Highlight: This is the world’s first mass-produced all-aluminum fullsize truck.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $45,725
Base Regular Cab 4×2: $26,615 (base model)
Base SuperCab 4×2: $30,675 (base model)
Base SuperCrew 4×2: $33,130 (base model)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: air bags; roll stability control; curve control; hill start assist; a jack; spare tire carrier; a trailer sway control system; grab handles for front occupants; a SOS post-crash alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (base SuperCab 4×2 model): a 23-gallon fuel tank; a 170-degree rear doors; a capless fuel filler door; a removable tailgate with lock; four pick up box tie downs; a 17-inch aluminum wheels; a/c; cruise control; a dome light; a dual note horn; an illuminated entry; an outside temperature display; a power tailgate lock; powerpoint 12v; a rear wiper activated headlamps; a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and Ford’s signature infotainment SYNC system
Options On Review Model: a rear window defroster; a satellite radio; a rear back up camera; 3.55 rear axle ratio; a trailer tow package; power folding rear with glass; remote start; left side mirror spotlights; a tailgate step; a 23-gallon fuel tank; LED box lighting; chrome step bar; chrome wheels; a sprayed-in bedliner; and cloth 40/20/40 seats
SuperCrew Trim Levels:
XL
Lariat
Other Non SuperCab Trim Levels:
Platinum
King Ranch
Payload: 1,910
Towing: 11,900
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD
Bluetooth Connectivity: Available
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000-mile warranty
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000-mile warranty
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder/325-hp (ecoboost)
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy
What’s New: The F-150 is the industry’s first all-aluminum fullsize pickup truck. Ford switched to an aluminum body structure, making the truck lighter and more fuel efficient, without sacrificing durability.
Pros: Ford’s all-aluminum truck, with its new bold grille, is available in a variety of trim levels, powertrains and price points. Because of the aluminum, the overall weight of the truck is lighter, which leads to an increase in fuel economy. With Ford’s F-150, truck buyers can opt for a regular cab, a super cab or a crew cab with either one of three 6-cylinder engines or an 8-cylinder engine. Like all fullsize trucks, this workhorse is available with either a 6.5 foot bed or an 8 foot bed in a 4×2 or a 4×4 configuration. And, depending upon one’s cash flow and attended use, the F-150 can be configured with a variety of options.
Some of those options include a power locking rear tailgate, a 360-degree camera, integrated loading ramps, LED headlamps (and tail lamps), a high-powered 400-watt audio system, LED spotlights on the sideview mirrors, the brand’s next-generation steps which are fully integrated inside the tailgate, a new 8-inch infotainment screen, LED lighting embedded in the walls of the truck bed, a rear under seat storage for valuables and a deployable box side step. Many of the noted features are industry firsts for the truck segment.
The F-150 is also available with a variety of safety driving aids: second-row inflatable seat belts, curve control to provide more aggressive braking for 4x4s, an automated cruise control system, a lane-keeping assist system and a blind-spot electronic lane changing system.
With all that said, we had an opportunity to review a XLT 4×4 trim, which is the second to the highest trim level on the SuperCab, outfitted with the optional EcoBoost 6-cylinder engine. Now while the truck lacked many of the high-end luxury amenities, like leather seats that can be found in the Lariat trim, it didn’t disappoint as it relates to the ride and handling capabilities. In fact, the premium priced Cadillac Escalade, which is also based-off of a truck platform, doesn’t soak-up the road as well as the all-new F-150.
Furthermore, our Ford was outfitted with the brand’s signature Ecoboost engine, which pushed out 325 horses, while offering 375-lbs of torque. It was hard to believe that this wasn’t an 8-cylinder engine, as opposed to a 6-cylinder engine.
Cons: The only concern from some critics is that we’re not really sure of the true cost to repair the aluminum vehicle in case of body damage. And to push the envelope even farther, we’re wondering when will a diesel engine be available in the F-150 model? Ram offers a diesel in its 1500 trim, which offers the best fuel economy in the class. Of course with the diesel, one should expect to pay a healthy $4,000 premium on the Ram 1500.
Verdict: Ford’s all-new F-150 continues to be the gold standard for the large truck segment. The F-150 offers a variety of price points, powertrains, trim levels, cab configurations and high-tech safety aids that place the vehicle ahead of the competition.
Added to that, the F-150 offers the perfect balance of riding and handling capabilities that makes one feel that they’re behind the wheel of a car-based crossover, as opposed to a pickup truck, whether the vehicle is off-road or towing a heavy load. With the 2015 F-150, it’s obvious that Ford has another homerun on its hands, despite the offerings from the competition.
Competition: Chevy’s Silverado 1500 Double Cab 1LT, Ram’s 1500 Quad Cab SLT , Toyota’s Tundra Double Cab SR and Nissan’s Titan King Cab SV
Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.
