The Ford F-series trucks have been the best-selling truck in America for 47 years now and was all new for 2021. The F-150 introduces rolls into 2023 with a new Heritage package to celebrate its 75-year history. F-150 buyers have their choice from seven different powertrains. Beyond the powertrain options, there are eight trim levels known as XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Tremor, and Raptor. Prices range from $33,835 for an XL Regular Cab with a 6.5' bed all the way up to a starting price of $83,010 for the Limited SuperCrew Hybrid 4x4. There truly is an F-150 configuration to meet any truck buyer's needs. Competition is fierce in the full-size truck segment and includes the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra, and RAM 1500. I spent a week in the F-150 Tremor SuperCrew that checked in at $74,040 and here's what stood out...
Exterior (+/-)
The F-150 is built on a steel frame and a military-grade aluminum alloy body, making this one of the most durable and capable frames ever utilized. The front-end appearance includes a signature lighting C-clamp design that extends from the traditional headlight location into the bumper fog light area. While the lighting signature will carry over across the line-up, customers can choose from 11 available grilles which align with various F-150 trim levels. These lights not only look good aesthetically but illuminate the roadways well.
The hood is raised at the A-pillar and on the side profile you'll notice sculpted doors, fenders, and box sides. The windows appear larger with a lower base which provides better visibility from inside the cabin. Wheel openings have been reduced but are still large enough to accommodate a wide variety of wheel/tire combinations that stretch from the smaller street tires found on the Hybrid to the meatier tires on the King Ranch. Around back, the F-150 features a new tailgate and applique that draws from the front-end design cues. Like the headlights, the taillights are also updated with incandescent lights and an LED signature. The overall truck looks more modern and with these updates.
Tremor Package (+)
Ford offers several packages and exterior accessories to make the truck your own. I spent time in the Tremor model which is specifically built as a more capable off-road variant with next level towing and payload capabilities. It comes with either the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0L V8 and rides on 33" all-terrain tires mounted on rugged 18" dark matte finish alloys giving it more ground clearance and a 1-inch wider stance. To further help with off-roading, the front hub knuckles and upper control arms are revised while Tremor specific monotube shocks at the front and twin-tube shocks at the rear are tuned for softer damping at lower speeds. It features an improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a transfer case like the Raptor's, and a standard locking rear differential.
Aesthetics on the exterior include a unique grille with an orange strip across the center, unique Tremor hood, orange tow hooks on the lower front fascia, Tremor badging on the front fenders and a Tremor graphic on the back corners of the truck. LED fog lamps with an LED cornering lamp and LED reflector headlamps are also standard on the Tremor. It comes exclusively as a four-door SuperCrew with a 5.5' bed. Interior features include Tremor accents with hints of orange and leather trimmed bucket seats with the Tremor logo. For fans of going off the pavement, the Tremor is the more practical F-150 option compared to the also highly capable F-150 Raptor. It visibly has the appeal and is further supported with appropriate updates underneath.
Powertrains (+)
F-150 buyers will have the choice of five traditional engines and a hybrid powertrain. All powertrains are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and come standard with rear-wheel drive but include an optional four-wheel drive.
Those engine options can be seen in the chart below:
* 3.3L V6: 290 Horsepower, 265 lb-ft Torque
* Twin-turbocharged 2.7 Liter EcoBoost V6: 325 Horsepower, 400 lb-ft Torque
* 5.0 Liter V8: 400 Horsepower, 410 lb-ft Torque
* Twin-turbocharged 3.5L Ecoboost V6 with an electric motor (Hybrid): Combined 430 horsepower, 570 lb-ft Torque
* Twin-turbocharged 3.5L High-output Ecoboost V6: : 450 Horsepower, 510 lb-ft Torque
* Supercharged 5.2L high-output V8: 700 Horsepower, 640 lb-ft Torque
For my time in the F-150, I was able to experience the 5.0L V8 that comes standard in the Tremor. It has ample power propelling it from 0-60 MPH in around 5.3 seconds with a low growl from the V8. This big truck feels powerful and even a little sporty. With a suspension geared towards off-roading, it does have a firmer ride on the streets. While cruising on the highway, you'll notice more road noise, vibrations and a less controlled feel compared to an F-150 Hybrid truck. Steering is looser, but ideal for an off-road situation in which it should be more forgiving.
It comes with a variety of selectable drive modes to optimize function and efficiency for different roads and situations. Those drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut, and Rock Crawl. Overall, it was easier to drive than one might expect from a large, high-riding, off-road-oriented truck.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
When it arrived with a full 26-gallon tank, it offered a range of almost 450 miles. EPA estimates are 15/20/17 MPG city/highway/combined. It runs on regular grade fuel and after a week of primarily suburban driving I averaged 16 MPG. More efficiency and range are available in the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.
Capability (+)
The F-150 is a highly capable truck for towing and payload. Towing capacity will range from a minimum of 5,000 lbs in a 4x2 model up to a maximum of nearly 20,000 pounds. Specific to the Tremor, my truck had a max towing capacity of 18,600 pounds and a payload of 7,850. Trailer sway control comes standard and there are several features available to make trailer hook ups easier. Among those available features are Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. These systems utilize Ford's built-in cameras to provide multi-views combined with graphics that tell the driver which way to steer as they maneuver their trailer. The back-up assist system is controlled via a turn dial in the dash. I did not have the chance to put these features to the test but have seen them in action and they are very user-friendly systems.
Interior (+)
The F-150 comes with upgraded surfaces and finishes that complement the instrument panel and large infotainment touchscreens. Drivers face a twin-dial traditional cluster with a digital information screen on low to mid-level trim models while top trims (Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited) come standard with a 12" digital cluster that can be personalized. At the center of the dashboard is an 8'' touchscreen for the XL-XLT models or a 12.1" landscape screen that is optional on the XLT models, but standard on Lariat+ trucks. This year's model even got an added 75th Anniversary digital graphic that displays when started. Ultimately the interior vibe will vary greatly with each trim model.
The F-150 Tremor SuperCrew has two rows for seating up to five. It came with leather upholstery and heated front seats. Optional are heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, massaging front seats and ventilated front seats. The front seats are comfortable, supportive and easily adjustable to accommodate drivers of all sizes. There was plenty of room in the back seats of the SuperCrew to accommodate three adults comfortably.
Technology (+)
All models feature Ford's SYNC4 technology standard which is one of the most intuitive and easiest systems available. SYNC4 includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, USB ports, and Bluetooth. An enhanced voice recognition/navigation package is optional. Other available options include a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, navigation, and an eight- or 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. As a little bit of flare, there are also some hidden easter eggs embedded into some F-150 models such as an etched road map of Detroit in the door panels. A trim strip that surrounds the dashboard features an engraving of the American flag as well.
The F-150 is North America's first full-size pickup with standard over-the-air updates, helping customers' trucks stay current with purposeful technology. These updates are bumper-to-bumper and can include all-new functions and additional features throughout the life of the truck. They support preventative maintenance, reduce repair trips, and provide improved performance. Many updates will be completed in under two minutes and can be performed at times customers choose.
Functionality (+)
Ford has put a lot of emphasis on function when designing the new F-150. Knowing how buyers utilize their trucks as mobile offices, they have developed a power gear shifter that folds flat at the touch of a button. The center console storage lid can then flip backwards to create a fully flat surface suitable for a laptop. Alternatively, Ford could have opted for a push button gear selector, but they polled existing owners who said they preferred having a traditional shift lever. Inside, the F-150 has plenty of storage with a dual glovebox, center console storage, and rear under seat locking storage. As a bonus the front seats fully recline back for maximum relaxation. The overall fit and finish of the inside the F-150 will depend greatly on the chosen trim level as Ford continues to offer the most basic XL version which will strip it down to basic needs while the top trims will have you feeling like you never left home.
There was a time when the bed of a truck was solely for hauling, but things have changed. Ford has created a workshop in the back of the F-150. The tailgate doubles as a work surface with built-in ruler, mobile device holder and new clamp pockets to hold down materials for precise work. The fold out step system is also still available in the F-150 tailgate. And consumers can work into the night with available zone lighting that allows you to light up sections of the exterior lighting. And perhaps one of the most beneficial features in the truck bed is the Pro Power Onboard generator system which includes power outlets in the bed that can provide power for all those tools. The power features 2.0-kilowatt output on the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 and 5.0-liter V8, while PowerBoost-equipped F-150s comes standard with 2.4 kilowatts of output or an optional 7.2 kilowatts of output. Power is accessible through in-cabin outlets and up to four cargo bed-mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets, with a 240-volt 30-amp outlet on the 7.2-kilowatt version. The system even provides power on the move to charge tool batteries in between jobs.
Safety (+)
Safety was not overlooked in the F-150 as it has a laundry list of safety features like Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 technology, intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, pro trailer backup assist with trailer reverse guidance, and more. Other available features include Intersection Assist, which detects oncoming traffic while the driver is attempting a left turn. If there is risk of a collision with an oncoming vehicle, F-150 will apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid it. F-150 is the only light-duty full-size pickup with available Active Park Assist 2.0, which handles all steering, shifting, braking and accelerator controls during a parallel or perpendicular parking maneuver while the driver holds down a button.
Final Statement
Whether or not you're a truck person, the F-150 is an impressive vehicle. Gone are the days of trucks just being used for worksite hauling as the new F-150 offers amenities that make it everything from a feasible family vehicle to a capable off-roader. My family of five comfortably fit in the SuperCrew model and the modern technology worked well. Features such as the interior fold flat workspace, 12.1" touchscreen display, tailgate step, built-in generator and zone lighting make this even more impressive all-around truck. With a range that exceeds $50,000 from base trim to top trim, it's essential you spend some time configuring a model to suit your lifestyle online.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew Tremor
Exterior Color: Avalanche
Interior Color: Black Leather
Notable Options: Equipment Group 402A- Tremor Series ($7,525), Twin Panel Moonroof ($1,495), Pro Power On Board ($995), Trailer Tow Package ($445), Bedliner-Toughbed Spray ($595)... and more.
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