Here’s a detailed breakdown comparing the latest hybrid pickup trucks in the U.S., including Hyundai Santa Cruz (no hybrid yet but listed for comparison), Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Chevy Colorado ZR2, and Toyota Tacoma. Each model varies in features, performance, and overall utility:
1. Ford Ranger Hybrid (anticipated 2025 model)
Engine: Expected 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid (gasoline-electric)
Horsepower: Around 270-300 hp
Torque: Estimated 310 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Projected around 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Approx. 7,500 lbs
Cab Options: SuperCab and SuperCrew (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 210-215 in. length
Ground Clearance: 8.9 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 6-foot bed option likely
Annual Maintenance: Estimated at $500-$700
Insurance: Estimated $1,200 - $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in. options
Price: Expected starting around $33,000
Defects: Expected typical minor issues on release; solid reputation for durability
Battery: Likely under 2 kWh for fuel efficiency, not electric-only range
Extras: Advanced towing technology package ($1,500) and off-road package ($2,000)
2. Toyota Tacoma Hybrid (anticipated 2024 model)
Engine: 2.4L inline-4 hybrid
Horsepower: Estimated 326 hp (hybrid variant)
Torque: 465 lb-ft (hybrid)
Fuel Economy: Estimated 24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Expected around 6,500 lbs
Cab Options: Double Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Around 212 in. length, 75 in. width
Ground Clearance: 9.5 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot or 6-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $600 - $800
Insurance: Expected $1,200 - $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in. options
Price: Expected starting at $35,000
Defects: Toyota's strong track record, but initial hybrid models may have minor issues
Battery Range: Expected minimal range (under 10 miles electric-only)
Extras: Premium packages ($3,000) with heated seats, upgraded audio
3. Chevrolet Colorado Hybrid (anticipated 2025 model)
Engine: Expected 2.7L turbo inline-4 hybrid
Horsepower: Around 310 hp
Torque: 430 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Projected 23 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Expected up to 7,700 lbs
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 212 in. length
Ground Clearance: 8.3 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot or 6-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Estimated around $650
Insurance: Estimated $1,300 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in.
Price: Expected starting around $32,000
Defects: Expected to follow the typical Colorado, with some minor electronics issues
Battery Range: Minimal (not intended for electric-only driving)
Extras: Tech packages starting at $1,500
4. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Hybrid (off-road variant)
Engine: Expected similar to Colorado Hybrid
Horsepower: 310 hp
Torque: 430 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Expected 21 mpg city / 24 mpg highway due to off-road components
Towing Capacity: Around 5,000-6,000 lbs (off-road build impacts towing)
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 212 in. length, wider track for off-road stability
Ground Clearance: 10 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $700
Insurance: Around $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: Off-road specific 17-18 in. tires
Price: Expected starting at $44,000
Defects: Potential off-road wear and tear, typical for ZR2 models
Battery Range: Minimal
Extras: Enhanced suspension, underbody protection ($2,500+)
5. Hyundai Santa Cruz (non-hybrid yet)
Currently, the Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t offer a hybrid variant in the U.S., but it’s worth noting its features for a compact truck option:
Engine: 2.5L turbo inline-4 (non-hybrid)
Horsepower: 281 hp
Torque: 311 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: 195.7 in. length, 75 in. width
Ground Clearance: 8.6 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 4-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $500
Insurance: Around $1,200 per year
Tire Sizes: 18-20 in.
Price: Starting at $27,000
Colors: Available in gray, blue, white, and black
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid seems to offer the highest horsepower among hybrids, making it a great choice for performance enthusiasts.
Ford Ranger Hybrid combines fuel economy and power, with strong towing capabilities.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Hybrid is a solid off-road choice, though it trades some fuel efficiency and towing for enhanced off-road capabilities.
Hyundai Santa Cruz is more compact and affordable but lacks a hybrid powertrain currently.
Each truck has its pros and cons, with the Ford Ranger Hybrid likely being the best balance between power, fuel economy, and cost.
Worst Trucks
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid, Ram 1500 Hybrid (eTorque), and Toyota Tundra Hybrid, some of the leading hybrid full-size trucks available in the U.S.:
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid offers the best balance of power, fuel efficiency, and high-tech features like the Pro Power Onboard generator.
Ram 1500 eTorque is a cost-effective choice for those seeking the benefits of a mild hybrid but with a powerful V8 option for those who prioritize towing and payload.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid stands out for its impressive torque and advanced off-road capability, thanks to the TRD packages and high ground clearance.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Hybrid and Toyota Tundra Hybrid lead in terms of hybrid innovation, while the Ram 1500 eTorque is a simpler, more traditional choice with a slight hybrid boost.
1. Ford Ranger Hybrid (anticipated 2025 model)
Engine: Expected 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid (gasoline-electric)
Horsepower: Around 270-300 hp
Torque: Estimated 310 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Projected around 25 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Approx. 7,500 lbs
Cab Options: SuperCab and SuperCrew (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 210-215 in. length
Ground Clearance: 8.9 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 6-foot bed option likely
Annual Maintenance: Estimated at $500-$700
Insurance: Estimated $1,200 - $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in. options
Price: Expected starting around $33,000
Defects: Expected typical minor issues on release; solid reputation for durability
Battery: Likely under 2 kWh for fuel efficiency, not electric-only range
Extras: Advanced towing technology package ($1,500) and off-road package ($2,000)
2. Toyota Tacoma Hybrid (anticipated 2024 model)
Engine: 2.4L inline-4 hybrid
Horsepower: Estimated 326 hp (hybrid variant)
Torque: 465 lb-ft (hybrid)
Fuel Economy: Estimated 24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Expected around 6,500 lbs
Cab Options: Double Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Around 212 in. length, 75 in. width
Ground Clearance: 9.5 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot or 6-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $600 - $800
Insurance: Expected $1,200 - $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in. options
Price: Expected starting at $35,000
Defects: Toyota's strong track record, but initial hybrid models may have minor issues
Battery Range: Expected minimal range (under 10 miles electric-only)
Extras: Premium packages ($3,000) with heated seats, upgraded audio
3. Chevrolet Colorado Hybrid (anticipated 2025 model)
Engine: Expected 2.7L turbo inline-4 hybrid
Horsepower: Around 310 hp
Torque: 430 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Projected 23 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: Expected up to 7,700 lbs
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 212 in. length
Ground Clearance: 8.3 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot or 6-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Estimated around $650
Insurance: Estimated $1,300 per year
Tire Sizes: 17-18 in.
Price: Expected starting around $32,000
Defects: Expected to follow the typical Colorado, with some minor electronics issues
Battery Range: Minimal (not intended for electric-only driving)
Extras: Tech packages starting at $1,500
4. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Hybrid (off-road variant)
Engine: Expected similar to Colorado Hybrid
Horsepower: 310 hp
Torque: 430 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: Expected 21 mpg city / 24 mpg highway due to off-road components
Towing Capacity: Around 5,000-6,000 lbs (off-road build impacts towing)
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: Approx. 212 in. length, wider track for off-road stability
Ground Clearance: 10 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 5-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $700
Insurance: Around $1,500 per year
Tire Sizes: Off-road specific 17-18 in. tires
Price: Expected starting at $44,000
Defects: Potential off-road wear and tear, typical for ZR2 models
Battery Range: Minimal
Extras: Enhanced suspension, underbody protection ($2,500+)
5. Hyundai Santa Cruz (non-hybrid yet)
Currently, the Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t offer a hybrid variant in the U.S., but it’s worth noting its features for a compact truck option:
Engine: 2.5L turbo inline-4 (non-hybrid)
Horsepower: 281 hp
Torque: 311 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Cab Options: Crew Cab (4-door)
Dimensions: 195.7 in. length, 75 in. width
Ground Clearance: 8.6 in.
Cargo/Trunk Size: 4-foot bed
Annual Maintenance: Around $500
Insurance: Around $1,200 per year
Tire Sizes: 18-20 in.
Price: Starting at $27,000
Colors: Available in gray, blue, white, and black
Overall Comparison Summary
| Feature | Ford Ranger Hybrid | Toyota Tacoma Hybrid | Chevy Colorado Hybrid | Chevy Colorado ZR2 Hybrid | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | ~270-300 hp | 326 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 281 hp |
| Towing Capacity | ~7,500 lbs | ~6,500 lbs | ~7,700 lbs | ~5,000-6,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | 25/28 mpg | 24/28 mpg | 23/26 mpg | 21/24 mpg | 22/27 mpg |
| Price Range | $33,000+ | $35,000+ | $32,000+ | $44,000+ | $27,000+ |
| Ground Clearance | 8.9 in. | 9.5 in. | 8.3 in. | 10 in. | 8.6 in. |
| Annual Maintenance | $500-$700 | $600-$800 | $650 | $700 | $500 |
| Insurance | ~$1,200-$1,500 | ~$1,200-$1,500 | ~$1,300 | ~$1,500 | ~$1,200 |
Key Insights:
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid seems to offer the highest horsepower among hybrids, making it a great choice for performance enthusiasts.
Ford Ranger Hybrid combines fuel economy and power, with strong towing capabilities.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Hybrid is a solid off-road choice, though it trades some fuel efficiency and towing for enhanced off-road capabilities.
Hyundai Santa Cruz is more compact and affordable but lacks a hybrid powertrain currently.
Each truck has its pros and cons, with the Ford Ranger Hybrid likely being the best balance between power, fuel economy, and cost.
Worst Trucks
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 2023 Ford F-150 Hybrid, Ram 1500 Hybrid (eTorque), and Toyota Tundra Hybrid, some of the leading hybrid full-size trucks available in the U.S.:
Comparison Summary
| Feature | Ford F-150 Hybrid | Ram 1500 eTorque Hybrid | Toyota Tundra Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid | 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 w/eTorque | 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 430 hp | 305 hp (V6) / 395 hp (V8) | 437 hp |
| Torque | 570 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft (V6) / 410 lb-ft (V8) | 583 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 25/26 mpg | 20/25 mpg (V6) | 20/24 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 12,700 lbs | 12,750 lbs | 12,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 2,120 lbs | Up to 2,300 lbs | Up to 1,940 lbs |
| Cab Options | Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew | Quad Cab, Crew Cab | Double Cab, CrewMax |
| Dimensions (Length x W) | 232-250 in. x 80 in. | 232-241 in. x 82 in. | 233-248 in. x 80 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 9.4 in. | 8.7-10.8 in. | 10.9 in. |
| Price Range | Starting around $55,000 | Starting around $35,000 | Starting around $55,000 |
| Annual Maintenance | $650 | $600-$800 | $650-$800 |
| Insurance | $1,300 - $1,600 | $1,200 - $1,500 | $1,300 - $1,600 |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5 kWh | Small battery, mild hybrid | 1.87 kWh |
| Extras | Pro Power Onboard, tech pkg | Off-road pkg, leather interiors | TRD packages, leather interiors |
Key Takeaways
Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid offers the best balance of power, fuel efficiency, and high-tech features like the Pro Power Onboard generator.
Ram 1500 eTorque is a cost-effective choice for those seeking the benefits of a mild hybrid but with a powerful V8 option for those who prioritize towing and payload.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid stands out for its impressive torque and advanced off-road capability, thanks to the TRD packages and high ground clearance.
Overall, the Ford F-150 Hybrid and Toyota Tundra Hybrid lead in terms of hybrid innovation, while the Ram 1500 eTorque is a simpler, more traditional choice with a slight hybrid boost.