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The Ford F-150 XLT PowerBoost was the least expensive truck in our take a look at, nevertheless it did not carry out prefer it. Notably, the hybrid F-150 depends totally on its turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine for propulsion whereas in Tow/Haul mode — the conventional hybrid performance just isn’t out there. That helps clarify why it had by far the largest 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 gasoline financial system together with critical acceleration. In order for you the all-around champ for each towing and routine driving, the F-150 PowerBoost will get the nod.
But it surely 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 tug the trailer up inclines, particularly paired with the shorter 3.92 rear axle ratio, although the aggressive gearing did not do the gasoline financial 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 course of the pack. Alternatively, 17.6 mpg is definitely the perfect determine among the many three fossil-fueled vans. 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 easiest truck for towing on this take a look at.
The place does that go away the Lightning?
The phrase “electrical” might not pull a lot weight in towing circles simply but, however the Ford F-150 Lightning confirmed no indicators of cracking underneath 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 length of the journey. Its expanded battery pack and two electrical motors had no points going up and over inclines, and its impartial rear suspension — versus the normal strong axle present in most vans — smoothed out the trip high quality with out hampering functionality.
Of specific be aware was the Lightning’s modest 26.7% effectivity shortfall relative to the EPA estimate, a good midpack consequence on this take a look at and a a lot smaller deficit than we anticipated primarily based on what we might heard. How did this occur? For one factor, we caught to the authorized towing velocity restrict of 55 mph quite than straying towards the common velocity restrict and even larger, which actually helped the trigger. Additionally, our trailer was comparatively aerodynamic. But it surely’s not like we had been enjoying 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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