Fresh off last year's complete overhaul, the F-150 is poised to continue its decades-long streak as America's top- selling vehicle. Buyers can be assured of rugged performance over the long haul, plus an ever-increasing choice of luxury trappings and high technology.
What's New for 2016
The super-luxurious F-150 Limited joins the lineup, and mid-level models are eligible for new design packages. An automated trailer backup system is available for the first time. The 5-liter V8 engine can now be equipped to run on compressed natural gas. An updated infotainment interface known as Sync 3 debuts.
Choosing Your Ford F-150
The current F-150 makes extensive use of aluminum body panels to keep weight in check. Underneath is a traditional pickup frame made of high-strength steel.
- The engine roster starts with a 3.5 V6 good for 283 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque.
- Next is the 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. There's a new multi-fuel option for the V8 that allows it to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane in addition to gasoline.
- 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 Ecoboost 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 maxes out 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. You can also add Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows you steer a trailer while backing up using only a dash-mounted knob. The truck's steering and speed adjust automatically to where you want the trailer to go.
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.
5.5-foot Bed | 6.5-foot Bed | 8-foot Bed | |
Regular Cab | N/A | Standard | Optional |
Super Cab | N/A | Standard | N/A |
SuperCrew | Optional | Standard | N/A |
Trim levels continue to run the gamut from basic to indulgent:
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 smartphone integration.
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 Sync 3 infotainment interface. Ford's FX3 off-road package becomes available at this trim level.
Lariat
Gets the XLT's Luxury Option Group as standard, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with 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 sophisticated features like lane keeping assist, a surround-view camera system with hitch assist, power running boards, adaptive cruise control, and an automated parallel parking system. This year's Special Edition package (also available on the XLT) adds contrasting black and red design elements throughout, plus special wheels and seats. The Lariat is available in Super and SuperCrew configurations.
King Ranch
Comes as a SuperCrew only with the contents of the Lariat'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.
Limited
Adds extensive chrome exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, special Mojave leather seats with massage function, eucalyptus wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, blind spot monitoring, and LED spotlights. Some of these extras are available on the lesser trims as individual options.
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 viable alternatives to premium-branded crossovers and SUVs. The new Limited is by far the most luxurious pickup ever produced by Ford.
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