The Best Hybrid Pickup Trucks to Buy in 2023

Just prior to the turn of the millennium, Toyota introduced the world to the very first mass-produced hybrid vehicle with the brand’s Prius model. And while twenty years ago, the main selling points of the Prius’ hybrid gas-electric powertrain were better mileage and fewer emissions, this has drastically changed in more recent times, as hybrid engines now have the ability to bolster performance across the board — while still improving miles-per-gallon rates and emissions standards.

Though the segment has been a late adopter compared to most other genres of automobile, today’s pickup truck sector has begun embracing these increasingly-advanced gas-electric systems — giving way to a small, but growing number of incredibly capable petrol and proton-powered workhorses. And it’s this group of vehicles that we’ll be exploring today in this condensed guide to the best hybrid pickup trucks, counting down all of the available options currently available, along with the benefits of hybrid trucks and what to consider when shopping.

Shopping for a hybrid pickup isn’t all that different from purchasing a regular gas-powered model, however, there are a few finer points that are worth exploring. Below, we’ve broken down the five most crucial areas to consider when shopping for a hybrid pickup truck.

Dimensions, Seating, & Cargo Space: One of the first things to consider when buying any pickup truck is what class (i.e. size) you’ll need, whether this be a compact, mid, or full-size truck. From there, you’ll also want to look into areas such as its configuration, the length of the bed, and the number of doors and seats. It’s also worth checking on a truck’s available cargo space, including both the bed and cab.

Towing & Payload Capacity: Considering that pickup trucks are engineered specifically to act as vehicular workhorses, it probably won’t come as a surprise to learn that payload and towing capacity are pivotal areas to consider when shopping. On top of the figures for payload and towing, it’s also worth exploring if a particular truck is available with a “towing package” or upgrade to increase these capabilities.

Tech & Amenities: Pretty much every new car on the road comes brimming with tech-focused bells and whistles, and hybrid pickups are no different. However, they actually manage to take this one step further, with supplementary systems and features that rely on the electrical components of a hybrid powertrain — such as onboard mobile generators that can be used to run power tools or even back up a home’s power supply in emergencies.

Powertrain: As the heart of the truck, its powertrain is of extreme importance. On top of determining horsepower and torque figures, a truck’s motor is ultimately what is responsible for its mileage, range, and towing and payload capacities. When reviewing this area, you’ll want to look into the displacement (size) of the engine, as well as its configuration (layout and number of cylinders), whether it’s naturally aspirated, and what kind of hybrid system it’s been paired with.

Range & MPG: One way in which trucks hugely benefit from the use of hybrid engines is mileage, with more gas-efficient powertrains that put out fewer emissions. What’s more, hybrid engines also almost always afford better miles-per-gallon, and as a result, they boast a superior range compared to regular models, while also requiring fewer stops at the pump.

The average motorist is well-aware of the emissions, mileage, and range benefits of hybrid powertrains, though there are actually a number of benefits that are unique to pickups. In addition to being able to keep turbochargers spooled up, the electric motors in hybrid powertrains also help gas engines to achieve greater power figures without increasing displacement. As a result, hybrid powertrains are able to deliver better towing and payload capacities, making for an even more utilitarian workhorse of a truck. Like electric trucks, hybrid pickups can also receive extra energy and range through systems such as regenerative braking — a factor that gives hybrid models markedly better mileage, especially when driving in the city.

Unlike purely electric cars — or plug-in hybrids — hybrid pickups are able to benefit from the use of batteries and an electric motor (or motors) without needing to be plugged in to be recharged. Some models — like Ford’s F-150 — also boast massive onboard power banks that are capable of acting as mobile generators for powering tools and electronics, or even serving as a backup power supply for your home. With fewer moving parts compared to traditional, non-hybrid engines, battery-boosted powertrains feature fewer moving parts, and as a result typically require markedly less maintenance, making ownership both cheaper and more convenient. And, while this last area is dependent upon where you live, quite a few regions offer tax credits and rebates for hybrid truck owners, making ownership all the more appealing.

GMC SIERRA 1500 HYBRID / CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 HYBRID (USED)

Though these twin models have been out of production since 2013, these 1500 pickup options are still well worth exploring when shopping for a hybrid truck. Utilizing a 6.0-liter V8 engine helped along by General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system, these models manage to deliver 33 percent greater city fuel economy, while also bolstering payload and towing capacity. Both trucks also come with a four-wheel-drive transfer case, an electronically-variable transmission, and an advanced 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System — all as standard. And, with clean examples starting from around $10,000 – $15,000, the Sierra and Silverado 1500s can be purchased used for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new hybrid pickup.

Ford Maverick XL

An entry-level pickup equipped with a hybrid powertrain as standard, the Ford Maverick is another clear-cut example of how pickups can hugely benefit from hybrid-boosted engines, with the ability to achieve 42-miles-per-gallon in the city (or 33 on the highway) and a payload that punches well over its weight with 1,500lbs. Boasting a unibody construction, the new Maverick also gets an electronic brake boost, variable-assist power steering, and a slew of available upgrade packages, including the off-road-ready Maverick Tremor. Best of all, despite its relatively cutting-edge nature, the base model Maverick (the XL) starts at under $25,000, giving it some pretty incredible value. 

Toyota Tundra Hybrid Limited

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter hybrid i-FORCE MAX V6 engine, the Toyota Tacoma is a beautiful example of how a work-focused pickup can massively benefit from a hybrid powertrain. In addition to featuring a 12,000-lb towing capacity, the engine produces a whopping 437hp and 583ft-lbs of torque, giving it a 0-60mph time of around six seconds. Alongside a modern suite of genuinely practical tech such as a trailer backup guide with straight path assist, the latest Tundra is also fairly off-road capable in its stock form thanks to Crawl Control with automatically modulating throttle and brakes, an electronically locking rear diff, and a multi-terrain selector with five different low and high range modes. 

RAM 1500 Limited 5.7L V8 Hybrid

RAM’s 1500 Limited — more specifically, the 5.7-liter hybrid HEMI V8-powered Crew Cab Long Box – offers an interesting mix of power and comfort, with best-in-class luxury backed by a more than 8,000lb towing capacity. Backed by an extensive warranty, this version of the 1500 Limited also boasts a 360-degree surround camera, a new air filtration system, a newly-designed multifunction tailgate, and an available, class-exclusive RamBox Cargo Management System. With the RAM 1500 already widely viewed as one of the best pickups in production, it probably isn’t hard to see why a hybrid-engine variant is that much more enticing. 

Ford F-150 Lariat Powerboost

If we had to select a single model to help make the argument for hybrid pickups, it would undoubtedly be Ford’s mighty F-150. Equipped with the Blue Oval’s 3.5-liter hybrid V6 Powerboost engine, this American-made truck puts down 430hp and an even more impressive 570ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a stump-pulling 14,000lb towing capacity and a payload capacity of over a ton — all while getting around 25 miles to the gallon. It doesn’t end there, however, as the Powerboost-equipped F-150 also comes with Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system which offers up an enormous 7.2kW of exportable power, providing more than enough juice to power up your worksite or campground. 

Honda Ridgeline Hybrid

Though it was just a rumor for months, Honda has finally officially confirmed the release of its forthcoming Honda Ridgeline hybrid pickup truck, which is expected to be released sometime in mid-2024. Thus far, information and specs on this new unibody model are practically non-existent, though we can make a few safe assumptions based on the current Ridgeline. With the mid-sized pickup’s current 3.5-liter V6 engine cranking out 280hp, 265ft-lbs of torque, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity, we expect the hybrid version to trump these figures by at least 25%. And, with a base model MSRP of around $37,000, we anticipate a price of somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000, as well, though as always, time will tell.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro i-FORCE MAX

Completely redesigned for its fourth generation, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro iFORCE MAX represents the new range-topping model variant of the Japanese brand’s mid-sized pickup range. At the heart of the truck is the company’s newly-developed 2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX hybrid four-banger which puts down 326hp, 465ft-lbs, and offers up to 6,500lbs of towing capacity. In typical Toyota Racing Development fashion, this TRD Pro-spec model also benefits from a bevy of off-road elements that come as standard including heavy duty suspension offering 11” of ground clearance, 4-wheel drive with an automatic limited-slip differential, skid plates, Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, a stabilizer disconnect mechanism, and TRD-specific wheels. There’s also an overlanding-focused version of the truck that comes loaded with a myriad of Old Man Emu and ARB parts, straight from the factory. 

Ram 1500 Ramcharger

Though technically a plug-in hybrid, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger pickup’s performance and work horse capabilities make it more than worthy of earning a spot on this list. The truck is equipped with a large liquid-cooled 92-kWh battery pack, dual electric motors — a 250kW (335hp) unit in front and a 238kW (318hp) motor in the rear — and a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine that generates mechanical power which is then converted to electrical power via the use of the vehicle’s onboard 130-kW generator in order to achieve maximum efficiency. What’s more, said generator can also send extra bursts of power to the motor and gearbox in situations that can for just a bit more oomph. This powertrain ultimates affords the 1500 Ramcharger a slew of wildly-impressive best-in-class capabilities including a targeted 4.4-second 0-60mph time, 663hp, 615ft-lbs of torque, a best-in-class payload capacity of 2,625lbs, and a best-in-class towing capacity of an even greater 14,000lbs. And it doesn’t even end there. Equipped with a best-in-class targeted range of 690 miles, the truck’s battery also offers an estimated 145 miles of all electric range, while also being able to gain an extra 50 miles of autonomy after just 10 minutes of quick-charging. 

The Best High-Performance Pickup Trucks

Want to check out an additional selection of ultra-capable trucks? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best high-performance trucks for a handful of ultra-quick and off-road-capable turnkey models currently available on showroom floors.