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- Highs Choice of strong powertrains, useful payload and towing capability, interior can be outfitted to luxury level.
- Lows Loses composure on bumpy surfaces, not especially fuel-efficient, higher trims and options can get pricey.
- Verdict The F-150 proves its pickup-truck dominance with outstanding capability as a workhorse, a daily driver, or a recreational vehicle.
Overview
The reason the Ford F-150 rates a stellar overall score is simple: It’s the best full-size pickup truck you can buy. Period. The sophisticated, refined way it does its many and varied jobs is largely why we named it one of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2017. Over the decades, the F-150 has evolved from a bare-bones work truck to a refined and very capable commuter. With an exclusive aluminum bed and body, advanced powertrain availability, and more appearance options than a runway model, the F-150 is the complete package.
What's New for 2017?
The F-150 lineup includes an all-new 10-speed transmission that is only available with the 365-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine; this powertrain can be matched with both rear- and all-wheel-drive models. An available STX appearance package is also new, along with available 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Exterior paint colors Lightning Blue, Avalanche, and White Gold are now offered, as well.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- XL: $28,405
- XLT: $33,775
- Lariat: $42,160
- King Ranch: $52,375
- Platinum: $54,930
- Limited: $61,495
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The F-150 presents the buyer with four engine choices. The base 3.5-liter V-6 produces 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque; the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 makes 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque; and the 5.0-liter V-8 puts out 385 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque—all of these pair with a six-speed automatic transmission. At the top of the range, a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 is rated at 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and it’s only available with the 10-speed automatic. All powertrains can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive, and all of them tend to favor performance over fuel economy. While the F-150 posts some of the best acceleration, roadholding, and braking results in its class, what really earns our respect is that it balances all of that with a pleasant ride, good agility, and responsive power—a combination its competitors can’t match. The F-150 is surprisingly easy to navigate within city limits as well as on congested interstates. It feels comfortable and controlled at high speeds, and its ride is composed on smoother surfaces but not over harsh bumps, where jittering can be felt in the rear.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Yesterday’s luxury sedan is today’s full-size pickup truck, and the F-150 has the leather, space, equipment, and price to prove it. In its dressiest form, the F-150 feels like an all-inclusive resort on wheels. You can receive the spa treatment thanks to front seats with a massage feature that are also heated, cooled, and wrapped in leather. Leather trim extends to the steering wheel and rear seats in higher-spec models, and the rear seats and steering wheel can be heated, too. The F-150’s interior is laid out efficiently and attractively. There’s plenty of storage room, of course. It’s a pickup, after all, so you can carry a couch as easily as a ham sandwich. But cargo space and cubby storage are so close among full-size pickups that they all rate essentially the same.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The F-150’s optional infotainment system looks good, is a snap to learn, and is rife with useful features. All that holds it back is its lazy reaction to user commands. The Sync 3 infotainment system with the optional 8.0-inch touchscreen is highly intuitive to control; its ability to be manipulated via voice commands, buttons, knobs, and touchscreen input enables a quick learning curve for the user. Syncing devices to Bluetooth works seamlessly and provides quality audio during phone calls.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford F-150’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
