The engine and transmission of the new Ford F-150 have been improved, and as a result, the vehicle has more power and better fuel efficiency. Even though this vehicle is already America’s best-seller, Blue Oval always tweaks the design slightly and adds new features to cement that first spot.
The model which was tested was the 2018 Ford F-150 Limited that sports a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 engine under its hood. The unit produces 375 ponies, and it is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. As expected, the gearbox was smooth and responsive, and it would change gears very quickly without “hunting” among gears. This is good news because some transmissions have this problem especially as they add more gear ratios.
The 10-speed gearbox which can only be found on upper trims of the 2017 F-150 comes as a standard feature on all 2018 F-150 models except the entry-level. Meanwhile, the base trim will be equipped with a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6 which is mated to the six-speed automatic.
The Limited Crew Cab model which has four-doors is not quite affordable, but with $64,440, excluding a $1,295 destination charge, you can do a lot with this car. It comes with new safety equipment which includes collision alert, automatic braking, and pedestrian detection. There is a lot of space inside the cabin, which is well-protected from the road, wind and engine sounds, but it also has an upscale feel to it. The large touchscreen is located in the center, and it uses Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system, whereas there are also conventional dials and buttons for audio and climate controls.
Inside the cabin, black leather dominates, but you can also see a plaque on the center armrest which gives the truck’s vehicle identification number, and the serial number for how many 2018 F-150 Limited models were assembled. The pricing for the new models goes from $28,675 for the entry-level version to $63,945 for the 4×4 Limited Supercrew.
Ford redesigned both 5.0-liter V8 and 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 engines, so they produce additional power and have improved fuel efficiency ratings. The V8’s output has been increased by 10 hp to reach 395 horses as well as 13 lb-ft of torque for 400 lb-ft in total. On the other hand, the smaller 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 unit adds 20 lb-ft of torque and matches the V8’s 400, whereas it gained one mpg in all city, highway and combined driving.
The new 2018 Ford F-150 will also be equipped with auto start-stop which switches off the engine when idling and waiting at a traffic light and similar. This feature will be standard on this model now on. Furthermore, the automaker upgraded the towing and payload ratings of the pickup. Maximum towing is increased to 13,200 pounds, whereas payload or the weight the truck can carry in the cab and bed rises to 3,270 pounds.
Among other features, you can find an auxiliary steering control which makes it a lot easier if you want to back up with a large trailer attached to the truck. The feature is called Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and the driver can steer the pickup with a dial on the dashboard and adjust the input which is based on the length of a trailer. The new model allows you to back up without stressing out about it all thanks to these helpful features.
As for the styling changes, we can see the C-Clamp style headlights and taillights, and they are similar to those on Ford’s larger Super Duty pickup truck. Furthermore, the new F-150 is equipped with new bumpers and six horizontal grille designs, which makes the appearance of the vehicle more prominent. Continually upgrading the truck is the reason why the F-150 is the best-seller in the United States. Ford always tries to perfect its models and turn the good aspects into great.
