Pickup trucks have long reigned supreme in the United States as the vehicle of choice. For decades, Americans have been drawn to their practicality, commanding driving position, off-road capabilities, and, crucially, their substantial payload and towing capacities. In 2023, trucks dominated the U.S. vehicle market, securing the top three spots in sales volume, as reported by Car and Driver.
However, the hybrid pickup segment has been relatively limited in the U.S. due to past economic challenges. Higher initial costs and concerns about long-term maintenance, particularly battery replacement, have previously deterred buyers despite the appeal of fuel efficiency. Yet, as electric vehicle technology advances and gains broader acceptance, the market is undergoing a noticeable shift.
Currently, the U.S. market offers a handful of hybrid pickup truck options, ranging from mild to full hybrids. This article will delve into these existing models and explore the exciting new entrants anticipated to reshape the landscape of Small Hybrid Trucks in the near future.
Current Small Hybrid Truck Options
While the term “small hybrid truck” might conjure images of compact pickups, the current market offers a range of sizes, each leveraging hybrid technology to enhance fuel economy and performance.
Ford Maverick Hybrid
The Ford Maverick hybrid front quarter view showcases its compact design, a popular small hybrid truck known for fuel efficiency.
The Ford Maverick Hybrid stands out as the most accessible and affordable hybrid pickup truck in the United States. Its exceptional value proposition propelled it to become one of the fastest-selling and most sought-after models in 2023. This compact hybrid truck proves that efficiency and utility can come in a smaller, more budget-friendly package.
Specifications
The Maverick Hybrid’s powertrain is centered around a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, working in conjunction with a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 94 kW electric motor. This system delivers a combined 191 horsepower. While Ford hasn’t officially released the combined torque figure, the electric motor contributes 173 lb.-ft, suggesting a robust total torque output exceeding 200 lb.-ft. For the 2025 model year, Ford expanded the Maverick Hybrid’s capability by offering an all-wheel-drive system and the 4K Tow Package, broadening its appeal and utility.
Fuel efficiency is where the Maverick Hybrid truly shines. The front-wheel-drive 2024 model achieves an impressive combined 37 mpg. While its towing capacity of 4,000 lbs and payload capacity of 1,500 lbs categorize it as a light-duty hybrid pickup, it capably meets the needs of many drivers seeking a versatile and economical small truck.
Price
Starting at USD 28,685 (including destination and acquisition fees), the Ford Maverick Hybrid represents an exceptional entry point into the small hybrid truck market.
Toyota Tacoma Hybrid
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Terra, pictured in a front three-quarter view, represents a rugged and capable small hybrid truck option.
Building upon Toyota’s success with hybrid powertrains, the Toyota Tacoma Hybrid enters the market as a compelling option in the small to mid-size hybrid truck category. Toyota’s commitment to electrification extends to its popular Tacoma model, offering a blend of renowned reliability and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Specifications
The Tacoma Hybrid features a unique i-Force Max powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter single-turbo engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into an 8-speed transmission. Power is drawn from a 1.87 kWh NiMH battery pack. This hybrid system generates a substantial 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is also noteworthy, with an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 24 MPG.
Price
The Toyota Tacoma Hybrid starts at USD 47,815, including delivery, processing, and handling fees, positioning it as a more premium, yet still efficient, small hybrid truck choice.
Ford F-150 Hybrid (Full-Size Hybrid Truck)
The Ford F-150 Limited hybrid model shown in a front three-quarter view, a full-size hybrid truck with powerful capabilities.
While larger than the Maverick and Tacoma, the Ford F-150 Hybrid demonstrates that even full-size trucks can benefit from hybrid technology. It serves as an example of how hybrid systems can enhance fuel economy in larger pickup platforms, albeit not strictly a “small hybrid truck”.
Specifications
The F-150 Hybrid utilizes a 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 engine paired with a 46.5 hp electric motor and a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. This robust system delivers a combined 430 hp and 570 lb.-ft. of torque. A 4×4 system is standard on the hybrid F-150 since the 2024 model year.
Fuel efficiency is significantly improved compared to non-hybrid F-150 models, achieving a combined 23 MPG. The F-150 Hybrid also boasts Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system and retains impressive towing (up to 11,200 lbs.) and hauling (up to 1,750 lbs.) capabilities.
Price
The Ford F-150 Hybrid, available in SuperCrew versions, starts at USD 58,065, reflecting its position as a premium, full-size hybrid truck.
Ram 1500 eTorque (Mild-Hybrid Truck)
The Ram 1500 Laramie eTorque pulling a trailer, illustrating the towing capacity of this mild-hybrid truck.
The Ram 1500 eTorque employs a mild-hybrid system, focusing on efficiency gains through engine start/stop, torque assist, and regenerative braking. While not a “small hybrid truck” in size, it demonstrates the application of hybrid technology across the pickup spectrum.
Specifications
The Ram 1500 eTorque uses a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a belt-driven motor generator and a 0.43 kWh battery. This mild-hybrid system enhances fuel economy, achieving up to 23 MPG in 2WD and 21 MPG in 4WD.
Price
Prices for the Ram 1500 eTorque start at USD 42,270, offering a more accessible entry into the Ram 1500 lineup with mild-hybrid benefits.
Toyota Tundra Hybrid (Full-Size Hybrid Truck)
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone in a front three-quarter view, a powerful full-size hybrid truck with off-road capabilities.
Similar to the F-150 Hybrid, the Toyota Tundra Hybrid represents the application of strong hybrid technology to a full-size pickup. It’s included here to showcase the breadth of hybrid options, even though it falls outside the “small hybrid truck” category.
Specifications
The Tundra Hybrid boasts a potent powertrain with a peak output of 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to its iForce Max 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid system. It maintains strong towing (11,450 lbs.) and payload (1,680 lbs.) capacities while achieving up to 22 MPG combined fuel economy.
Price
The Toyota Tundra Hybrid starts at USD 59,950, positioning it as a premium and capable full-size hybrid truck.
Upcoming Small Hybrid Truck and EREV Options
The future of small hybrid trucks is bright, with several manufacturers planning to introduce innovative models, including Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), which further enhance efficiency and range.
Kia TV EREV (Compact EREV Truck)
Anticipated to enter production around 2028 or 2029, the Kia TV EREV is poised to challenge the Ford Maverick in the compact truck segment. As an EREV, it will utilize a gasoline engine solely to recharge the battery, maximizing electric driving range and fuel efficiency. This positions it as a highly innovative small hybrid truck option.
Specifications (Projected)
The Kia TV EREV is expected to offer an electric range exceeding 329 miles and a towing capacity of over 10,000 lbs. (these figures might need adjustment based on “small truck” context, perhaps towing is lower for a truly small truck).
Hyundai TE EREV (Compact EREV Truck)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz front three-quarter view, representing a potential design direction for the upcoming Hyundai TE EREV small hybrid truck.
Likely a mechanical sibling to the Kia TV EREV, the Hyundai TE EREV is also slated for production around 2028/2029. It is speculated to be a derivative of the next-generation Hyundai Santa Cruz, bringing EREV technology to the Hyundai compact truck lineup. This further solidifies the trend of small hybrid trucks gaining traction.
Specifications (Projected)
Similar to the Kia TV EREV, the Hyundai TE EREV is expected to offer a significant electric range and competitive towing capacity within the small truck segment.
Jeep Gladiator 4xe (Mid-Size PHEV Truck)
The Jeep Gladiator front three-quarter view, showcasing the rugged design of the upcoming Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid truck.
Jeep will introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Gladiator in 2025, the Gladiator 4xe. While technically a mid-size truck, it represents the expansion of PHEV technology into the pickup market and offers an alternative to traditional hybrids, even if not categorized as a “small hybrid truck”.
Specifications (Projected)
The Gladiator 4xe is expected to utilize a powertrain similar to the Wrangler 4xe, combining a 2.0L gas engine with electric motors and a 17.3 kWh battery, producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque with an EPA-estimated electric range of up to 26 miles.
The Growing Appeal of Small Hybrid Trucks
The increasing interest in small hybrid trucks reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences and market demands. Factors driving this trend include:
- Fuel Efficiency: Rising fuel costs and environmental concerns are pushing consumers towards more fuel-efficient vehicles. Small hybrid trucks offer a compelling solution, combining truck utility with significantly improved MPG.
- Versatility for Urban and Suburban Living: Smaller trucks are more maneuverable and easier to park in urban environments compared to full-size pickups. Hybrid powertrains further enhance their suitability for daily driving and city commutes.
- Cost Savings: While initial purchase prices might be slightly higher, the long-term fuel savings and potential tax incentives associated with hybrid vehicles can lead to significant cost savings over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Conclusion: The Future is Small and Hybrid
The small hybrid truck segment is poised for substantial growth. With models like the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tacoma Hybrid already making waves and innovative EREV options from Kia and Hyundai on the horizon, the future of pickups is increasingly leaning towards fuel efficiency and electrification. As technology advances and consumer demand evolves, small hybrid trucks are set to become a dominant force in the automotive market, offering the perfect blend of practicality, economy, and environmental consciousness.
By Shrawan Raja, Automotive Expert.
