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The Ford F-150 XLT PowerBoost was the most cost-effective truck in our take a look at, but it surely did not carry out prefer it. Notably, the hybrid F-150 depends fully on its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine for propulsion whereas in Tow/Haul mode — the conventional hybrid performance shouldn’t be out there. That helps clarify why it had by far the most important effectivity shortfall on this take a look at relative to the EPA projection. Nonetheless, it managed to be extra fuel-efficient than the Silverado, and as soon as you’re taking the trailer off, that hybrid increase returns to ship distinctive gas economic system together with critical acceleration. If you need the all-around champ for each towing and routine driving, the F-150 PowerBoost will get the nod.
Nevertheless it was the Ram 1500 that appeared tailored for this take a look at, and it did not disappoint. Its four-corner air suspension muted practically all bumps and cracks alongside the highway. The torque-rich turbodiesel engine wanted minimal effort to drag the trailer up inclines, particularly paired with the shorter 3.92 rear axle ratio, although the aggressive gearing did not do the gas economic system any favors. The Ram averaged 17.6 mpg, down from its unladen EPA estimate of 24 mpg for an effectivity shortfall of 26.7%, which tied the Lightning EV in the midst of the pack. Alternatively, 17.6 mpg is well the most effective determine among the many three fossil-fueled vehicles. Sure, we had been hoping to cross the 20 mpg threshold on this journey, however the super-luxe, super-brawny Ram stood out anyway as the perfect truck for towing on this take a look at.
The place does that depart the Lightning?
The phrase “electrical” could not pull a lot weight in towing circles simply but, however the Ford F-150 Lightning confirmed no indicators of cracking below the stress of our take a look at. Regardless of having the bottom most towing capability and the highest gross mixed weight, the Lightning dealt with its load with poise over the period of the journey. Its expanded battery pack and two electrical motors had no points going up and over inclines, and its unbiased rear suspension — versus the normal strong axle present in most vehicles — smoothed out the trip high quality with out hampering functionality.
Of explicit be aware was the Lightning’s modest 26.7% effectivity shortfall relative to the EPA estimate, a decent midpack outcome on this take a look at and a a lot smaller deficit than we anticipated primarily based on what we would heard. How did this occur? For one factor, we caught to the authorized towing pace restrict of 55 mph reasonably than straying towards the common pace restrict and even increased, which definitely helped the trigger. Additionally, our trailer was comparatively aerodynamic. Nevertheless it’s not like we had been taking part in video games; this was a completely regular (and authorized!) towing state of affairs. As such, we’re impressed that the electrified Ford hung in there and misplaced barely 1 / 4 of its projected effectivity, tying the Ram for second place in that class and crushing its Ford stablemate.
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