The F150: Shaking Up the Pickup Truck World

by Ian Harwood on Monday, May 25th, 2015

“The all-new body features military grade, aluminum alloy sitting on a high strength steel frame…”

Ford introduces the all-new Ford F-150, the reinvention of America’s favorite truck. It is the toughest, smartest and most capable F-150 ever — setting the standard for the future of trucks.

SanAntonio, TX., Sept. 28,2014—The all new 2015 Ford F150 on the streets of San Antonio, Texas, where media are driving the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every F-150 customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The 2015 Ford F-150 also introduces an all-new available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto-Start Stop and 11 class exclusive smart features that include available remote release tailgate with the click of the key fob, LED headlamps, 360 degree camera system and more. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen

Consumers wanting to drive the future of trucks can get behind the wheel of the 2015 Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – in 38 markets across the United States beginning Oct. 13.

CLAYCOMO, MO. March 13, 2015 — Ford’€™s Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrates job one, the official start of production of the all-new 2015 F-150. With the move, Ford expands production of the toughest, smartest, most capable, F-150 ever. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen

SanAntonio, TX., Sept. 28,2014—The all new 2015 Ford F150 on the streets of San Antonio, Texas, where media are driving the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. Regardless of model configuration or engine choice, every F-150 customer benefits from up to 700 pounds of weight savings with its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body. The 2015 Ford F-150 also introduces an all-new available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with Auto-Start Stop and 11 class exclusive smart features that include available remote release tailgate with the click of the key fob, LED headlamps, 360 degree camera system and more. Photo by: Sam VarnHagen

 

 

Ford is entering a brave new world with its extensive use of aluminum in its brand new F150.

It remains to be seen how many of its competitors will leap on the aluminum bandwagon but one thing for sure is this move will shake up the light-duty truck world.

Looks:

The all-new truck features smooth body lines with oversized fender flares, sleek headlights form part of the large oversized grille, with a blended in front bumper. These features truly stand out when you see this new F150 driving down the road and clearly differentiate it from the rivals. It’s very similar to the Atlas concept vehicle that was first shown a couple of years ago though it has been toned down a little in this latest version of the best-selling pickup in Canada.

The all-new body features military grade, aluminum alloy sitting on a high strength steel frame. The intent here is to create less overall weight without sacrificing strength. However, it is a bold move that may come back to haunt Ford. Real world driving of this vehicle will produce all kinds of scenarios. What happens when you need to fix the body panels, does the cost escalate to the point it is easier to write it off rather than repair? How will it hold up against constant towing or off-road use?

Time will tell, but you have to figure Ford has done some homework before unleashing the beast.

In The Cab:

It’s a spacious cab with a little more door width than the last version. You’ve got to like the 10-position adjustable driver’s seat, which is heated and ventilated. You won’t want to get out once you have arrived at the work site!

The Supercab and Supercrew models offer a fully flat floor providing ample cargo space. The beltline of the doors has been lowered a little and the front pillars are moved forward giving exceptional visibility. An available 8-inch LCD productivity screen on the instrument cluster can be set up to provide information tailored to your needs. Fuel consumption, towing, off-road applications offer precise information while driving. There is an optional 400-watt power inverter to can power your 110v items and, surely, that will become one hot option because of today’s workplace demands. Overall, I was impressed with the cab, very comfortable, good visibility and easy access to all the dash functions.

The panoramic roof option gives the truck a different feeling driving down the road. When the sun is shining the natural light warms the cab, it almost gives you the feeling you’re driving a convertible. I said almost.

Safety First:

Standard are front airbags with front driver and passenger seat mounted side airbags, safety canopy side curtain airbags.

Roadworthy:

My tester for the week was a SuperCrew short box version, although that sounds like an average size truck, it is not. The length of this vehicle is 6190 mm and parking in a small lot can be challenging. Backing in is your safest bet and with the use of the backup camera you are sure to get every inch of space available.

Steering is incredibly responsive and the ride is firm yet comfortable. Immediate power when you need it and plenty available to get this truck up to highway speed.

I quite enjoyed the drive and although my day was filled with errands, I still managed to relax as a drove throughout the city, only to have my bubble burst as I ran into never ending construction.

Verdict:

I found the new F150 to be slight improvement over the previous version with most of the improvements coming from the interior. The new body design is more of a personal preference and I think it will take me a while longer to come around. Give it a year and I will let you know if it was a hit or a miss.

Power:

Four engine choices here. 2.7L EcoBoost V6 with 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft torque, 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 with 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque and a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft

Pump frequency:

4X2

2.7L       12.2/9.2 L/100 km (city/highway)

3.5L       13.7/9.9 L/100 km (city/highway)

3.5L Ti 13.2/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway)

5.0L     15.5/10.6 L/100 km (city/highway)

4X4

2.7L     13.3/10.4 L/100 km (city/highway)

3.5L     14.2/10.4 L/100 km (city/highway)

3.5L Ti 13.9/10.5 L/100 km (city/highway)

5.0L     16.0/11.3 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

Basic coverage: 3 year/ 60,000 km

Powertrain: 5 year/ 100,000 km

Sticker price:

XL – $24,899

XLT – $29,299

Lariat – $44,099

King Ranch – $60,499

Platinum – $62,499

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca