First week with my Powerboost

[DAM5150]

Thought I would post a review of my first week with my PB. For reference 2022, Lariat, 501A with upgrades. Carbonized Gray Metallic.

It was a long time coming (Sept 2021 order) but Finally delivered 7/6/22. Overall quality looks and feels fantastic. The screen, instrument panel and dash are VERY well thought out and designed. Even coming from a 2004 Tundra and a 2016 Model S, buttons were where I expected them to be, actions were as i intended.

The 12 inch, horizontally oriented screen is as close to the perfect size as i've seen. I had the chance to drive a Lightning on the day I picked it up, and while the drive experience was amazing, the larger vertically oriented screen was a negative experience. It does to much to copy the older model s screens which even Tesla has gone away from. There are some buttons that should be left physical. There is a mental disconnect that does not allow your brain/hand coordination to find a specific spot on a touch screen without looking down. HVAC controls and volume/mute of audio should always be physical. PB does this well, lightning does not.

As i drive the PB more I am learning how and when the electric drive kicks in and when the gas motor engages. It's not as simple of a system as I thought. From a dead stop (4 way, etc) the gas motor will almost always kick on unless you do barely more than idle. I expected the electric motor to handle most speeds under 10 mph. However, cruising at 45mph on flat or decline the gas motor will often cut altogether and go electric only until a speed increase or incline.

I have had the infotainment system crash one time. It came back on within 15 seconds and no further issues.
If i had one easy fix I would make, its the truck remaining in the drive mode I left it in. It defaults to "Normal" every time. Which I understand if you turned it off in 4lo or Sport mode, but I like to keep it in Eco and having to make that choice or adjustment every time (it asks if you want to return to eco on startup but you have to respond with a button push) is kinda annoying.

Happy to answer any questions people have.

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[Mug Costanza]

Maybe I’m still getting used to mine, haven’t even had it a week and driving minimally, but is yours kinda “jerky” when shifting from gas to electric? I’ve heard this gets better as it breaks in but it’s very noticeable at low speeds or coming off a complete stop.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I’ve fad mine for 3 weeks now(picked it up 6/20), and I love mine too. I drive mine in normal mode most of the time, so it’s always in normal mode when I start it up lol..so no selection for me.

I play around with sport mode some times, and wow does it have some serious snort(I put it in 2 hi when I put it in sport), the power is very very impressive. It will embarrass a lot of cars out there that’s for sure. Even in “Normal drive mode” the truck is no joke at all, and still gets up and kicks some ass.


And the ride….I’ve never had a vehicle this tight, and this quiet while driving. The truck is so well insulated, and rides like it’s on air. Truly is amazing imo.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

Maybe I’m still getting used to mine, haven’t even had it a week and driving minimally, but is yours kinda “jerky” when shifting from gas to electric? I’ve heard this gets better as it breaks in but it’s very noticeable at low speeds or coming off a complete stop.

Actually, I’ve been very impressed with how seamless mine goes from electric to Gas, very smooth…almost imperceptible if you’re not paying close attention. Thought it would be much more abrupt/harsh, but I’m pleasantly surprised.

 

[Mug Costanza]

Actually, I’ve been very impressed with how seamless mine goes from electric to Gas, very smooth…almost imperceptible if you’re not paying close attention. Thought it would be much more abrupt/harsh, but I’m pleasantly surprised.

I’ll have to see how it goes, hope I don’t have an issue with mine.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I’ll have to see how it goes, hope I don’t have an issue with mine.

Maybe because I was expecting it to be harsher than it is, maybe that’s why I think mine is very smooth in that transition?‍?‍…who knows?

I’m sure yours is fine…and will probably become smoother with time if it’s not currently.

 

[DAM5150]

Maybe I’m still getting used to mine, haven’t even had it a week and driving minimally, but is yours kinda “jerky” when shifting from gas to electric? I’ve heard this gets better as it breaks in but it’s very noticeable at low speeds or coming off a complete stop.

I'm trying not to judge the jerks to much. Part of it is any new vehicle is going to have different drive feels than your old one. This is my first F150 so I have nothing to compare it to. My old tundra had plenty of quirky stuff but i got used to it to the point i didn't notice any more. If it gets better, great, if not and its not doing damage, i'll survive.

One thing i've noted is a decent clunk/jerk when braking med-hard. It feels like the transmission down shifting which I assume is part of the brake regen process when coming off gas power.

 

[Mug Costanza]

I think I it’s more I just need to get used to it, and when coming of a complete stop I’m putting almost too little gas to switch to engine power, but too much to stay in electric. An awkward in between if that makes sense.

 

[DAM5150]

I think I it’s more I just need to get used to it, and when coming of a complete stop I’m putting almost too little gas to switch to engine power, but too much to stay in electric. An awkward in between if that makes sense.

I know exactly what your saying. I try to keep it in electric which is hard to do from a complete stop.

 

[‘22Powerboost]

I know exactly what your saying. I try to keep it in electric which is hard to do from a complete stop.

I’ve tried that too, but if there’s somebody behind you, can’t really do it because you have to be so very light on the gas pedal, and the truck won’t accelerate fast enough, so as not to hold up traffic. Lol.

 

[notabot]

I’ve tried that too, but if there’s somebody behind you, can’t really do it because you have to be so very light on the gas pedal, and the truck won’t accelerate fast enough, so as not to hold up traffic. Lol.

Yeah, the very soft acceleration doesn't work in rush hour traffic with a bunch of anxious drivers behind you. Although it is kinda fun (evil) to accelerate slowly and when Mr/Mrs Jack Rabbit tries to zoom pass you light the PB afterburner and leave 'em in your dust.

 

[RedTXV]

One thing i've noted is a decent clunk/jerk when braking med-hard. It feels like the transmission down shifting which I assume is part of the brake regen process when coming off gas power.

Yeah, its not braking regen. It’s your lovely 10spd transmission truly clunking.

 

[PReam]

Maybe I’m still getting used to mine, haven’t even had it a week and driving minimally, but is yours kinda “jerky” when shifting from gas to electric? I’ve heard this gets better as it breaks in but it’s very noticeable at low speeds or coming off a complete stop.

I’ve had my MY2021 KR for almost a year with the PB engine. Been in the shop a few times for a few unrelated issues, but drove the ecoboost while in the shop. I’m trading my PB in for an ecoboost because of the hard clunky shifts up and down.

 

[RedTXV]

I’ve had my MY2021 KR for almost a year with the PB engine. Been in the shop a few times for a few unrelated issues, but drove the ecoboost while in the shop. I’m trading my PB in for an ecoboost because of the hard clunky shifts up and down.

Eco 3.5 here, still clunky.

 

[sledge4]

I’ve had mine about a month now, and yes I get the “clunk”.

Have you experienced the engine idling after a cold start and/or coming to a stop shortly thereafter? This is my biggest area of concern currently. Although others posted that this is normal.

Seems to happen following the previous trip and it’s wanting to charge the battery.

Think I solve it by letting it warm up longer but not confirmed.

What are you getting for MPG? I’m on my 3rd tank and have gotten 23.8, 25.4 and current tank is 26.1.

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