Americans have a deep love affair with pickup trucks. Ford knows this too well; to quench this craving, the automaker has designed just the right trucks that are a darling of Americans. One of the best selling trucks is the F-150. In 2015, Ford’s trucks were the best selling models in the market having sold 780,354 units. To strengthen this fete even further, Ford has hooked up the 2017 Ford F-150 with a number of updates. The truck, which is made of aluminum, has shed over 500 pounds making it more fuel-efficient. Read along for more information:
2017 Ford F-150 Exterior
The 2017 Ford F-150 has a rugged yet bold design. A gigantic grille flanked by striking headlights characterizes this look. The model also features a huge black front bumper. The model is offered in three body styles i.e. Regular cab, SuperCab as well as SuperCrew. In addition, it features three-bed sizes (5.5 foot, 6.5-fooy as well as 8-foot). Buyers have an option of Race Red, Ingot Silver metallic and Blue JEANS Metallic exterior colors.
The base XL trim features 17-inch wheels, Black 3-bar style grille with a black surround, black bumper, rain lamp wiper activated headlights and running lights. Opting for the STX package adds Flash Gray-painted pockets, privacy glass, fog lights and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels.
The XLT adds front and rear chromed bumpers, black mesh grille inserts, chrome 3-bar grille that features chrome nostrils, power lock tailgate, power adjust side mirrors, dual glass as well as a rear fixed window featuring privacy tint.
The LARIAT trim adds LED Box Lightning, heated side mirrors with turn signals, LED tailgate, rear power sliding glass window with a defroster and privacy tint on SuperCab and SuperCrew. It also features LED security approach lights.
The F-150 Raptor features front and rear performance bumpers, a unique grille with the FORD lettering. Its front hood has air extractors, a feature continued on its flared front fenders. The Raptor also features 2 rear hooks, QUA beam LED headlights and LED taillights, heavy duty skid plates and customized wheel lip moldings.
On the other hand, the King Ranch features front and rear accent-color bumpers, accent color grille inserts, remote tailgate release, two-tone body paintwork and caribou step bars. The Platinum trim features satin mesh grille inserts, 3-bar style grille with a satin finish and chrome accenting; it also features deployable running boards. The top-of-the-range Limited trim features black mesh grille inserts, a bar-style grille that has a satin finish, twin panel moonroof on the SuperCrew as well as satin chrome door handles that feature body-color bezels.
2017 Ford F-150 Interior
The F-150 has a spacious cabin, which is also family friendly. At the rear, you will even find LATCH connectors. The cabin is well trimmed with soft-touch materials. It also features Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system. The system has a simple and intuitive interface.
The dashboard, on the other hand, features numerous buttons for controlling audio and climate functions. Buyers have an option to add a navigation system, voice recognition as well as Siri Eyes Free that helps the driver to use voice commands to answer texts or emails without having to take his/her eyes off the road.
The F-150 has three bed lengths that enable buyers to choose one that is right for their needs. A functional tailgate allows one to climb in and out of the bed easily. The model also features movable tie-down cleats and stable loading ramps that make it easy to load and secure cargo.
Engine Specs and performance
The most changes on the model are under the hood where Ford offers a 10-speed automatic transmission system in place of the 6-speed system on the outgoing models. However, the 10-speed system will only be available on models with the 3.5 L, V-6, twin-turbocharged mill. Speaking of the V-6, the mill has been upgraded to offer 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, which is 10 horses and 50 lb-ft more than what the outgoing models offered. This is courtesy of a combination of port and direct fuel injection, use of new turbochargers as well as use of a new valvetrain. The new level of torque places the model at the top of the class; it also beats V-8 as well as turbodiesel mills available on half-ton trucks today.
An even more powerful version of the V-6 mill will be used on the performance-oriented Raptor. This iteration may produce around 420 horses and 480 lb-ft of torque. The mill will replace the current 6.2 L, V-8.
In addition to the V-6, the vehicle will also feature a 2.7 L, turbocharged V-6 mill, a 5.0 L, V-8 as well as a 3.7 L, naturally aspirated engine. These engines still use the 6-speed transmission but word is they will all get the 10-speed automatic system for the 2018 model year.
The 10-speeed transmission system is jointly made together with General Motors. GM will debut the system on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Price and release date
The base F-150’s XL trim with a regular cab is affordable at a starting price of $26,540. The F-150 Raptor fetches $48,325 while the Limited trim attracts as much as $59,600. The starting price for a Supercab XL model is $30,600 while the SuperCrew MSRP starts at $33,055.
Changing bed sizes costs from $300 to $1,100 depending on the bed length and trim. Upgrading from the base engine costs $2,600 to get the 3.5 L, V-6 and $1,600 for the V-8. A buyer can also add other options at an extra cost. The F-150 trucks are already available in dealerships.
Competition
Top rivals of the 2017 Ford F-150 include the GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.
