Hybrid for predominantly highway driving?

[Deleted member 1483]

If you can wait for the hybrid, you definitely will have better MPGs with it. People that think the ecoboost is going to constantly get over 30mpgs have never owned one. My escape might be before the twin scroll redesign, but I don't see more than 26mpg on pure highway trips.

People getting 35 are going downhill.

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[jbpoole]

This whole hybrid thing is new to me, as I never thought I would be in the market for one.

It appears that another cost savings of having a hybrid is less maintenance. As I understand it, brakes last longer on hybrids and oil changes are less frequent. Over time, the savings could add up. I guess that, theoretically, the engine would last longer because it would not be running as much.

There are probably some factors that I have overlooked due to my ignorance regarding hybrids. Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in.

 

[Ricstar]

For everyday driving, the Hybrid should get 5+ better MPG and have plenty of power for almost all your needs, If you need AWD or tow a lot then the EB may be a better fit. There is no 1 size fits all and people here need to be more open to different needs.

For myself I want the Hybrid, my needs are little to no towing, little to no icy roads I live rural with 80%+ of my driving in town. I have my CJ for bad icy roads or for fun off road and my Wife's Explorer for the weekend trip's with the kids.

We also have a hybrid Prius that my daughter now takes to school, It is a 07 with over 200k miles and still going strong. Has been great in town and highway with no problems in the DFW area passing.

 

[JASmith]

This whole hybrid thing is new to me, as I never thought I would be in the market for one.

It appears that another cost savings of having a hybrid is less maintenance. As I understand it, brakes last longer on hybrids and oil changes are less frequent. Over time, the savings could add up. I guess that, theoretically, the engine would last longer because it would not be running as much.

There are probably some factors that I have overlooked due to my ignorance regarding hybrids. Maybe someone with more knowledge can chime in.

Hybrid parts of the powertrain also have a longer warranty at 8 years 100K miles, and the Ecoboost is unfortunately an older direct-injection design, meaning that carbon buildup isn't a matter of "if" but "when" so is just another maintenance item to factor in going turbo. And don't believe those peeps that say you can clean it off with your $15 sprays, not gunna happen:


I would expect more reliability and less maintenance from the simple "e-CVT" transmission over the 8-speed as well, as the e-CVT is more or less the same type of transmission you see in a Toyota Prius which last forever.

The only real downside I could think of in your use scenario is that the hybrid's 12V battery is stored under the rear seat, so you get a bit less backseat storage, and the hybrid ICE under load is louder than the turbo which will be quieter thanks to more midrange power and the extra muffling effect of the turbo in the exhaust.

For those that don't mind the power delta and don't need AWD, there's really very little way to justify the Ecoboost over the hybrid. Even for those that think they drive "pure highway", fact is sometimes you run into heavy traffic which is a lot of stop and go, and usually if you live in the suburbs and your destination is somewhere in the city you end up driving at least a little through stop signs and red lights and the like, and hybrid can't be beat for that portion.

Good reasons to go ecoboost:
1) Want better performance out of the box AND much better performance modified running a bit more boost on 93 octane.
2) Need AWD
3) Need 4K towing
4) Can't wait for hybrid

 

[bgillen35]

Everyone always makes the argument, "if you're driving predominantly highway, you might as well get an ecoboost." I don't understand this at all, other than the "I want it now" mentality...

The hybrid still has better MPG on the highway, so you're still going to get better MPG, especially when you start to factor in that combined rating for the 5% of the time you are not on the highway. The specs are very comparable 0-60 so on ramps should not be an issue and passing power should be adequate as well. The hybrid also has a sport mode as well which I don't recall a lot of reviewers exploring this so it very well could have just as much power as the ecoboost for short stints. But after all, we are buying a crossover type truck, not a sedan or peppy little car (heck, the hybrid has extremely similar if not better numbers than my 2015 Mazda 3 and that's a zippy car).

I understand everyone's needs are different, but the ecoboost only makes sense to me if you need AWD or need to tow 4k lbs regularly.

 

[EriktheBikeMan]

First, the "facts"

In the comparrison most favorable to the ecoboost:

Assuming you only drove on the highway and saw mpg figures equal to EPA figures, over 100k miles you would spend about $1000 in gas with the Eco boost engine, assuming an average fuel cost of $3.50/gallon.

100,000(miles)*3.5(dollars/gallon)*[1(gallon)/30(miles)-1(gallon)/33(miles)]=$1060.61.


Should you see the EPA combined figures, probably slightly more favorable to the hybrid engine than your real world use, you would spend about $4000 more in gas with the ecoboost.

100,000(miles)*3.5(dollars/gallon)*[1(gallon)/36(miles)-1(gallon)/37(miles)]=$4002.08.


Now, for my opinion, it sounds like you'll be driving about 25,000 miles a year, and you don't mind holding onto a vehicle for a while, so if its a matter of long term cost, I would go with the hybrid hands down, however, if you factor in the fuel cost of driving your current truck over the extra half a year or so you may spend waiting for a hybrid over an ecoboost model, you'll likely have chipped into the fuel savings of the hybrid some. It also sounds like the cost of upgrading to the ecoboost doesn't matter too much to you.

I believe you'll be served best by choosing the drivetrain based on whether you're willing to wait up to a year to get a hybrid model.

 

[Bushpilot]

Not gonna try to repeat or improve upon (if I could) the stated reasons - but the hybrid will cost you significantly less (total cost to run) than the ecoboost. My gut feeling is that the delta will be larger than these preliminary figures and guesses are showing.

Unless, of course, there is a significant gremlim lurking in the hybrid that we don't know about yet.

 

[brnpttmn]

First, the "facts"

In the comparrison most favorable to the ecoboost:

Assuming you only drove on the highway and saw mpg figures equal to EPA figures, over 100k miles you would spend about $1000 in gas with the Eco boost engine, assuming an average fuel cost of $3.50/gallon.

100,000(miles)*3.5(dollars/gallon)*[1(gallon)/30(miles)-1(gallon)/33(miles)]=$1060.61.


Should you see the EPA combined figures, probably slightly more favorable to the hybrid engine than your real world use, you would spend about $4000 more in gas with the ecoboost.

100,000(miles)*3.5(dollars/gallon)*[1(gallon)/36(miles)-1(gallon)/37(miles)]=$4002.08.


Now, for my opinion, it sounds like you'll be driving about 25,000 miles a year, and you don't mind holding onto a vehicle for a while, so if its a matter of long term cost, I would go with the hybrid hands down, however, if you factor in the fuel cost of driving your current truck over the extra half a year or so you may spend waiting for a hybrid over an ecoboost model, you'll likely have chipped into the fuel savings of the hybrid some. It also sounds like the cost of upgrading to the ecoboost doesn't matter too much to you.

I believe you'll be served best by choosing the drivetrain based on whether you're willing to wait up to a year to get a hybrid model.

It's not really worth computing the 100% highway comparison because it's functionally impossible to get 100% highway (in not only because the EPA highway litmus tests are run with a "warm" engine).

Anyway, here's my obligatory efficiency delta table post:

City %	Hwy %	EB FWD	Hybrid	% diff	MPG diff	$/yr (@15K $3.50)	$/yr (@10K $3.00)	5 yr est
100​	0​	22​	42​	91%​	20​	$ 1,136	$ 649	$ 4,464
90​	10​	22.8​	41.1​	80%​	18.3​	$ 1,025	$ 586	$ 4,028
80​	20​	23.6​	40.2​	70%​	16.6​	$ 919	$ 525	$ 3,609
70​	30​	24.4​	39.3​	61%​	14.9​	$ 816	$ 466	$ 3,205
60​	40​	25.2​	38.4​	52%​	13.2​	$ 716	$ 409	$ 2,813
55​	45​	25.6​	37.95​	48%​	12.35​	$ 667	$ 381	$ 2,622
50​	50​	26​	37.5​	44%​	11.5​	$ 619	$ 354	$ 2,433
40​	60​	26.8​	36.6​	37%​	9.8​	$ 525	$ 300	$ 2,061
30​	70​	27.6​	35.7​	29%​	8.1​	$ 432	$ 247	$ 1,696
20​	80​	28.4​	34.8​	23%​	6.4​	$ 340	$ 194	$ 1,336
10​	90​	29.2​	33.9​	16%​	4.7​	$ 249	$ 142	$ 979
0​	100​	30​	33​	10%​	3​	$ 159	$ 91	$ 625

 

[Bushpilot]

It's not really worth computing the 100% highway comparison because it's functionally impossible to get 100% highway (in not only because the EPA highway litmus tests are run with a "warm" engine).

Anyway, here's my obligatory efficiency delta table post:

City %	Hwy %	EB FWD	Hybrid	% diff	MPG diff	$/yr (@15K $3.50)	$/yr (@10K $3.00)	5 yr est
100​	0​	22​	42​	91%​	20​	$ 1,136	$ 649	$ 4,464
90​	10​	22.8​	41.1​	80%​	18.3​	$ 1,025	$ 586	$ 4,028
80​	20​	23.6​	40.2​	70%​	16.6​	$ 919	$ 525	$ 3,609
70​	30​	24.4​	39.3​	61%​	14.9​	$ 816	$ 466	$ 3,205
60​	40​	25.2​	38.4​	52%​	13.2​	$ 716	$ 409	$ 2,813
55​	45​	25.6​	37.95​	48%​	12.35​	$ 667	$ 381	$ 2,622
50​	50​	26​	37.5​	44%​	11.5​	$ 619	$ 354	$ 2,433
40​	60​	26.8​	36.6​	37%​	9.8​	$ 525	$ 300	$ 2,061
30​	70​	27.6​	35.7​	29%​	8.1​	$ 432	$ 247	$ 1,696
20​	80​	28.4​	34.8​	23%​	6.4​	$ 340	$ 194	$ 1,336
10​	90​	29.2​	33.9​	16%​	4.7​	$ 249	$ 142	$ 979
0​	100​	30​	33​	10%​	3​	$ 159	$ 91	$ 625

Well done. Then one could add in the lower purchase cost of the hybrid, and the anticipated lower maintenance cost of it as well.

It should work out to be significantly cheaper in every use case, unless there is a black swan, but that could go either way.

On the negative side, in many states the registration fees are higher for the hybrid. Lousy, but true.

The value question, that is fairly unique to each person, this only considers cost.

 

[Darnon]

It's not really worth computing the 100% highway comparison because it's functionally impossible to get 100% highway (in not only because the EPA highway litmus tests are run with a "warm" engine).

What? You mean your house doesn't have a launch ramp that flings you 80 mph directly onto the highway?

 

[KGillies]

So it's time for a new vehicle. My 95 Ram is still running good, but it's seen better days.

Front suspension needs rebuilt, interior is in pieces due to various electric fixes, plus diesel is getting expensive!

I was already considering a hybrid, so the Maverick hybrid coming along, and at its price point, made me steer away from the typical mainstream models and towards it. The pickup style is just more useful to me than a sedan or hatchback.

Thing is most of my commute is highway. First part of my day is 5 miles of 35 to 45mph state route with no stops, then 3 miles of 35 to 50 with stop lights, 30 miles of highway, then about 2 miles of city streets when I get into town to work.

Weekend trips with the family or quick trips in to town are handled in my wife's van. Those quick weekend trips to the store would be done in the Maverick when purchased, so it would see a bit more in town mileage vs my current truck.

So I've been doing lots of reading and learning, but would I really benefit as much from the hybrid with mostly highway use?

Couldn't care less about the power of the Ecoboost over the hybrid. 160hp in a 26 year old 3/4 ton automatic truck gives a new definition to slow!

Absolutely no question buy the hybrid. I've had 6, all various Toyotas which are a similar system. All have had the best mileage in your conditions of predominantly around 45 mph, level surface (Indiana's not exactly the mountains), feather the pedal. I'm with you - who cares about an extra second gained off the line? Contrary to what you read, I do not do the best around town, although it's still great. But if you go over 60-65, and I tend to drive 70-80 because my PHEV is SO smooth I lose track, the mileage will go down - but still way better than anything else and that's true of all vehicles, gas or electric, that's just physics.

IMO the hybrid Mav will be worth MORE as we go along. Too bad you didn't order it a week ago, they may be closed for the year but check today to make sure. And most are getting sucked into the "cheap upgrades" because they think they "need" one thing or another. I bet they really don't, they just want (and that's how Ford makes the $, certainly not on the base XL) - the XL (get the receiver hitch, that is a bargain) is awesome (I really like the simpler interior much more than the extra colors) and just add on what you need later at less than Ford's price.

And certainly not least, it will be a MUCH better drive than the old diesel hog. Which if you have a farm or construction biz or something keep around. But if not you'll never drive it once you experience what a modern drive is like.

 

[brnpttmn]

Well done. Then one could add in the lower purchase cost of the hybrid, and the anticipated lower maintenance cost of it as well.

It should work out to be significantly cheaper in every use case, unless there is a black swan, but that could go either way.

On the negative side, in many states the registration fees are higher for the hybrid. Lousy, but true.

The value question, that is fairly unique to each person, this only considers cost.

Thanks. Early on in the ordering process, my calculations were that, if you planned on keeping the Maverick for 10 years, you could expect the cost of ownership to be about $10-15K higher for the EB/AWD/4K than the hybrid (about $4K up front, $2K interest/opportunity cost on up-front costs: $7K gas).

 

[brnpttmn]

What? You mean your house doesn't have a launch ramp that flings you 80 mph directly onto the highway?

Lol. A block heater and railgun to shoot you onto the interstate at 80mph.

 

[KGillies]

Ecoboost, you're in Indiana

Uh, does being in Indiana mean being, well, dumb? I'm really not trying to be rude, but couldn't think of another word to explain passing on what is clearly the best deal out there if favor of gaining a second of the line. The OP says he doesn't care about that. Again, sorry for my language.

 

[ttthhasdf]

My daily commute is about 30 miles each way. First 5 miles or so are country road, then a 65 mpg highway for about 19 miles - this road is 99% of the time clear and not traffic jam stop and go, then about 4 miles city. Any errands I run are mostly city departures from daily commute, camping and stuff is mostly highway or country roads going the other way. I drive a hybrid now and would not ever consider the ecoboost. The only reason I got interested in the mav was because it had hybrid. The hybrid will be a little better on the highway and a even more better in the city and town and country. Anyone who says ecoboost will be better hasn't driven a hybrid much. I only wish it was plug in.

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