Hybrid vs. Ecoboost: Opinions and why? I have a boat and popup, plus 45mile 1-way commute.

[TyPope]

Hi Daniel, thanks for starting this new and thoughtful thread. The other related threads have gotten a bit convoluted.
I think your towing needs are very close to being met with the Hybrid. Not a whole lot of hills down there. If your new skiff is over 1500 lbs, stopping at highway speeds will become an issue. Stopping with the pop-up is different because your extra weight is over the wheels, not pushing them. You would need the 7 pin plug for brakes.
The 2.0 mpg will likely be 10 mpg less (at least) than the hybrid. Run your numbers and see what kind of $$$ you're looking at.
What did I do? Cruise is important to me too but I wasn't willing to pay nearly $2300 for it. My budget is similar to yours. I ordered XL, AWD, tow package, full size spare. AWD is paramount up here, regardless of what others say. Tow Package? I don't plan on towing much but what I'm getting for $745 can't be passed up. I've got an F150 to tow with, but who knows?
The turbo will be new to me. I'm not thrilled about the extra maintenance but want to give it a shot. It should be fun. There is no such thing as "city" driving up here anyway.
Whatever drivetrain you choose you should be good to go.

Popup campers are trailers. The camper top is lowered for aerodynamics but raised for comfortable camper. It seems you are thinking about a slide-in camper... which can, I suppose, be considered pop-up style sometimes.

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[Suzukiridr14]

I know there are plenty of threads regarding the difference between the two. But I wanted to ask a few questions and get some opinions on the predicament I am in regarding the two engines. I thought initially I would get the 2.0EB, but the Hybrid is based on an AMAZING 2.5l engine (IMO) and the new eCVT seems incredible as well.

Here is why I am having such a hard time with the decision.

1. I drive 40-45 miles ONE-WAY to work, about 95% of it is highway. I am aware the Hybrid should get better MPG either way... BUT, if the highway MPG of the Ecoboost (the numbers havent came out yet) are within 2-5MPG of the hybrid HWY, then I would be loosing quite a bit of capability going with the Hybrid with little benefit in terms of MPG.

2. I have a popup camper, roughly 950lbs, fully loaded my truck and gear could get up to 1500 lbs. I currently tow fine with a 2011 Ford Ranger XL reg cab 2.3l 5-speed. I am sure BOTH engines would handle the load perfectly if my current truck is able to. I also have a boat, it is an inflatable boat at the moment and use a 10hp outboard - but the plan is to get a real 15-17ft skiff soon. I dont "want" to be bottlenecked by the truck, but also understand that I can find MANY boats in that size under the 1500-2k lbs range, but as mentioned multiple times, dont want to get too close to max and stress anything. Clearly boating and camping is MAYBE 1-2x a month MAX, so driving and MPG seem to be more important.

The decision I am trying to make is between XL with 2.0EB and 4k tow package, and the XLT with 2.5l Hybrid. I dont have Cruise Control now, but really want it, but trying to keep the MSRP under 24500. What would you do?

I would go with the hybrid. Like you pointed out, hybrid lower starting price, therefor free upgrade to XLT, so more bang for the buck. Over time hybrid will save you money and since you only tow now and then, no need for upgrade. (The money you save on gas, give you more for your boat)

 

[Maverick2022XL]

If your boat is going to exceed the 2k limit with the trailer it doesn't matter how often you plan to trailer it, you'll need to step up to the 4k tow package and in turn a 2.0L ecoboost. Your MSRP is going to be ~25k at minimum no matter what but you do get AWD included in that price. I wouldn't be concerned about cruise control since that is about a $200 DIY upgrade on an XL regardless if it is hybrid or ecoboost engine so no need to step up to an XLT just for CC. If you do step up to an XLT do it for the other trim and package features.

 

[dp4616]

This thread is over a year old from when I made it.

But - as an update: I went hybrid, and I actually picked it up from Chapman last week. Drove from Philly down to Florida (last Wednesday for all of those in the Virginia area) through SEVERE weather rain. Pretty annoying but the truck is awesome.

Boat is a 13ft whaler so not near the 2k. Popup is an 8ft 1994 Skamper, also not near the 2k. Havent attached either yet but I am not expecting problems.

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