Some Options On The 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid Are Worth It, Some Are Not

I hear it all the time – today’s trucks are too expensive. I hear you. I certainly can’t afford the payment it would take for most of the vehicles I am privileged to test drive. And today’s pickup trucks come with a huge price tag.

The debate always rages on forums over how expensive trucks are and who can afford them. Since Ford sells hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of trucks a year, they clearly have them priced accordingly, even if you and I can’t afford them. Someone is buying.

I was able to spend a week driving the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Lariat 4x4 SuperCrew.

I proclaimed my love of the new Sync 4 system in this truck already. And I also said, never mind the fuel economy, which by the way I was disappointed with, it is the 7.2 kW Pro Onboard Generator that makes the PowerBoost a great choice. I stand by that statement, even if my fuel economy was less than expected during my week with the F-150.

I did email Ford about the disappointing fuel economy. It was an especially frigid week and I am sure the cold weather negatively affected the battery and thus caused my fuel economy to be just barely 18 mpg.

All of that aside, I wanted to break down this truck by the features and gauge whether they were worth it or not, at least to me. As always, “worth it” is a subjective thing. So always judge for yourself, and definitely leave me your thoughts in the comments if you think I’m wrong, or right (it’s always good to hear agreement).

First, let’s look at the total Monroney breakdown of my tester. As mentioned, I had the 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with the PowerBoost. Before adding in the cost of the 3.5-liter V6 with the PowerBoost hybrid, my F-150 had a MSRP of $50,980.

While pricey, I felt like that was a fair price for such big, beautiful and awesome truck. It’s especially fair if you need it to tow or if you need it for work. And if you do, definitely opt for the PowerBoost with the Pro Onboard Generator.

Let’s look at that option first.

Hybrid Technology and Pro Onboard Generator in 2021 Ford F-150
Technology comes at a price. This is Ford’s first introduction of hybrid technology in the F-Series. So it’s a big deal, even if you’re one of those who only like V8s and oppose hybrids and electrification) which is coming to the future whether you like it or not.

As for the excellent 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost with PowerBoost full hybrid, that added $3,300 to the price tag. Obviously with my disappointing fuel economy you could argue the case that $3,300 isn’t worth it. I’m working on interacting with Ford to determine any other possible reasons why I had less-than-expected fuel economy.

And I know of several others who have bought the PowerBoost F-150 already who are achieving better than the 25 mpg. My opinion on the overall fuel economy value is undecided still, but without question the other merit, as I wrote, of the hybrid is the addition of the Pro Onboard Generator, especially the 7.2 kW version, which is only available to those who buy the PowerBoost.

Two smaller powered generators are available on all trims of the F-150 with any engine configuration, but only the big and awesome 7.2 kW is available with the PowerBoost.

The Pro Onboard Generator adds another $750 to the bottom line. For all that it can do this is a tremendous value, for the right consumer. It’s important to emphasize that. The 7.2 kW generator is overkill for many and in fact some people may opt to not have any of the generators added to their trucks. And that certainly is a way to shave $750 from the bottom line.

Personally, I’d rather have it than not, and only $750 it seems to be priced well.

Equipment Group 502A
Why do auto manufacturers make so many equipment groups with confusing numbers. They all seem close yet each seems to have on feature that is exclusive that lures you in. With this equipment group, there’s a couple features that I loved.

The Lariat Chrome Appearance is included in this group. I personally love chrome. I know others do not. But on top that other niceties included in Equipment Group 502A are the outstanding Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated steering wheel and LED Projector w/Dynamic Bending Headlamps.

I absolutely adore bending headlamps, especially when you’re in a big truck and LED is a must too. Other features that were just okay for my preference are Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, adaptive cruise control and LED taillamps.

This equipment package is one of the most popular but costs $6,920. So this is really a personal choice whether you can live without some of these perks.

Fold Flat Work Surface
At $165 this is the easiest new feature of the 14th-generation F-150 to say yes to. It’s a no brainer in fact.

While my Lariat had the powered shifter, that with the push of button retracts to allow for the work surface to manually drop over it, there is also a column shift option that still allows for this $165 feature. Will you use this all the time? No, but it’s nice to have.

Note: you cannot use this while driving if you have the electric gear shifter as it is retracted and only does so while in park. I haven’t seen the column shift version, but my guess is it would work while driving.

Power Tailgate and Other Features
The Power Tailgate costs $695. For me if I were in the market for a truck, I’d want this option. I hate when gates drop dramatically and aggressively. This smooth open/close seems like a good value at $695.

I already wrote about how great the rest of the tailgate is with the measuring marks, clamp cleats and slots for pencils and phones on it, plus the step out. Ford, as well as some of its competitors has made huge advancements in tail gates.

My tester had several other options including tow technology package ($880), extended running boards (a must have for $225), Ford Co-Pilot360 and Active 2.0 Prep Package ($995), all weather rubber floor mats ($200), Lariat Sport Appearance ($300), Wheel Well Liner ($180) and bedliner spray-in liner ($595).

The portioned, lockable storage underneath the rear seats would be an easy must-have at $215 as well.

As such, the final MSRP of my 2021 Ford F-150 4x4 SuperCrew Lariat with PowerBoost hybrid (which had black leather trim) was $68,095 which included a destination and delivery fee.

Is it worth it? That’s not for me to say. There is plenty in that truck that made it special and plenty that you will most definitely want if you buy a new F-150.

Which options appeal the most to you and which don’t? Leave me your thoughts below.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.