The pickup truck reigns supreme as the most sought-after passenger vehicle segment in the United States. For decades, Americans have been drawn to the practical nature of pickups – their commanding driving position, off-road capabilities, and, crucially, their impressive payload and towing capacities. In 2023, pickup trucks dominated the sales charts, securing the top three positions in U.S. vehicle sales volume, according to Car and Driver data.
However, the availability of hybrid pickup options, especially in the smaller segment, has been historically limited. This scarcity stemmed from past concerns about business viability, primarily due to higher initial costs and anxieties surrounding long-term maintenance. Despite the clear advantages in fuel efficiency, the elevated purchase prices and potential battery replacement expenses previously discouraged many buyers. Yet, with the growing wave of vehicle electrification, this market dynamic is undergoing a significant shift.
Currently, the U.S. market offers a limited selection of (mild and full) hybrid pickup trucks. This article explores these existing options and previews the exciting new entrants anticipated in the near future, with a particular focus on the emerging segment of Hybrid Small Pickup trucks. These smaller, fuel-efficient pickups are poised to redefine the market, offering a blend of practicality and economy that resonates with modern drivers.
Ford Maverick Hybrid (Current): The Compact Leader
Image: Front three-quarter view of a Ford Maverick hybrid small pickup truck, showcasing its compact size and modern design.
The Ford Maverick Hybrid stands out as the most accessible and affordable hybrid small pickup truck currently available in the United States. This model has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a top seller due to its exceptional value proposition. Its compact size makes it ideal for city driving and maneuvering, while still retaining the utility expected of a pickup.
Specifications
The Maverick Hybrid’s powertrain combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with a liquid-cooled 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, positioned beneath the rear seats, and a 94 kW (126 hp) electric motor. This system delivers a combined 191 horsepower, with the gasoline engine producing 155 lb.-ft. of torque. While Ford hasn’t officially released the combined torque figure, the electric motor itself contributes 173 lb.-ft., suggesting a total output exceeding 200 lb.-ft. For the 2025 model year, Ford expanded the Maverick Hybrid’s capabilities, offering an all-wheel-drive system and the 4K Tow Package, enhancing its versatility.
Fuel efficiency is where the Maverick Hybrid truly shines. The front-wheel-drive 2024 model achieves an impressive 37 mpg combined. While its towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. and payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. position it as a light-duty hybrid small pickup, it adequately meets the needs of many drivers seeking a blend of efficiency and utility.
Price
Starting at USD 28,685 (including destination and acquisition fees), the Ford Maverick Hybrid remains the most budget-friendly entry point into the hybrid small pickup market.
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid (Current): Stepping Up in Size and Power
Image: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hybrid small pickup truck in Terra color, highlighting its off-road design and capabilities.
Building on their hybrid expertise with the Tundra, Toyota logically extended electrification to the Tacoma, creating another compelling hybrid small pickup option. The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid caters to those seeking a more robust and off-road capable hybrid small pickup than the Maverick.
Specifications
The Tacoma Hybrid features a distinct i-Force Max powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter single-turbo engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an 8-speed transmission. A 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack powers the electric motor. This hybrid system generates a substantial 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is also noteworthy, achieving an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined.
Price
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid’s price starts at USD 47,815 (including delivery, processing, and handling fees), placing it in a higher price bracket than the Maverick, but reflecting its increased size, power, and features within the hybrid small pickup category.
Ram 1500 eTorque (Current): Mild Hybrid Efficiency in a Full-Size Frame
Image: A 2025 Ram 1500 Laramie eTorque mild-hybrid pickup truck towing a trailer, demonstrating its utility and capability.
While not strictly a hybrid small pickup, the Ram 1500 eTorque incorporates mild-hybrid technology, representing a step towards fuel efficiency in the broader pickup market. Introduced in 2019, the eTorque system enhances fuel economy without offering pure electric driving capability.
Specifications
The Ram 1500 eTorque utilizes a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 305 hp and 271 lb.-ft. of torque. A belt-driven motor generator, paired with a small 0.43 kWh lithium-ion battery, provides torque assist, engine start/stop, and brake energy regeneration. The belt-starter generator adds 9 kW and 90 lb.-ft. of torque.
This mild-hybrid system results in an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 MPG in 2WD and 21 MPG in 4WD for this full-size pickup.
Price
Ram 1500 eTorque models start at USD 42,270 (including destination charges). While not a hybrid small pickup, it showcases the application of hybrid technology across different truck sizes.
Ford F-150 Hybrid (Current): Full-Hybrid Power in a Full-Size Package
Image: Front three-quarter view of a Ford F-150 Limited hybrid pickup truck, emphasizing its premium features and full-size dimensions.
Similar to the Ram 1500 eTorque, the Ford F-150 Hybrid is a full-size offering, but it utilizes a more robust full-hybrid system compared to the mild-hybrid eTorque. It demonstrates that hybrid technology is also being integrated into larger trucks, even though the focus here is on the hybrid small pickup segment.
Specifications
The Ford F-150 Hybrid pairs a 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine with a 46.5 hp electric motor, drawing power from a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. This system delivers a combined output of 430 hp and 570 lb.-ft. of torque. Four-wheel drive is standard on hybrid models from 2024 onwards.
Fuel efficiency is significantly improved compared to non-hybrid F-150 powertrains, achieving 23 MPG combined. It also features Ford’s Pro Power Onboard exportable power system. Towing capacity reaches 11,200 lbs., and payload capacity is 1,750 lbs.
Price
The Ford F-150 Hybrid, available in SuperCrew configuration, starts at USD 58,065 (including destination and acquisition fees). While not a hybrid small pickup, it’s an important example of hybrid technology in the broader truck market.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid (Current): Hybrid Muscle for Heavy-Duty Tasks
Image: Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone, showcasing its luxurious features and powerful stance as a full-size hybrid pickup truck.
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid represents another full-size hybrid pickup option, emphasizing power and capability. While the article centers on the hybrid small pickup category, understanding the availability of hybrid technology across different truck sizes provides valuable context.
Specifications
The Tundra Hybrid’s iForce Max powertrain delivers 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motor contributes 48 hp and 184 lb.-ft., powered by a 1.87 kWh NMC battery. It features four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities, with a towing capacity of 11,450 lbs. and payload capacity of 1,680 lbs. Fuel economy is rated at up to 22 MPG combined.
Price
Toyota Tundra Hybrid pricing begins at USD 59,950 (including delivery, processing, and handling fees). Again, while not a hybrid small pickup, it illustrates the expanding hybrid truck market.
Upcoming Hybrid Small Pickup Trucks: The Future is Bright
Looking ahead, the hybrid small pickup segment is poised for significant growth. Several manufacturers are planning to introduce new models that will further expand consumer choices and drive innovation in this area.
Scout Terra EREV (Upcoming)
Image: Concept rendering of the Scout Terra EREV, showcasing its futuristic design and potential for extended range capability.
The Scout Terra, from Volkswagen Group’s revived Scout Motors, will offer an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) variant with “Harvester” technology. This system uses a small gasoline engine solely as a generator to charge the battery, enabling a projected range exceeding 500 miles. While classified as a full-size pickup, its EREV approach is relevant to the discussion of fuel-efficient truck technologies and could inspire future hybrid small pickup designs. Production is slated for 2027.
Kia TV EREV & Hyundai TE EREV (Upcoming)
Kia and Hyundai are also reportedly developing EREV pickups, potentially targeting the compact truck segment and directly challenging the Ford Maverick. The Kia TV and Hyundai TE EREV models are anticipated to launch around 2028 or 2029. These models are expected to prioritize electric range, with the Kia TV targeting over 329 miles of electric range and a 10,000 lbs. towing capacity. These upcoming models signal a strong industry trend towards more fuel-efficient and potentially smaller hybrid and EREV pickups.
Jeep Gladiator 4xe PHEV (Upcoming)
Image: Front three-quarter view of a Jeep Gladiator gas-powered pickup truck, representing the model that will soon be available as a plug-in hybrid.
Jeep is set to introduce a Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2025. While the Gladiator is a mid-size pickup, the PHEV powertrain is relevant to the hybrid small pickup discussion as it showcases another approach to electrification in the truck segment. It’s expected to utilize a similar powertrain to the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, offering a combination of gasoline and electric power with a pure-electric driving range.
Toyota Tacoma Plug-in Hybrid (Upcoming)
Toyota is also considering a plug-in hybrid version of the Tacoma, further emphasizing the trend towards electrification in the mid-size and potentially hybrid small pickup market. While details are limited, a Tacoma Prime PHEV would provide another compelling option for consumers seeking both fuel efficiency and truck capabilities in a smaller package.
The Rise of the Hybrid Small Pickup
The hybrid small pickup segment is clearly gaining momentum. With models like the Ford Maverick Hybrid and Toyota Tacoma Hybrid already on the market and more upcoming options from various manufacturers, the future looks promising for consumers seeking fuel-efficient and versatile trucks. These vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, economy, and capability, making them increasingly attractive in today’s automotive landscape. As technology advances and consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles grows, hybrid small pickup trucks are poised to become a significant force in the American automotive market.
