco-friendly model is the most efficient and the most powerful 2021 F-150 currently available. Now it just has to impress out in the real world.

How does it hold up to real-world use?

The Fast Lane Now got its hands on a 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid and took it to a local rancher at the Happy Yak Ranch to test it out. Upon first impressions, the rancher noticed how the available automatic running boards provided excellent access into the truck’s bed. On the rear of the truck is where you’ll find the available step, which further facilitates entry into the bed.

As The Fast Lane Now explains, the F-150 Hybrid has Pro Power Onboard. In short, these gas-powered electric generators offer up to 7.2 kilowatts of power. To test out this accessory, TFL Now hooked up both grinding and welding machines. Unsurprisingly, both machines worked excellently. The added benefit here is that a rancher can take their tools to remote locations without the need for a separate generator. Since the system is integrated into the truck, it also frees up space for more tools and working materials.

To end the day on a high note, the rancher even went into the Ford F-150 Hybrid’s cabin to test out the massaging seats. Although these aren’t exactly necessary for a work truck, they come in handy after a full day of hard work.

The fully-electric F-150 is up next

Since the Ford F-150 Hybrid has established itself as a true contender, there is even more reason to be excited about the upcoming electric version. Aside from offering even greater efficiency, the electric F-150 is set to be a mighty truck. Based on the previous Ford has shown, don’t be surprised if the electric F-150 arrives with a significant amount of grunt. In the end, it seems moving toward an eco-friendly future doesn’t mean we have to give up performance.