Auto news on Youtube Jan 1 2018

If you think modern full-size pickup trucks are big and dumb

you're only partly right. Case in point, this F-150. It might be big but it

is not dumb. Quite the contrary Ford has approached this generation

F-150 as a literal test bed, switching its bed and cabs construction from steel to

lightweight aluminum helping improve fuel economy and performance. Inside the

aluminum body is a seriously functional cabin. The seats are comfortable and

supportive, the armrests are well positioned, even though that one is way

over there, there's lots of door storage space, and a really huge bit of storage

here in the center console. Look there goes the medical tape. Up front you've

got a couple of itemized spots where I guess I can put my wallet with more

space than I really need. Up top yet another - storage bin. The F-150 is a

little like an industrial loft. It is a great place to live and work.

Buyers can spec their F-150 in regular, super cab, and super crew layouts but for

carrying people the super crew is definitely the play. Legroom is

outstanding, unlike the cozier super cab. A flat floor means sitting in the middle

position is not some sort of punishment and easy flip up seats mean you can

store your gear safely inside away from the elements and thieves, Tim. And these

channels look like they're expertly crafted to carry, I don't know, large

shipments of wine. Maybe my mom needs an f-150. Sorry, mom.

Of course cabin plushness varies by trim. The basic XL trim comes drenched in easy

to clean plastic but higher trims offer increasingly luxurious appointments.

Nothing caps a hard day on the job like cooled and massaging seats...I'm assuming.

Reviewing cars isn't a real job

Speaking of real jobs if you plan to haul more than just air you've got three

choices. A six and a half foot bed or optional 8 foot cargo box

come on the regular and super cab models while the super crew offers bed lengths

of five and a half and six and a half feet.

The F-150's bed is a perfectly functional space to haul stuff but it should be

noted that a damp tailgate does not come standard. F-150, dropping at old school.

Also, the optional tailgate step does make it easier to get in and out of the

bed but this one doesn't have it so roll the b-roll while I parkour my way into

the bed.

For easier bed loading check the option sheet where you'll find pop-out side

steps, integrated loading ramps, a bed extender / divider, and a damped remote

release tailgate or an assistant closing tailgate with an integrated step.

As a big capable truck you might expect the F-150's road manners to be unrefined

but that's not really the case. Okay there are the normal live rear axle

jitters over bumps but otherwise ride quality is good. The brakes feel

confident, interior noise is suppressed unless I'm making my bag bounce around

in back, and outward visibility is surprisingly good in all directions. A PT

Cruiser! I'm so sorry. A slow steering ratio and comparatively

wide turning circle make confined maneuvering a challenge but if you've got

the dough the option list makes nearly every aspect of driving much much easier. Ok, not this one.

All the others. And, I'm up over the curb. There's a 360-degree camera system for confident

parking, automatic Park Assist for effortless parking, and Pro trailer

backup assist that makes backing up a trailer as simple as turning a knob. On

top of that there's full range adaptive cruise control, pre collision assist with

pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and blind spot monitoring that even

accounts for a trailer. Clever. Where engine choices are concerned there are

plenty including an eager and reasonably efficient 3.3 liter V6, a 2.7 liter

EcoBoost v6, a 3.5 liter EcoBoost v6, and for those who hate forced induction a

naturally aspirated 5 liter V8. The base V6 features a 6-speed automatic but the

rest of the lineup uses a 10 speed unit that knocks out nearly undetectable

shifts. Standard on all engines is a fuel saving automatic engine start/stop

system though you'll need to deactivate it on hot days to keep the

air-conditioning working at stoplights. To exploit the F-150's 13,200 pound

maximum tow capacity choose the 3.5 liter but for less extreme towing we

highly recommend the 2.7 liter EcoBoost. The two-seven will tow 8,500 pounds, it

costs a modest 995 dollars versus the base engine, and it returns the best fuel

economy in the f-150 lineup...at least until the 3 liter turbo diesel finally

shows up.

Before moving on we should mention the $51,000 f-150 Raptor whose wide track,

high output 3.5 liter EcoBoost v6, and Baja-worthy suspension enable

unsurpassed off-road thrills. Seriously don't you wish this was you?

For more-grounded off-road adventures non-Raptor f-150s can be equipped with

four-wheel drive and an FX for off-road package. MSRP for a regular cab XL trim

with six airbags, trailer sway control, manual AC, an am/fm radio, and a backup

camera with dynamic hitch assist begins below 29,000 dollars including $1,300

worth of destination chargers. However we think the volume leading XLT is a

worthwhile upgrade. It starts around $34,000 for a regular cab with power

windows and mirrors, a power tailgate lock, and a six-speaker audio system

featuring bluetooth and USB ports. Budget an extra $2,900 for

the Super Cab and $5,200 for the super crew. With even

more budget you can nab an intuitive eight-inch Sync infotainment system,

navigation, heated rear seats, inflatable rear seatbelts, LED headlights, LED box

lighting, a factory spray in bedliner, and passive entry with push-button start, a

feature inexplicably not offered by GM and Toyota. Spend lavishly and you can spec

an F-150 limited trim to the tune of $67,000 though

prices for pickup trucks are frequently incentivized so shop around. Given the

loyalties of truck buyers you probably already have a brand allegiance but if

you're curious the full-size pickup truck field includes the GMC Sierra and

Chevy Silverado twins, the RAM 1500 with its smooth riding coil spring rear

suspension, the Nissan Titan with its standard 390 horsepower v8, and for

resale value enthusiasts and Toyota devotees the Toyota Tundra. Each entrant

has its strengths but the Ford stands out as exceptionally well suited to the

needs of truck buyers.

The Ford F-150 is smart, capable, and ruggedly-styled. In essence it does all

the things a pickup truck should do and it does them really well. It's also a

handy reminder that innovation comes in all sizes.