- In this report
- Overview
- September 2011 Ratings
- September 2011 Canadian Ratings
- Compare models
- Heavy-duty workhorses
Ford F-150
New engines are among many updates
This article appeared in 
Tested vehicle
Trim line XLT 4X4 SuperCrew
Drivetrain 360-hp, 5.0-liter V8; 365-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6; six-speed automatic transmission; part-time four-wheel drive
Major options V8: 3.55 rear-axle ratio, power pedals, Sync, power driver's seat, rear defroster, tailgate step, 18-inch chrome wheels,
tow package
V6: Same as above but with a 3.31 rear-axle ratio and a trailer-brake controller
Tested price V8: $39,355; EcoBoost V6: $40,410
The F-150 Line
Body styles Regular cab, extended cab, crew cab
Drive wheels Rear or part-time 4WD
Trim lines XL, STX, XLT, FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Lariat Limited, SVT Raptor, Harley-Davidson
Engines and transmission 3.7-liter V6 (302 hp), 5.0-liter V8 (360 hp), 3.5-liter V6 turbo
(365 hp), 6.2-liter V8 (411 hp); 6-speed automatic
Base price range $22,790-$51,525
The full-sized F-150 pickup has been freshened in a number of ways for 2011. It's quieter and more refined than earlier versions,
with an improved ride and better acceleration. And new V6 and V8 engines deliver improved fuel economy. With its 15 mpg overall,
the F-150 now ties the Toyota Tundra for the best gas mileage in the class. The optional $750 EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6
doesn't provide a fuel-economy or acceleration improvement over the new Mustang-derived 5.0-liter V8, but its added torque
makes for easy towing. Reliability for V8 versions has been average, and they're recommended. But EcoBoost
Ride, handling, and drivetrain
Access to the F-150's cargo bed is easy with the pull-out step.
Both engines are strong and get decent fuel economy. The optional 365-hp, 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine provides more torque, which gives it a more effortless feel in the midrange, especially when hauling a load. We recorded the same 15-mpg overall fuel economy with both engines. They're mated to smooth six-speed automatic transmissions and provide similarly strong acceleration. The V8's gas tank holds 10 gallons more, helping its range.
Towing capacities vary by wheelbase, axle ratio, and drivetrain. But with most variations, the EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow several hundred pounds more than the 5.0-liter V8. The V6 is rated for 8,200 pounds, and the V8 is rated for 7,700 pounds. While pulling our 7,500-pound test trailer, the V6 truck took 16.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, which is competitive for this class; the V8 required 17.8 seconds. The optional integrated trailer-brake control works well.
Despite having relatively little body lean, the F-150 is ungainly around corners and is hurt by numb, fairly sluggish steering. At our track, both F-150s reached their handling limits early and posted a low speed through our avoidance maneuver. Electronic stability control helped keep them on course.
Road bumps are absorbed nicely. But the F-150 tends to jiggle on the road at low and high speeds, especially when the cargo bed is empty. The trucks are very quiet, with only a bit of road and wind noise. The 5.0-liter V8 has a muscular growl that's more satisfying than the EcoBoost's turbo whine.
Inside the cabin
The pickups have interiors that are more functional than luxurious. Plastics are hard, but most components feel solid and fit together well.
The cabin is roomy and the large seats are firm and well contoured. Some drivers found the seat cushions to be too long. The steering wheel does not telescope, and the adjustable pedals were too close for some, even at their farthest position. There is a manual lumbar adjustment, but lower-back support is still lacking.
The F-150s can easily seat three across in either the front or rear, and the center-front seat folds down to become an armrest. Rear-seat room is generous.
The instruments are large and easy to read, and a crisp center display lets drivers easily scroll through vehicle information. Other controls are straightforward, but some can be a reach for the driver. Sync voice controls work well with personal electronics.
Payload capacities are 1,435 pounds for our V6 and 1,405 pounds for the V8. The cargo bed can support items up to 93 inches with the tailgate open. The gate can be easily removed without tools. A clever tailgate step makes it easy to climb into the bed; otherwise, the sides are high for loading.
