Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid

The Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid continues to be the best-selling truck in America. It’s also the one that can tow, go off-roading, haul, and in general, take you anywhere you want to go. Those of us at Napleton News like being constantly on the go, so this Hybrid-powered version is just our cup of tea, er, coffee!

Filled with class-leading features, the F-150 is the one to beat. But with others nipping at its tail, how long will it be able to hold on? Read on to find out!

What is the F-150 Platinum Hybrid all about?

It doesn’t matter how you use your F-150: It is always up for the job. And there are so many ways to do it. Through the years, the Ford F-150 has become the virtual “Swiss Army Knife” of the automotive set. Available with a wide variety of configurations including Regular, Super Cab and Super Crew Cabs with various bed lengths, it can be built for the job(s) at hand.

Power for the F-150 is just as varied. Engine choices include a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 making 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Then there is the 5.0-liter, naturally-aspirated V8 producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of twist.

Then there are the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6s. The first delivers 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor gets a slightly boosted version making 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.

The Raptor R features a 5.2-liter Supercharged V8 that delivers 720 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.

But our Platinum sampler included the 3.5-liter hybrid delivering 430 hp and 570 hp. It’s an impressive piece of kit that has a range of over 600 miles per tankful.

All F-150s use a ten-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is an option on many configurations but standard on the hybrid, Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R.

In terms of towing, the F-150 4wd SuperCrew is exceptionally strong. With the 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 engine and 6.5-foot bed, it offers the best towing capacity in its class at 13,500 pounds.

Looks count with the Ford F-150 Platinum

If you were ever to show up at a Black Tie affair in a pickup truck, the F-150 Platinum would likely be your ride of choice. Speaking of choices, there are plenty: Choose your engine, cab, bed box, drivetrain, trim levels and more. According to automotive analysts in the know, there are more than a million possibilities of factory-permissible combinations when you mix and match to get the right F-150 for your wants and needs.

There’s also the optional Pro Access Tailgate with a side-hinged center section. It allows easy access into the bed, even when a trailer is attached. Additionally, there are a variety of wheels, trim levels and tire sizes available to help personalize your role as the “artful trucker.”

How comfortable is the F-150 Platinum?

Functional and easy-to-use, the interior of the Ford F-150 Platinum is almost too luxurious for a pickup truck. The seats are throne-like with leather coverings, heating, ventilation and amazingly, full massage functions. There’s room for five with a ton of legroom in the second row. There is additional storage under the bench seat to keep certain valuables hidden from prying eyes.

The Mobile Office Package enables you to power office devices, ensuring you’re up-to-date without battery worries. Adjustable pedals and a remarkable Bang & Olufsen audio system are among the other features.

Behind the wheel of the F-150 Platinum.

Stepping up to the F-150 Platinum is like being greeted by an old friend. The experience begins with a wink of the running lights, followed by a dropping of the automatic running boards that lower down to greet each occupant. The Gauge display is a 12-incher and is programmable in a variety of ways. The same with the infotainment screen, which anchors the new Sync 4 infotainment system holds sway over the center console. The infotainment system breaks no new ground but thankfully it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included, unlike some other brands. (Looking at you, General Motors.)

Power from the hybrid powerplant is plentiful and thrust us off the line ahead of all the also-rans. It’s kind of a gas to see RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverados getting smaller in the rearview mirror! The ten-speed transmission never missed a shift and offered confidence at every point.

Handling is as you would expect with a high center of gravity vehicle. You must give care while hitting a curve just right, but overall, this F-150 doesn’t handle like a truck. It’s more like a high-zoot SUV which is okay in our book.

Ford F-150 Platinum Hybrid Specifications