Yet another Powerboost initial review (test drive)

I know there have already been a lot of reviews from test drive events, and now lots of owners taking delivery. But I'm out here in lowly California, where no test drive events occurred, and we're basically last to get the Dearborn trucks, and the hybrids don't last more than a day on dealer lots. I have been tracking and refreshing so many hybrids locally so I can finally test one. Well I finally got a chance this weekend and found a Limited Powerboost at Sunnyvale Ford, and showed up before they could even list it on their dealer website! As an added bonus, county covid restrictions meant that the dealer cannot come with me and I could test drive it SOLO

First thing I had to check was the sound of the power running boards. I used the foot button to retract and then extend it, and I did not think it was excessively loud at all. Next up was the Limited interior, as some claimed it was gray and not blue. I noticed that it definitely looks blue in the sun, otherwise it basically looks various shades of gray (my opinion). The interior overall was amazing. Very comfortable! The steering wheel had a unique feel, I don't know how to describe it. Not positive or negative, just a unique feel.

Then I started the truck and of course no engine sound (electric mode) just a slight hiss like a fan noise, just assumed it was maybe a battery fan or something - but a few miles later I realized someone had left the cooled seats on MAX! Turned that off and no more hissing, haha. Anyway, pulling out of the lot with no engine or stereo, the boards retracted and it was louder INSIDE than when I was outside. Like you could hear the motor vibrating the whole chassis. So that may be what the "loud power board" complaints have been.

Anyway, pulling out into traffic the thing JUMPED. I am not a leadfoot in my current XLT but there must be a difference in pedal sensitivity because it has a hair trigger. Coupled with the power, it is insane when the light turns green and I take off. I tried at the first several lights but I could NOT get any electric-only starts, my foot is just too heavy I guess. Then at the last light before getting on the freeway I tried toying with drive modes. It was in TOW/HAUL! So I figured that was why I wasn't getting electric-only starts. Well, decided to try SPORT mode and she shifted to 4WD-Auto . AND I love how the whole instrument cluster changed theme! Check it out:



I loved the red & white "sporty" theme. Getting on the freeway was crazy, I swear I barely pressed the accel and looked down and I was already at 55mph, couldn't believe it. Also just a minor touch that I loved, is that the speed limit is placed RIGHT on your speedometer dial - you don't have to be in NAV or look at a separate area on a screen, its just right where it needs to be (any cops reading this, I uuhhhh, had a friend take this pic).

I noticed my MPG was not going great on the trip so far so I wanted to try ECO mode and made the switch while on the freeway and left it there the rest of the way back. I thought for sure I would get some electric starts but I STILL was too heavy footed. This will be a fun challenge for me when I get my truck! Again it is really minor but these themes really make me happy. The ECO mode has a cool green theme and a ? in the bottom left corner (pic courtesy of my uhhhh, friend again):




Anyway, when I returned it, I had only averaged about 20MPG, and only 1.4 electric miles out of about 15 I put on it. The only time I got electric miles was coasting or braking. I couldn't get those coveted electric-only starts.

Lastly, I was excited to try the active park assist to perpendicular park it back into the spot I pulled out of at the dealership - but some Superduty pulled in an blocked that area! What a bummer. I just pulled in and got caught off guard by the loud power boards being deployed again. Some dude was already lined up waiting to test drive it after me. Sucker! Maybe show up right at opening time like me next time haha.

I also wrote up a separate first impression of the B&O Unleashed system here: https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/disappointed-in-b-o-unleashed.1172/post-15554

The sales guy tried to persuade me to give up my King Ranch order and buy this one off his lot. I looked at the MSRP and the sad thing is - it is LESS than my King Ranch that got window stickered after the max tow increase! Once you option a Powerboost as a KR chrome, tow mirrors, max tow, and FX4 (none of which are available on Limited) it puts a King Ranch as the most expensive trim (above Limited and equally equipped Platinum). I'm sticking it out though, I guess I'm a glutton for [wallet] punishment! ?

Look at this beauty tho:

daemonic3 said:

I know there have already been a lot of reviews from test drive events, and now lots of owners taking delivery. But I'm out here in lowly California, where no test drive events occurred, and we're basically last to get the Dearborn trucks, and the hybrids don't last more than a day on dealer lots. I have been tracking and refreshing so many hybrids locally so I can finally test one. Well I finally got a chance this weekend and found a Limited Powerboost at Sunnyvale Ford, and showed up before they could even list it on their dealer website! As an added bonus, county covid restrictions meant that the dealer cannot come with me and I could test drive it SOLO

First thing I had to check was the sound of the power running boards. I used the foot button to retract and then extend it, and I did not think it was excessively loud at all. Next up was the Limited interior, as some claimed it was gray and not blue. I noticed that it definitely looks blue in the sun, otherwise it basically looks various shades of gray (my opinion). The interior overall was amazing. Very comfortable! The steering wheel had a unique feel, I don't know how to describe it. Not positive or negative, just a unique feel.

Then I started the truck and of course no engine sound (electric mode) just a slight hiss like a fan noise, just assumed it was maybe a battery fan or something - but a few miles later I realized someone had left the cooled seats on MAX! Turned that off and no more hissing, haha. Anyway, pulling out of the lot with no engine or stereo, the boards retracted and it was louder INSIDE than when I was outside. Like you could hear the motor vibrating the whole chassis. So that may be what the "loud power board" complaints have been.

Anyway, pulling out into traffic the thing JUMPED. I am not a leadfoot in my current XLT but there must be a difference in pedal sensitivity because it has a hair trigger. Coupled with the power, it is insane when the light turns green and I take off. I tried at the first several lights but I could NOT get any electric-only starts, my foot is just too heavy I guess. Then at the last light before getting on the freeway I tried toying with drive modes. It was in TOW/HAUL! So I figured that was why I wasn't getting electric-only starts. Well, decided to try SPORT mode and she shifted to 4WD-Auto . AND I love how the whole instrument cluster changed theme! Check it out:

I loved the red & white "sporty" theme. Getting on the freeway was crazy, I swear I barely pressed the accel and looked down and I was already at 55mph, couldn't believe it. Also just a minor touch that I loved, is that the speed limit is placed RIGHT on your speedometer dial - you don't have to be in NAV or look at a separate area on a screen, its just right where it needs to be (any cops reading this, I uuhhhh, had a friend take this pic).

I noticed my MPG was not going great on the trip so far so I wanted to try ECO mode and made the switch while on the freeway and left it there the rest of the way back. I thought for sure I would get some electric starts but I STILL was too heavy footed. This will be a fun challenge for me when I get my truck! Again it is really minor but these themes really make me happy. The ECO mode has a cool green theme and a ? in the bottom left corner (pic courtesy of my uhhhh, friend again):

Anyway, when I returned it, I had only averaged about 20MPG, and only 1.4 electric miles out of about 15 I put on it. The only time I got electric miles was coasting or braking. I couldn't get those coveted electric-only starts.

Lastly, I was excited to try the active park assist to perpendicular park it back into the spot I pulled out of at the dealership - but some Superduty pulled in an blocked that area! What a bummer. I just pulled in and got caught off guard by the loud power boards being deployed again. Some dude was already lined up waiting to test drive it after me. Sucker! Maybe show up right at opening time like me next time haha.

I also wrote up a separate first impression of the B&O Unleashed system here: https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/disappointed-in-b-o-unleashed.1172/post-15554

The sales guy tried to persuade me to give up my King Ranch order and buy this one off his lot. I looked at the MSRP and the sad thing is - it is LESS than my King Ranch that got window stickered after the max tow increase! Once you option a Powerboost as a KR chrome, tow mirrors, max tow, and FX4 (none of which are available on Limited) it puts a King Ranch as the most expensive trim (above Limited and equally equipped Platinum). I'm sticking it out though, I guess I'm a glutton for [wallet] punishment! ?

Look at this beauty tho:

Click to expand...

Nice review!

You may not know if your current truck doesn't have them but can you tell if when the boards are deployed, are they higher than previous models? Of course the limited has 22" wheels, not sure what difference that would make.

I can't get past them putting the Limited lettering across the hood like that. I think it detracts from the truck.

I can't seem to leave a KR styling, this will be my 7th.

currybob said:

Nice review!

You may not know if your current truck doesn't have them but can you tell if when the boards are deployed, are they higher than previous models? Of course the limited has 22" wheels, not sure what difference that would make.

I can't get past them putting the Limited lettering across the hood like that. I think it detracts from the truck.

I can't seem to leave a KR styling, this will be my 7th.

Click to expand...

Great Review, Daemonic3! I really appreciate your original review and taking the time to assess issues (Running Boards) described by others on this Forum. Really helpful! A great example of the value that the members of this Forum bring to one another!

I've test-driven a Lariat and Platinum here in MA but there haven't been any Limited's anywhere (until this week!) and I still haven't found a PowerBoost to test drive. Rather than continue with the long wait, a few weeks ago, I ordered a PB Platinum with FX with everything but Max Tow and Engine Block Heater. Your review has me more excited to drive it than ever!

Just got a King Ranch Powerboost last night and I agree with the gas pedal sensitivity. Starting to get use to it though.

garf12 said:

Just got a King Ranch Powerboost last night and I agree with the gas pedal sensitivity. Starting to get use to it though.

Click to expand...

What do you think of the power boards? Height? loudness?

currybob said:

What do you think of the power boards? Height? loudness?

Click to expand...

I am coming from a 2016 Platinum with them and I don't really notice a difference. I do really like how when you approach the vehicle they come out.

garf12 said:

I am coming from a 2016 Platinum with them and I don't really notice a difference. I do really like how when you approach the vehicle they come out.

Click to expand...

any louder?

currybob said:

any louder?

Click to expand...

I guess maybe so, but it doesn't bother me.

currybob said:

Nice review!

You may not know if your current truck doesn't have them but can you tell if when the boards are deployed, are they higher than previous models? Of course the limited has 22" wheels, not sure what difference that would make.

I can't get past them putting the Limited lettering across the hood like that. I think it detracts from the truck.

I can't seem to leave a KR styling, this will be my 7th.

Click to expand...

I know what you mean about the L-I-M-I-T-E-D, Bob. I had originally planed to order one (I've only driven the 2020's due to availability) but the hood lettering bothers me as well. Given that, the unavailability of an FX4 package, and lingering Q's about the Admiral Blue, I decided to go with a Platinum.

Did your KR finally come in???

Madman said:

I know what you mean about the L-I-M-I-T-E-D, Bob. I had originally planed to order one (I've only driven the 2020's due to availability) but the hood lettering bothers me as well. Given that, the unavailability of an FX4 package, and lingering Q's about the Admiral Blue, I decided to go with a Platinum.

Did your KR finally come in???

Click to expand...

Waiting to hear from the dealer this morning, so still don't know yet. The Platinum's are sweet, if it were not for the colors and styling of the KR that is what I would be going with.

I don't have enough content for my own thread, but I did go drive a PowerBoost Lariat 502A this morning. My summary:

• It never went to full electric mode, even in parking lots with the climate control turned off. This may be due to the ambient temp being around 30F. The truck was fully warm though.
• The exhaust noise (natural or synthetic I can't confirm) was... different. rumble/purr/moan all come to mind. I had read "box truck moan" before and that is probably true.
• Braking will take some getting used to. It was smooth once the hybrid "clicked in". There is truly a "click" or "bump" when you first get into the brakes. Beyond that, even in heavy braking it felt fairly normal.
• Sync 4 is super responsive. I was impressed.
• The camera system is great. being able to pull forward and see exactly where the truck is in the parking space is amazing.
• It had plenty of get up, and while the transmission wasn't extremely lost, it didn't seem as "firm" or quite as responsive as my Gen1 3.5L Ecoboost with a 93 tune on it. It was pretty smooth on normal acceleration. You wouldn't know it was a hybrid until you get in the brakes.
• Overall, I am looking forward to owning the powerboost, and the 2021 F150 Lariat in general.

currybob said:

What do you think of the power boards? Height? loudness?

Click to expand...

the power board extends closer and higher to the truck than the previous model

definitely higher

i liked the older model better because my toes were able to pass between the running board and the truck, now less space, i'd say a inch when i look at photos it's also very clear.
they seem a little more thick also

on the older model the motor was in the back, now its mounted in the front, (right behind the front wheel shooting dirt water and snow on it ) so it is why it is louder (mainly)

So, we hear it louder and they are higher, liked the older model better but it's fine and far better than fixed running boards.

Will see how they do in our snowy world up here in Quebec, older model never let me down

Bajou said:

the power board extends closer and higher to the truck than the previous model

definitely higher

i liked the older model better because my toes were able to pass between the running board and the truck, now less space, i'd say a inch when i look at photos it's also very clear.
they seem a little more thick also

on the older model the motor was in the back, now its mounted in the front, (right behind the front wheel shooting dirt water and snow on it ) so it is why it is louder (mainly)

So, we hear it louder and they are higher, liked the older model better but it's fine and far better than fixed running boards.

Will see how they do in our snowy world up here in Quebec, older model never let me down

Click to expand...

I have had mine for 2 days now and you are exactly right.

Wish they had not changed form the older ones, they were perfect. Only thing about this 21 that was not an improvement I think but like you said, still way better than fixed.