Ford’s newest gassy F-150s include more hybrid configurations

Ford’s F-150 truck is adding more hybrid powertrain options to more trims for the 2024 model year. The automaker is also adding extra tech into the truck, including a head-up-display option so you can check your speed without looking down, and a built-in 5G modem that makes over the air (OTA) software updates and media connectivity faster than ever.

Previously, Ford’s cheapest F-150 truck that has a hybrid option, the Lariat, started at $57,480 with a $3,300 add on. Now Ford says the hybrid option, called “PowerBoost,” will “match the starting MSRP on the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine,” which we’re taking to mean that Ford’s cutting the hybrid add-on from $3,300 to $1,540 instead. (That’s what the 3.5L gasoline engine cost for the 2023 model year.) Importantly, you can also get the hybrid at the less expensive XLT trim level, as well as in the high-end Platinum Plus.

The 2024 model year F-150 is built on the same platform used since the 2021 model year. Ford claims the platform is durable and tested with over 3.75 million “customer equivalent” miles in the automaker’s lab tests.

The F-150 also has a new tailgate called “Pro Access” that can open like a door sideways for quick access to the accessory AC power ports. Ford’s new trucks can offer up to 7.2kW to on-site tools and appliances on PowerBoost F-150 models if equipped with Pro Power Onboard.

Ford’s new F-150 is the second vehicle to get a 5G modem option that brings speedier navigation map loading and enables faster in-car Wi-Fi. Previously, this was only available on the all-work-and-no-play SuperDuty pickup trucks, and there are plans to add it to the next Lincoln Nautilus SUV. And Ford’s OTA updates now can install updated software automatically, if desired. A new voice feedback option is also added where customers can quickly tell Ford about technical problems or use some poor chap at Ford as a sounding board that can’t respond.

The F-150 has Ford’s latest Sync 4 software running on a 12-inch infotainment display, which is now standard on all models. That means no more squinting at an iPhone 5-sized display on base trims when you switch your tough-mobile into reverse gear. Speaking of iPhones, Ford CEO Jim Farley posted on X (formerly Twitter) that today is a “big day for America’s two biggest consumer products,” connecting the new iPhone 15 and the F-150 like all-American blood brothers. These things aren’t quite the same, but we appreciate your posts, Farley!

Ford has had plans to update its infotainment software to use Google software Android Automotive, or underlying services from the search company with Google built-in. But Ford’s last big Sync 4 upgrade on the 2024 Ford Mustang didn’t seem to include it, and the latest F-150 Lightning didn’t get it either. Ford communications manager Dan Barbossa tells The Verge in an email that the new 2024 F-150 runs the same OS as before.

Ford’s adding a new theft recovery service for the F-150, a first of its kind for the automaker in North America (it’s available in Europe). Aptly named Ford Stolen Vehicle Services, the optional connected service can locate and help recover a stolen vehicle with the help of a 24/7 call center and additionally alerts owners on unauthorized tampering of the truck (including towaways) via the FordPass app.

Ford’s dropping in a complementary 90-day trial for its BlueCruise hands-free driver assistant software, version 1.2, which can steer you within highway lanes and make lane changes on command. Ford recently said it is offering a similar trial on the new Mustang Mach-E Rally, although that vehicle will launch with the latest BlueCruise 1.3, which has stability improvements to stay engaged longer.

Ford is also making its smaller gas-only EcoBoost engine standard on base offerings. So now the XL model, which usually comes with a 3.3-liter V6 PFDI, will come with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, which previously commanded a $1,285 upcharge. However, Barnossa tells us the 2024 XL Regular Cab costs $36,570 before destination fees, which costs about $2,000 more than the 2023 base model with an MSRP of $34,585, so don’t expect to save money on the new one if you like the EcoBoost engine.

Ford’s F-150 hybrid option still does not include a plug-in option, so you’ll need to check out the still 5G-less and HUD-less (but all-electric) F-150 Lightning instead if charging is what you desire. One thing about the top trims of the new F-150s, though, is the front looks a hell of a lot better than the Lightning with the light bar.