Although it might not look radically different, the 2015 F-150 is the most fundamentally changed pickup you could hope for. All-new construction methods, scads of useful technology and an additional Ecoboost engine at once make the F-150 tougher and more sophisticated. The obligatory redesigned nose is quite attractive, but that's not where the big news lies this year.
What's New For 2015
The F-150 has been fully redesigned.
Choosing Your Ford F-150
The F-150 has shed a significant 700 pounds thanks to extensive of aluminum body panels, but rest assured it's still build Ford tough. The lightweight, military-grade metal is actually stronger than the old steel panel in some places. Underneath it all lies a beefier frame that makes liberal use of high-strength steel.
The F-150 starts out with a 3.5 V6 good for 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The next step up is the new turbocharged 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6, which delivers 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The F-150 wouldn't be a full-size pickup without a V8 on hand as well. The 5-liter ups the ante to 385 horsepower and throws in a bit of additional torque. The range-topping 3.5-liter version of the Ecoboost yields 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to the all-important maximum towing capacities, the 3.5-liter wins at 12,200 pounds, followed closely by the V8 at 11,100. The 2.7-liter Ecoboost can handle up to 8,500 pounds, while the base V6 registers at 7,600.
Regardless of engine, you get a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Tow/Haul modes. Available across the board is a four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. As usual, you have choice of three cab styles: the three-person Regular Cab, the Super Cab with a full-width backseat and narrow rear-hinged back doors, and the SuperCrew, which features full-size rear doors and additional rear legroom. The Regular Cab comes standard with 6.5-foot bed, and an 8-footer is optional. The Super Cab and SuperCrew get a 6.5-foot bed, and with the Supercrew you can downsize to 5.5-foot bed for credit.
The Previous generation's five trim levels continue:
XL
Available in Regular or Super Cab form, the XL is equipped for work with 17-inch wheels, cloth or vinyl upholstery, rubber flooring or full carpeting, air conditioning and a basic AM/FM sound system. You can civilize the XL with Equipment Group 101A, which adds full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a 4.2-inch display screen, Bluetooth phone and audio, and Ford's Sync smartphone integration system.
XLT
Comes standard with the XL's options and available configurations, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, chrome exterior trim and additional interior storage. The XLT's 301A package adds a power driver seat, heated auto-dimming mirrors, a rear window defogger, a trailer hitch, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, underseat storage, a rearview camera and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio. The Luxury Option Group makes a major difference with heated power front seats, remote start, LED bed lighting, a power sliding rear window, rear parking sensors and the MyFord Touch infotainment interface.
Lariat
Available in Super or SuperCrew form, the Lariat comes standard with the XLT's Luxury Option Group, and then adds a leather interior with ventilation in front and driver memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, upgraded gauges and keyless ignition. The Lariat's 502A package includes upgrades such as heated rear sets (SuperCrew only), LED headlamps and taillights, automatic high beam control, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel and a 10-speaker Sony audio system. There's also a Technology package with several never-before features, including lane keeping assist, a surround-view camera system with hitch assist, power running boards, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel parking system.
King Ranch
Comes as a SuperCrew only with the contents of the Lariot's packages standard. The upgraded leather interior features a Western design theme that carries over to the exterior.
Platinum
Equipped like the King Ranch, but with a modern-urban theme similar to what you might find on a luxury SUV.
Models at the XLT level and above are eligible for some worthy individual options, including trailer towing mirrors, a navigation system, LED spotlights, Ford's FX3 off-road package, a sunroof, front bucket seats with a center console, and blind spot monitoring.
The XL is best left to work applications unless cost is your main concern. Most buyers prefer the XLT, which can be equipped to meet a wide range of needs and tastes. The Lariat and above are too fancy inside to populate with muddy boots and overalls, but are interesting alternatives to a luxury SUV.