Best Hybrid Trucks

A hybrid pickup truck uses a combination of a traditional combustion engine and an electric motor. This allows them to get a better fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to conventional gas-only trucks. Even though their engines are not 100% powered by gasoline, they’re still able to haul and tow like many other trucks. 

Some key features of hybrid pickup trucks are:

• Hybrid trucks have a gas-powered engine (usually a V6 or V8) that works together with an electric motor and battery pack to propel the wheels.
• The electric motor acts as an assistant for the gas engine, allowing it to work more efficiently.
• They are saving gas since they can drive short distances only on electricity.
• The electric motor powers the truck from a stop up to around 25 mph in most models.
• Seamlessly transition between the electric motor and gas engine. 
• They recapture energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery. When the driver brakes, the electric motor becomes a generator to top off the battery.

They provide the same truck utility as conventional models - strong towing capacity, payload hauling, 4-wheel drive option, etc. 

Pickup trucks are moving into a gas-electric future with new models that mix gas engines and electric power. These hybrid and mild hybrid trucks aim to give drivers the best aspects of gas and electric vehicles in one pickup. 

• Hybrid trucks combine gas and electric power for enhanced efficiency while mild hybrids feature electric assistance to boost performance. 

• Mild hybrids have a traditional gas engine paired with a small electric motor and battery to assist with acceleration and fuel economy. They cannot drive on electricity alone, unlike a normal hybrid truck, but they still provide you with a performance boost and some electrification benefits. The Ram 1500 eTorque is an example of a current mild hybrid truck.

For 2023, there are three full hybrid options - the Ford Maverick, the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra, as well as the mild hybrid Ram 1500. These trucks provide unique capabilities, from the Maverick's compact versatility to the F-150 and Tundra's robust brawn. The offerings will expand in 2024 as automakers introduce new hybrid and electric models like the Tacoma Hybrid and the Silverado EV. This new crop blends gas and electric in innovative ways to fit different needs and budgets. 

If you want to experience the power and efficiency of a hybrid truck for yourself and without a long commitment, you should pick a car subscription from FINN. With flexible leasing options between 6 and 12 months, FINN makes it easy to get behind the wheel of a top mild hybrid truck. 

With more hybrid and electric pickup options hitting the market, choosing the best hybrid truck for one's needs can be tricky. The following list of the top hybrid haulers was compiled by carefully evaluating critical factors like capability, efficiency, and pricing.

When it comes to capability, the list includes hybrid trucks that can still tow and haul at the level drivers expect from a full-size pickup. For efficiency, models are highlighted that maximize miles per gallon (MPG) and electric range to reduce gas consumption. 

Whether you’re looking for an affordable hybrid starter truck or a green workhorse, the following list will help you find the perfect electrified pickup match.

Ford currently offers two hybrid pickup truck models:

1. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid – This is a full-size light duty pickup that combines a 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor and battery. The PowerBoost debuted for the 2021 model year and offers up to 430 hp, 570 lb.-ft. of torque and can tow up to 12,700 lbs. It delivers superior fuel efficiency over non-hybrid F-150s with EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/25 highway/25 combined.
2. Ford Maverick Hybrid – The Maverick is Ford's new compact pickup introduced for 2022. It comes standard with a 2.5L Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 191 hp. The Maverick Hybrid is EPA-rated at 40 mpg city/33 highway/37 combined. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds.  

While the GMC Sierra 1500 lacks a hybrid model for now, GMC will soon electrify their pickup lineup with not just one, but two all-electric trucks. Arriving in 2024, the Sierra EV will join the already available larger-than-life Hummer EV pickup. Leading the Sierra EV lineup will be the luxurious Denali Edition 1, boasting a 754-horsepower dual-motor AWD powertrain and targeted 400 mile range at a lofty price point over $100,000. More affordable Elevation and AT4 variants will follow for 2025, broadening the Sierra EV range with lower starting prices and tamer, but still capable performance specs. Between the excessive Hummer EV and innovative Sierra EV, GMC aims to dominate the high-end electric truck market.

There are a few key factors that you should consider when deciding if a hybrid truck is worth the additional cost compared to a conventional gas-only truck:

• Fuel savings: Hybrid trucks can deliver significantly better mpg, saving money on fuel costs over time. Exact savings depend on factors like hybrid systems, driving habits, gas prices, etc. 
• Towing/Hauling: Most hybrid pickups can tow and haul at levels similar to non-hybrid trucks. So capability is not compromised. But maximum capacities may be slightly lower.
• Driving needs: If you frequently haul heavy loads or tow large trailers long distances, a diesel or gas truck may suit those intensive needs better. Hybrids are ideal for lighter duties.
• Upfront cost: Hybrid trucks may carry a premium price. The increased upfront cost may take many years to recoup through fuel savings, depending on mileage.
• Available tax credits: Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available on some hybrid trucks, improving cost-effectiveness. 
• Resale value: Hybrid trucks may depreciate slower and have higher resale values down the road due to increased demand for hybrids/EVs.
• Charging costs: Charging a plug-in hybrid truck at home would add electricity costs. But most hybrid pickups today don't offer an EV plug-in mode, only self-charging hybrid systems.

Hybrid trucks make the most financial sense for buyers who value fuel efficiency over maximizing towing ability. Driving habits that allow hybrid systems to maximize mpg savings will yield the quickest payback on the initial investment.