Known as America's favorite vehicles, pick-up trucks are listed among the bestselling cars in the US year after year. Strong and versatile, they have transformed from working vehicles into comfortable and technologically advanced family haulers.
A recent market research shows that pick-up trucks comprise about 21% of all new light vehicle sales in the U.S. The popularity of pickup trucks is growing even bigger with the rise of electric and hybrid models.
Hybrid trucks offer a combination of rugged performance and improved fuel efficiency, making them perfect for drivers who want power without sacrificing economy.
Want to learn more about hybrid trucks? Our guide covers everything relating to hybrid trucks- from how they work to the best models available.
What Are Hybrid Trucks?
A hybrid electric truck refers to a vehicle that is driven by both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. These trucks combine the power of a gas or diesel engine with the efficiency of electric motors. There are basically three types of hybrid trucks: full hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and mild hybrid (MHEV).
Full Hybrid
A full hybrid truck features a larger battery and motor, running only briefly on electric power, typically during low-speed driving. The battery is charged via the engine and regenerative braking. An HEV shows up to 30% fuel efficiency in daily driving. The notable full-hybrid Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra i-Force Max, and Ford F-150 PowerBoost are among the famous full-hybrid trucks.
Plug-In Hybrid
Plug-in hybrid pickup trucks are designed with the largest battery pack, charged via an external plug. It features 20-50 miles of electric range, mostly enough for daily commuting. Compared to regular pickup trucks, a fuel efficiency of more than 50% is possible. Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Ford Ranger PHEV are strong examples of plug-in hybrid trucks.
Mild Hybrid
A mild hybrid pickup employs a small electric motor to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration or stop-start operations. Shows around 5-10% fuel economy and doesn’t have pure electric driving. The Ram 1500 with eTorque features a mild-hybrid system and is a perfect choice for those who prefer a traditional gas truck with subtle electrification.
Hybrid trucks have become significantly popular in the truck segment. Consumers seek out these vehicles to find power and performance on one hand, while also enjoying lower fuel bills and a reduced ecological impact on the other. Let's dive deeper and explore the important features of hybrid trucks.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Trucks
Benefits
Fuel Economy: One of the most important advantages of hybrid trucks is reduced fuel consumption. By combining a traditional engine with an electric motor, these trucks achieve improved fuel efficiency, resulting in substantial fuel savings.
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Driving a hybrid truck promotes a more sustainable trucking industry. The use of electric motors for idling and low-speed driving greatly reduces carbon emissions.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: Hybrid trucks feature regenerative braking systems that capture energy during braking and recharge the batteries. Regenerative braking not only improves vehicle fuel efficiency but also reduces the wear and tear of the braking system.
- Driving Comfort: Hybrid trucks operate on electric motors that produce less noise than their diesel counterparts. They offer a much more relaxed driving experience in the city than traditional vehicles.
- Versatile and Enhanced Performance: Hybrid trucks boast the benefits of both diesel and electric trucks. They can optimize performance in various driving conditions by switching between electric and diesel power. This makes them flexible for different terrains and situations. Moreover, the hybrid trucks’ electric motor cars offer instant torque, leading to faster acceleration and a smoother driving experience.
Considerations
- High Purchase Costs: In contrast to their diesel counterparts, these trucks are more expensive to purchase due to the advanced technology and components of their hybrid system.
- Complex Technology: Hybrid work trucks feature intricate systems and components that necessitate specialized repairs. To keep the vehicle running smoothly, only specialized technicians can solve hybrid technology issues. For instance, as a battery ages over time, it needs to be replaced, which is quite costly and environmentally harmful. Additionally, the replacement should be handled by a certified professional.
- Lower Towing Capacity: Compared to their conventional counterparts, hybrid trucks have a lower towing capacity. Their added weight, powertrain configuration, and battery constraints reduce their towing ability and make them less suitable for long-distance heavy towing.
- Insufficient Infrastructure: Charging stations for hybrid and electric vehicles are still limited, and covering long ranges, especially in remote areas, remains challenging.
We've compiled a list of some of the most popular hybrid trucks in the US auto market. Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to explore some of the best models.
Most Popular Hybrid Trucks in 2025 (and Earlier)
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid
This beauty is a perfect choice for a wide range of drivers, offering a mixture of everyday commuting and fuel economy. The XLT model is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with an electric motor, delivering a robust 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The truck has firm and responsive handling.
The hybrid system operates quietly, and the switching between gas and electric power is smooth. Regarded as one of the most efficient full-size hybrid trucks, its real-world fuel economy is rated at approximately 17 mpg, with 20 mpg on the highway. The hybrid truck is a strong workhorse with a towing capacity of up to 11,200 pounds and a hauling capacity of 1,815 pounds.
Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
The vehicle is a powerful alternative to gas-only trucks. The Tundra hybrid represents a combination of a 3.4L twin-turbocharged V6 and a 48-hp electric motor producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The i-FORCE MAX’s towing capacity is 12,000 pounds, enough to handle the basic towing needs. This truck’s mission is all about power, not efficiency, but its RWD trims still offer an estimated 24 mpg highway fuel economy.
The hybrid truck ensures its passengers have the best hybrid truck experience, with the most advanced interior features, trimmings, and displays. It boasts a package of modern on-board technology, prolific off-road capabilities, and advanced safety features.
Ram 1500 eTorque
The Ram 1500 eTorque strikes a balance between efficiency and performance. Its mild-hybrid system delivers great fuel economy without compromising capability. The hybrid truck is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 305 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. A 48-volt battery and a belt-driven motor generator work in tandem to assist the engine.
The car doesn't solely run on electric power. Instead, the generator enhances the engine's performance, resulting in better fuel economy and a smoother ride. The truck is ideal for light towing and city driving. The V6 eTorque towing capacity reaches up to 7,730 pounds. The Ram 1500 eTorque is one of the leaders in fuel efficiency for its class, achieving up to 26 mpg on the highway. Additionally, this efficient pickup offers competitive pricing and a luxurious interior.
Future Options: Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Trucks
As mentioned earlier, the electrification age offers three types of electric vehicles: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric. Let’s see the differences.
Electric trucks are put into motion by an electric motor and a battery. They don’t have an internal combustion engine and require charging stations to get charged. Compelling examples of electric trucks include the 2025 Rivian R1T, the Tesla Cybertruck, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV.
In contrast to electric trucks, plug-in hybrid trucks have an engine, a battery, and one or several electric motors. However, these trucks can be recharged via a wall outlet or charging equipment, similar to full electric models.
Hybrid trucks are also powered by an internal combustion engine paired with one or more electric motors and a battery. In comparison to EV and PHEV models, their batteries can’t be charged from plug-in stations; instead, they gain and save power through regenerative braking.
Are Hybrid Trucks Good for Towing and Work?
One of the most important features of a pickup truck is towing capability. There’s a common assumption that the towing capacity of hybrid trucks yields to that of their conventional counterparts. Nevertheless, hybrid technology is rapidly evolving, and hybrid powertrains perform almost as well as their conventional counterparts.
Today, many hybrid pickups with impressive towing capacities can be seen on the roads. For instance, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost boasts a towing capacity of 11,200 pounds, capable of towing a pop-up camper or a mid-size travel trailer.
Hybrid electric motors enhance overall towing efficiency as the electric torque is instantly available and assists the gasoline engine. This results in smoother acceleration and improved climbing when towing heavy loads.
However, hybrid trucks might indeed have reduced towing and payload limits compared to gas models. For example, the 3.5L F-150 PowerBoost hybrid V6 has 11,200 pounds of towing and up to 2,120 pounds of payload capacity, while the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Gas-only) features 13,500 pounds of towing and 2,440 pounds of payload. However, hybrid trucks produce significantly more torque, which assists with low-speed towing power.
So, if you're in the market, seeking your dream hybrid truck, don't overlook used models. And, here's what you need to know.
Buying a Used Hybrid Truck – What to Know
What to Look for in a Used Hybrid Pickup
There weren’t many hybrid trucks in the market, and there wasn’t much choice a few years ago. But things change. The hybrid marketplace has grown rapidly in recent years, and it’s important to do your homework when making your used hybrid truck purchase. Here’s what you need to check.
- Battery health: Hybrid truck batteries can degrade over time. Therefore, ensure the dashboard displays no battery warning signs, and it’s even better to have a professional inspection.
- Vehicle history report: Due to these records, you can learn about possible past accidents, damages, recalls, and services.
- Certified pre-owned options: To have peace of mind and make a smart purchase simultaneously, look for certified pre-owned options. You’ll get a reliable used truck paired with the manufacturer-backed warranty program.
Who Should Consider a Hybrid Truck?
Choosing a hybrid truck is choosing a lifestyle. Let's see who it suits best.
- Urban drivers: Hybrid trucks are uniquely suited for city dwellers. With their solid towing and payload capacities, as well as fuel efficiency, these models are ideal for typical urban chores, such as carrying equipment, materials, or recreational gear.
- Contractors and fleets: More and more companies are utilizing the best hybrid pickup trucks. This transition is well-reasoned as hybrid trucks offer a combination of power, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hybrid trucks offer the same off-road capabilities as their ICE counterparts, plus they have the added advantage of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
- Eco-conscious drivers: Hybrid pickup trucks are gaining popularity among eco-aware drivers who still need a powerful vehicle but without an environmental footprint.
Should You Go Hybrid?
Not quite sure yet? Here’s a brief rundown of why hybrid trucks are a great choice. Hybrid pickups are fuel-efficient trucks with low maintenance costs, reduced emissions, and still powerful performance.
Used hybrid trucks are perfectly suitable for urban drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, varied business companies, and eco-aware drivers. The future of hybrid pickups is bright. With the growing market numbers, they’re going to make waves in the automotive world in the years ahead.
Now, you’re ready to make a wise and conscious choice. Discover your ideal used hybrid truck at usedcars.com to drive smarter, stronger, and cleaner.