The Ford F-150 has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts, and for good reason. This full-size pickup truck is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit a variety of needs and preferences, from a basic work truck to a luxurious toy hauler to an extreme off-road machine.
In 2021, the F-150 underwent a redesign, and while there are minimal changes for 2023, this pickup truck still packs a punch. With a wide range of drivetrain options, high towing and payload capabilities, and a modern and comfortable interior, the F-150 is a top contender in the light-duty truck market.
PowerBoost hybrid setup
One of the newest and most advanced drivetrains available for the F-150 is Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid setup. This drivetrain produces a reasonable amount of power and provides good fuel economy, while also functioning as a backup generator for your home, similar to the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.
Raptor R
But perhaps the most exciting news for the 2023 model year is the introduction of the new Raptor R. This pickup truck takes the inherent off-road capabilities of the Raptor and amps them up with a Shelby GT500’s supercharged V8 engine, producing a whopping 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. With this kind of power, the F-150 Raptor R can go toe-to-toe with the Ram 1500 TRX.
If you’re looking for off-road capabilities but want something a little more affordable, the new Rattler package adds capability to the base XL trim. This package includes the contents of the FX4 off-road package, as well as knobby all-terrain tires.
Let’s drive
When it comes to how the F-150 drives, there are a variety of engines and configurations available. In our testing of a 4WD crew cab in the Platinum trim with the new hybrid powertrain, we found that it reached 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, making it significantly quicker than other similarly equipped pickups. However, the sensation of the gas engine kicking on and off can make this powertrain feel less smooth at lower speeds than the 5.0-liter V8 or non-hybrid turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engines.
But don’t let that discourage you – the F-150 has direct and quick steering, making it feel smaller and more nimble in parking lots and more stable on the freeway. The brakes are powerful and give you confidence in their stopping power, even when they’re recuperating power with the hybrid powertrain. And considering its high towing and payload capabilities, the F-150 is a pleasure to operate.
Are you comfortable enough?
When it comes to comfort, the F-150 can be a luxurious ride depending on the options you choose. The front seats are supportive and can be equipped with heating, ventilation, lumbar adjustment, and even a massaging function. The available Max Recline front seats can even recline to give you a nearly flat seat to rest or take a nap. While the F-150 rides pretty comfortably, the Ram’s unique coil-spring rear suspension provides a slightly better ride.
Overall, the Ford F-150 is a top contender in the light-duty truck market, and with its versatility, power, and comfort, it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re looking for an off-road machine or a comfortable cruiser, the F-150 has something to offer.
How’s the interior?
The interior of the Ford F-150 can vary depending on the configuration and options chosen. However, the interior layout is generally considered to be intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly design. The truck’s large knobs and controls can be adjusted even while wearing gloves, which is a practical feature for those who use the vehicle for work or in cold climates.
The Ford F-150 also offers a wide range of seat, steering wheel, and pedal adjustments to accommodate drivers of all sizes. The crew cab provides ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable option for long trips or daily use.
The truck’s large windows and scalloped front door design provide excellent visibility, and the optional surround-view camera system enhances visibility even further. Overall, the interior of the Ford F-150 is designed to be functional and comfortable, with features that make it easy to use and customize to the driver’s needs.
Tech stuff
The Ford F-150 truck offers a variety of impressive technological features. One of the standout features is the large 12-inch center touchscreen and digital gauge cluster, which are both easy to use and visually appealing. In addition, the truck comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, as well as some basic advanced driver safety aids.
However, the most noteworthy feature of the F-150 is Pro Power Onboard. This option essentially turns the truck into a generator, with power output levels varying depending on the powertrain (ranging from 2.0 kW to 7.2 kW). The feature adds power outlets in the truck bed, making it ideal for tailgate parties, camping, construction work, or any off-the-grid experience where power is needed.
Towing and Hauling
The F-150 has become the leading light-duty pickup truck for towing and hauling. With the right equipment and setup, it can tow up to 14,000 pounds, while the PowerBoost powertrain can tow a maximum of 12,700 pounds. In comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,400 pounds, and the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds.
Regarding payload capacity, the F-150 can now handle up to 3,325 pounds, which is almost 1,000 pounds more than its closest competitor, the Silverado, which has a maximum payload capacity of 2,250 pounds. While the bed is not the largest, and the tailgate does not have the same folding features as those on the Ram and GM trucks, it still offers useful features like the power up-and-down function and tailgate step.
Fuel economy
The Ford F-150 has a strong EPA-estimated fuel economy, especially when equipped with rear-wheel drive and the 3.5-liter V6 engine. It gets an estimated 20 mpg combined for city/highway driving, which is better than comparable V8-equipped models from Silverado or Ram. The F-150 hybrid is the most fuel-efficient model, with an excellent 25 mpg combined for RWD and 23 mpg combined for 4WD.
All gas engines in the F-150 require 87 octane fuel, and the fuel tank sizes range from 23 to 36 gallons. However, it’s worth noting that in testing, Ford’s turbocharged engines have sometimes fallen short of their EPA estimates.
Good value?
This truck is built with strong materials and boasts luxurious features in its higher trim levels. The F-150’s standard offerings are competitive with other trucks, but its real value comes from its extensive range of configurations and options that enable buyers to customize their truck to their specific needs.
In contrast to GM trucks, the F-150 allows you to select the most desirable engine even at the base trim level, and unlike Ram trucks, it provides a greater variety of engine, cab, and bed options to choose from. The only area where the Ford falls short of its GM and Ram rivals is in its warranty and ownership benefits, which are comparable.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for something to boast about, the F-150 is a great choice. It offers the highest torque and fastest acceleration (except for the specialized Ram 1500 TRX), along with the best fuel economy estimate among non-diesel options, as well as the highest towing and payload ratings. You’ll be able to impress your friends and neighbors with these top-of-the-line features. Additionally, the F-150 comes in some really cool paint colors such as Leadfoot and Smoked Quartz, which help to accentuate its exterior design, particularly the front grille that’s inspired by Ford’s Super Duty. However, when compared to its closest competitor, the Ram, the F-150 falls short in terms of interior comfort and presence.
