Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in America for decades, and after spending a week with one, I can definitely see why. With the 2025 model, Ford continues to refine what makes the F-150 so popular, to impressive and really enjoyable results.
Among the standout configurations for the F-150 is the PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, which effortlessly blends gobs of power, surprising efficiency and technology into a very compelling package. All of that doesn't come cheap, but after spending a week with the 2025 Ford F-150 PowerBoost in the Lariat trim, I came away thoroughly impressed with its capability, comfort and everyday usability. In fact, it's a shining example of the best the F-150 has ever been.
Here are just a few reasons why.
Power that feels endless
The heart of the PowerBoost F-150 is Ford's long-standing 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that's been paired with a battery, and wow, it's a winning combination.
The combined power ratings equate to 430 horsepower and a staggering 570 pound-feet of torque. Sure, in the days of 700-horsepower super trucks like Ford's own Raptor R, those figures may not sound all that exciting. But trust me, they definitely are.
While merging onto the freeway, passing slower traffic, or simply enjoying the torque while hustling up the hills in Bountiful, the PowerBoost delivered power with confident, effortless authority. Rarely was it necessary to push the accelerator pedal down more than halfway — but it's so impressive when you do. Power is so plentiful in this thing and comes on so smoothly that I honestly can't imagine needing more than this.
The smoothness of the hybrid system is also remarkable and left me thoroughly impressed. I'm typically a V8 guy (which you can still get in the F-150), but the seamless balance of electric and gasoline power created such a strong, refined and muscular driving experience that I couldn't help but think that this is the motor most buyers should choose.
The power just feels right in this truck, and I think Ford has nailed its application in the F-150.
A surprisingly easy — and delightful — daily driver
Having traditionally owned small, lightweight, sporty cars, I never fully understood why so many Utahns drive an F-150 daily. I would think, "Isn't that a bit overkill?" Well, now I understand — totally — and I want to join the ranks.
Despite its size, the F-150 PowerBoost Lariat feels smaller and more manageable on the road than you'd expect. I've driven a few trucks that felt a little overwhelming to maneuver around town, but not so here.
The ride quality is excellent, better than I expected, and it absorbs bumps with confidence while never losing its composure. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system was once again wonderful and makes long commutes so much more enjoyable. I didn't expect this truck to have the technology, but once I discovered it did, I literally exclaimed, "It has BlueCruise!"
As Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend wrote, "The other big new standard feature (on most trims) is BlueCruise 1.2, Ford's excellent hands-free driving software. It works essentially as well as GM's Super Cruise, a technology we consider to be the industry standard."
I love this technology way more than I thought I would, and I appreciate the relaxation it adds to what is already an easy-to-drive and enjoyable truck.
Surprising fuel economy
During my week with the PowerBoost, I was particularly impressed with its fuel economy in daily commuting. I managed to average just over 24 mpg on my commutes — a strong figure for a full-size, high-output truck. However, over the course of a full week of mixed driving, my average dropped to an overall 18.6 mpg, a fair bit lower than the estimated 23 mpg combined rating. That said, much of my city driving took place in Bountiful, a fairly hilly area that likely impacted efficiency. Still, with a 30.6-gallon fuel tank, hitting 700 miles of range on a single tank is possible under the right conditions.
Comfortable, capable and packed with tech
Step inside, and the F-150 Lariat greets you with a spacious, well-appointed cabin. It's honestly pretty well perfect, and I can't think of too many ways the next generation needs to improve. The seats are supremely comfortable, and I loved sitting in them for shorter and longer drives. I was particularly pleased with how well the rear bench accommodates all three of our kids, including one in a rear-facing child seat. There was plenty of room for all three of them and they never complained about being short on room.
Tech lovers will appreciate Ford's latest SYNC infotainment system, which is always intuitive and responsive — and the screen looks gorgeous. The aforementioned BlueCruise allows for a true, hands-free highway driving experience, and is worth every dollar.
The F-150 PowerBoost also offers an optional 7.2-kW Pro Power Onboard generator for just $850, which turns the truck into a rolling power station — an invaluable feature for job sites, campsites, tailgate parties or emergency power needs.
Is the PowerBoost F-150 worth it?
With an as-tested price of just over $72,000, the F-150 Powerboost Lariat isn't cheap. However, for just a bit more than the standard EcoBoost V6, you gain 30 extra horsepower, 70 more pound-feet of torque and a hybrid system that provides increased fuel efficiency, on-board power generation and an overall smoother and better driving experience.
If you need a truck that can do it all — and do it really well — then the 2025 Ford F-150 PowerBoost is absolutely worth seriously considering. It competently blends power, comfort, capability and technology so impressively that it sacrifices zero enjoyment or ease in daily driving. It's one of the best-driving and most well-rounded trucks on the market today, and I'm sad to see my time with it end.
I agree with Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend when he wrote, "If you've decided to buy a 2024 Ford F-150, you should go for the PowerBoost Hybrid powertrain. It's only $1,900 more than the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and as we've noted in several previous reviews of Ford's bestselling truck, the outlets that let you power a job site, campsite or your house are totally worth the money." Well done, Ford.
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