Introduction
The Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades, a testament to its versatility, capability, and constant evolution. For 2025, the F-150 continues to dominate the full-size pickup segment with a refreshed lineup, including the rugged FX4 Hybrid variant. Equipped with the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, off-road tuned suspension, and a suite of advanced tech, the 2025 Ford F-150 FX4 Hybrid promises to blend efficiency, off-road prowess, and family-friendly utility. Priced around $60,000–$70,760 depending on options, it’s a compelling option in a competitive field that includes the Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tundra. I took the F-150 FX4 Hybrid for a test drive in Southern California, tackling highways, city streets, and rocky trails to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it’s more than just good fuel economy.
The PowerBoost Hybrid: Efficiency Meets Power
At the heart of the F-150 FX4 Hybrid is the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, combining a twin-turbo V6 with a 47-hp electric motor and a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers 430 horsepower and a stout 570 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful options in the F-150 lineup, short of the Raptor R’s 720-hp supercharged V8. Ford claims a 0–60 mph time of just over 5 seconds, and my test runs confirmed this, clocking around 5.3 seconds on a flat stretch near Palm Springs. The hybrid’s low-end grunt is immediate, with the electric motor amplifying torque for seamless acceleration, whether merging onto I-10 or towing a trailer.
Fuel economy is a standout feature. The EPA estimates 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for the 4×4 model, competitive with the Ram 1500’s eTorque hybrid (20–23 mpg combined) and better than the non-hybrid F-150’s 19–21 mpg combined. During my 150-mile mixed drive, I averaged 25 mpg, thanks to Eco mode and the hybrid’s smooth transitions between gas and electric power. Ford’s decision to phase out the 3.0L diesel in favor of the PowerBoost makes sense—its 700+ mile range on a full tank rivals diesel efficiency without the maintenance costs.
The Pro Power Onboard system is a game-changer. Available in 2.4 kW or 7.2 kW configurations (the latter for $900), it turns the F-150 into a mobile generator, powering tools, campsites, or even a home during outages. I tested the 7.2 kW system by running a power saw and charging a laptop simultaneously—no hiccups. Ford claims the 7.2 kW system can run for 32 hours on a full tank, while the 2.4 kW version lasts up to 85 hours, making it ideal for work or recreation.
Off-Road Capability: Ready for the Rough Stuff
The FX4 package equips the F-150 for off-road adventures, though it’s not as extreme as the Tremor or Raptor. Key features include:
- Electronic-Locking Rear Axle: Enhances traction on loose surfaces.
- Off-Road Tuned Shocks: Monotube rear shocks and front shocks improve handling on uneven terrain.
- Skid Plates: Protect the underbody from rocks and debris.
- Hill Descent Control and Rock Crawl Mode: Simplify tricky descents and climbs.
- All-Terrain Tires: Pirelli Scorpion tires, though criticized for limited grip on serious off-road trails.
On a rocky trail outside Joshua Tree, the FX4 Hybrid handled moderate obstacles with ease. The locking rear axle and rock crawl mode kept the truck steady over loose gravel and small boulders, while hill descent control maintained a controlled pace on steep declines. However, the Pirelli tires struggled in deep sand, lacking the bite of the Raptor’s chunkier rubber. For casual off-roading—think weekend camping or light trail work—the FX4 is capable, but serious overlanders may prefer the Tremor’s 33-inch tires and higher ground clearance.
Family-Friendly Features and Comfort
The F-150 FX4 Hybrid, based on the XLT trim, balances rugged utility with family-friendly comfort. The SuperCrew cab offers ample space, with 40.8 inches of rear legroom—enough for three adults or two car seats. The flat rear floor and fold-up bench seat provide versatile storage for gear or groceries, though under-seat storage could be more robust compared to the Toyota Tundra.
The interior is a step above work-truck austerity but not as plush as the King Ranch or Platinum trims. Standard features include cloth seats (upgradable to Active-X or leather), a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, and the Ford+Alexa app enables smart-home integration. However, the interface can feel laggy at times, a minor annoyance noted in PCMag’s 2022 review. The optional Mobile Office package adds a fold-down center console work surface and wireless charger, perfect for parents doubling as mobile professionals.
Ford’s BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving system (90-day trial included) is a standout for family road trips. On I-10, it handled lane changes and traffic seamlessly, reducing driver fatigue. The Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, adds confidence, though the touchy brake pedal tuning noted in MotorTrend’s review can make city stops jerky. Heated and ventilated front seats and a B&O sound system are available upgrades, enhancing comfort for long drives.
Cargo versatility is another strength. The 5.5-foot bed (6.5- or 8-foot options available) offers 52.8 cubic feet of space, and the new ProAccess tailgate, with its swing-out center section, allows 19 inches closer access when towing. Two metal tie-downs double as bottle openers—a clever touch for tailgaters. The optional spray-in bedliner ($595) adds durability.
Driving Experience: Smooth, But Not Perfect
On the road, the F-150 FX4 Hybrid feels surprisingly nimble for a 5,300-pound truck. The hybrid powertrain is refined, with seamless gas-electric transitions, unlike the noisier hybrid setup in older models. The 10-speed automatic shifts quickly, though it occasionally hunts for gears under heavy throttle. Steering is sharp, and the optional adjustable dampers ($695) smooth out bumps better than the Ram 1500’s air suspension, though the ride can feel floaty when fully loaded.
The FX4’s off-road tuning sacrifices some on-road refinement. The Pirelli tires hum on highways, and the stiffer shocks amplify small imperfections compared to the Lariat or Platinum trims. Still, the hybrid’s torque makes passing effortless, and one-pedal driving (via regenerative braking) is intuitive in city traffic. In a straight line, the FX4 Hybrid outpaces the Silverado 1500’s 355-hp 5.3L V8, though it trails the Ram 1500 RHO’s 540-hp inline-six in outright performance.
Value and Competition
Starting at around $60,000 for a base XLT with the PowerBoost and FX4 package, the F-150 FX4 Hybrid is competitively priced. A well-optioned model with the 7.2 kW Pro Power, BlueCruise, and Mobile Office package hits $70,760, as noted in Yahoo Autos’ review. This undercuts the Ram 1500 RHO ($71,000) and matches the Silverado 1500 ZR2 ($70,000), though the Tundra Hybrid ($65,000) is slightly cheaper but less versatile.
The PowerBoost’s unique ability to serve as a generator sets it apart—no other hybrid pickup matches the 7.2 kW output. The Ram 1500’s eTorque hybrid offers smoother ride quality but lacks comparable power or utility. The Silverado 1500’s turbodiesel is efficient but can’t match the PowerBoost’s towing (11,200 lbs vs. 9,500 lbs). The Tundra’s i-Force Max hybrid tows 12,000 lbs but lacks the F-150’s tech and customization options.
Drawbacks include the FX4’s tires, which limit off-road grip, and the high cost of top trims. The absence of a Tremor Hybrid, as MotorTrend lamented, is a missed opportunity for buyers wanting more off-road capability with hybrid efficiency.
The FX4 Hybrid Experience: Does It Deliver?
The 2025 Ford F-150 FX4 Hybrid is a Swiss Army knife of pickups. Its 430-hp PowerBoost delivers thrilling acceleration and class-leading efficiency, while the 7.2 kW Pro Power system transforms it into a mobile power station. The FX4 package adds enough off-road capability for weekend warriors, though it’s not a Raptor rival. For families, the spacious cabin, BlueCruise, and versatile bed make it a practical daily driver.
However, the touchy brakes and highway tire noise detract from refinement, and the Pirelli tires limit serious off-roading. At $60,000–$70,000, it’s not cheap, especially when luxury trims like the Platinum push costs closer to $76,000. For buyers prioritizing efficiency, utility, and moderate off-road ability, the FX4 Hybrid is a compelling choice, but those needing extreme performance or budget-friendly options may look elsewhere.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford F-150 FX4 Hybrid is more than just good fuel economy—it’s a versatile, powerful, and tech-laden pickup that caters to workers, adventurers, and families alike. Its PowerBoost hybrid delivers impressive performance and utility, from towing 11,200 pounds to powering a campsite. The FX4 package adds off-road credibility, though it’s best suited for light trails. With BlueCruise, a spacious cabin, and innovative features like the ProAccess tailgate, it’s a forward-thinking truck that upholds the F-150’s legacy. While not flawless, it’s a standout in the full-size pickup segment, proving hybrids can be both practical and fun.
