2013 Ford F-150 Review

The most inexpensive choice in the 2013 F-150 stable, the base XL still comes well-equipped. Available in Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew styles and in three bed lengths, the XL comes with easy-to-clean vinyl seats, an AM/FM stereo and air conditioning, along with key safety features like stability control and side-curtain airbags. The 3.7-liter V6 comes standard, while the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter V8 are optional. The XL is your classic work truck: basic features at a low price.

The SVT Raptor separates itself from every other pickup on the market with world- class off-road prowess direct from the factory. FOX racing shocks, cast-aluminum SVT control arms, standard 4WD, 35-inch all-terrain tires and a Torsen front differential head a long list of upgrades for true go-anywhere capability. New for 2013, an industry-first beadlock wheel system secures tires from separating from the rim, while the Raptor also now receives standard HID headlamps, SYNC with MyFord Touch and a new camo paint option. Coming standard with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the SVT model receives a full body makeover to hint at the performance potential underneath.

With its chrome bumpers, grille, and wheels and standard fog lamps, the XLT has a more commanding visual presence. Standard features include Ford SYNC infotainment with SYNC AppLink, remote keyless entry, auto on/off headlamps, and one-touch power driver/passenger windows. The XLT can be ordered in any of the three cab styles and three bed lengths, with the V6, EcoBoost V6 or either V8 engine.

Ford ratchets up the sport-truck look for the F-150 FX2. Cloth-trimmed bucket seats (leather optional) join a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, an auto- dimming rearview mirror and standard satellite radio. New for 2013, a 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen in the dash complements the SYNC system, providing quick access to the most useful info. The FX2 comes in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations in 5 1Ž2 or 6 1/2-foot bed lengths with the 5.0-liter V8 standard. The EcoBoost and 6.2- liter V8 engines are optional.

The FX4 picks up where the FX2 left off as a sportier choice with luxury and convenience features geared toward being a great daily driver along with a workhorse. SYNC with AppLink is standard, while MyFord Touch and a Sony premium audio system are optional. Front bucket seats, trimmed in cloth or leather, open up space for a redesigned flow-through center console. An electronic locking rear differential joins the mix, complemented by an available electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system. The FX4 comes in the same cab, bed and engine configurations as the FX2.

Available only in the SuperCrew cab style and with either 5 1Ž2' or 6 1Ž2' bed lengths, the King Ranch themed trim level outfits Ford's capable truck will all the comfort and suppleness of a fine leather saddle. Available two-tone exterior paint, Pale Adobe exterior running boards join an awe-inspiring outdoor-themed interior decked out in soft Chaparral leather. The King Ranch comes with either the 5.0-liter V8 or EcoBoost V6.

Think of the Lariat trim level as the classic work truck, only moreso. A power- adjustable leather-trimmed 40/20/40 heated front bench seat, power-adjustable memory pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control and power-sliding rear privacy glass join other features focused on getting the job done while enjoying maximum comfort. Note that SYNC does not come standard, though the upgraded SYNC with MyFord Touch is optional. 4X4 models come with a two-speed four-wheel drive system. The Lariat comes in SuperCab and SuperCrew, with the 5.0-liter V8, EcoBoost V6 or 6.2-liter V8 engine.

The top-of-the-line F-150 Limited is all-new for 2013. The Limited comes in one configuration: a SuperCrew with the 5 1Ž2-foot box and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and chrome three-bar grille and body-color side mirror skull caps lend an air of luxury and authority. The interior starts with copious use of red and black two-tone full-grain leather, adding in heated and cooled memory seats, ambient lighting, a moonroof, standard SYNC with MyFord Touch and navigation, HID headlamps, power running boards and much, much more.

The F-150 Platinum will not leave you wanting for luxury. Body-color front and rear bumpers and front fascia go with a Platinum-exclusive satin-finish grille, tasteful chrome accents and 20-inch polished cast aluminum wheels for a more understated, classy look, made better still by leather and wood grain interior trim. A rearview camera comes standard, along with SYNC with MyFord Touch and heated front and rear seats. The Platinum comes exclusively as a SuperCrew, with the 5.0-liter V8 standard and the 6.2-liter V8 and EcoBoost engines optional.

For a small step up in price, the STX adds visual flair with body-color bumpers and 17-inch alloy wheels, and an upgraded interior with cloth seating surfaces instead of vinyl. Ford adds cruise control, the MyKey smart key system, the SecuriLock anti-theft system, and an AM/FM CD player with optional satellite radio. The STX is available in Regular and SuperCab configurations with a 6 1/2-foot box, and with either the 3.7-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 engine.