Quick Facts:
Pros:
- Solid payload and towing capabilities.
- Plenty of available comfort, tech, and safety options.
- Seemingly a vast number of engine and transmission combinations.
Cons:
- Stiff, jittery ride.
- Subpar fuel economy.
- Gets expensive quickly.
Vehicle Type: A full-size, light-duty pickup truck.
Price Range: The 2017 Ford F-150 ranges in price from $27,110 to $60,200 before options, taxes, and destination charges.
Powertrain: The 2017 Ford F-150 is available with four engines:
A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque.
A 3.5-liter V6 that makes 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque.
A 5.0-liter V8 that is rated at 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque.
Two versions of a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes either 375 or 450 horsepower. The lower output engine powers the Limited model, while the high-output EcoBoost powers the Raptor.
A ten-speed automatic and six-speed automatic transmission are available.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, while four-wheel-drive is optional.
More Photos
See more 2017 Ford F-150 photos here.
Overview:
The Ford F-150 is a couple of years into its 13th generation, having last been overhauled for 2015. The latest trucks are more advanced than ever before, sporting high-tech and lightweight aluminum body panels and the newest tech that the automotive industry offers. The 2017 F-150 adds a new powertrain option, including a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 375 horsepower through a new 10-speed automatic.
The F-150 aims at buyers who want a full-size pickup truck's rugged capability and need the fuel economy benefits that come with lightweight aluminum construction. It competes in a segment that includes the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
A whopping four engines, many turbocharged, and two transmissions are on offer for the 2017 F-150. There's a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 rated at 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 282 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 385 horsepower and 387 pound-feet of torque. A different 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes either 375 or 450 horsepower. A six-speed automatic and a ten-speed automatic transmission are on offer as well. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel-drive is available. In addition to the myriad of powertrain choices, Ford offers the F-150 in seven trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor.
Cab and bed configurations add to the staggering level of customization options. Lower trims are available in two-door Regular Cab and SuperCab setups, while all models are available with a four-door SuperCrew configuration. Three beds are on offer: a 5.5-foot bed, a 6.5-foot, and an 8-foot bed.
Overall Score: 7/10
Safety Features: 8/10
The 2016 F-150 earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Since the 2017 model is nearly identical in its construction, IIHS lists the award for it. The truck earned Good ratings in all crashworthiness categories, a Basic rating for front vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, Marginal for the LATCH system ease of use, and Poor ratings for the headlights. That is because the safety organization found that visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road and that on curves, visibility fell short in all directions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rated the F-150 five stars overall. That score includes five stars in all crash testing categories, except for rollover resistance, where the truck earned four stars.
Standard safety features include advanced stability control, front safety belt reminders, tire pressure monitoring, trailer sway control, and an SOS post-crash alert system.
Available features include blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors with a backup camera, integrated turn signal indicators, LED security approach lamps, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with brake support, automatic emergency braking, and 911 assist.
Most advanced safety features require the addition of an expensive options package.
Value: 6/10
Pickup trucks aren't cheap anymore, so it isn't easy to pick on the F-150 as too expensive. That said, it's still possible to spend almost $70,000 on one, which is deep into luxury vehicle territory.
The wide array of options and configurations make the F-150 an excellent truck for people that want to drill down and get exactly what they need. Still, it also means that the truck can become expensive quickly with the addition of standalone options and packages.
The Ford is competitive on price in its segment. The MSRP is in line with the Chevrolet Silverado, though the related GMC Sierra is a more premium truck with a higher price tag.
Buyers can pick up a new F-150 in the low $20,000 range, but that money buys a stripped-down work truck with minimal comfort or convenience features. It comes with rubber floors, manual windows and door locks, and basic body trim.
Tech Features: 7/10
Standard features include an AM/FM stereo with a clock, four speakers (six for SuperCab and SuperCrew models), an auxiliary input jack, a 2.3-inch instrument cluster display, and a 4.2-inch infotainment display.
Available tech features include an eight-inch touchscreen, AppLink, two USB charging ports, SiriusXM radio, navigation, a 10-speaker sound system with subwoofer, voice commands, and 110V/400W power outlets.
Ford's Sync 3 infotainment software is one of the best on the market. It's bright and responsive, but not as sharp as the Ram's UConnect systems.
Practicality: 9/10
Trucks are designed for maximum practicality and usability, and the F-150 doesn't disappoint on either front. No matter the bed or cab configuration, the truck's cab and bed configurations allow for a great flexibility level.
The F-150 is a towing champ in all of its configurations. The base V6 provides 7,600 pounds, while the V8 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost provide generous towing capabilities of 11,000 and 12,200 pounds, respectively.
The F-150's interior is roomy and allows for plenty of small-item storage, no matter the cab configuration. In SuperCrew and SuperCab setups, the back seat is large enough for children and, in most cases, adults.
Four-wheel-drive and available trailer backup assistance makes the F-150 suitable for various weather conditions and makes using trailers a much less intimidating prospect for drivers of all skill levels.
Styling & Design: 8/10
Ford has kept the F-150's style reasonably consistent over the years. The last redesign brought modern, strong lines to the truck that give it a refined and upscale look, despite its practical purpose and underpinnings.
Top trims receive luxurious leather and interior trim materials that rival Ford's luxury subsidiary, Lincoln.
The available large touchscreen is mounted high in the dash, making it easily viewable from all angles. All buttons, controls, and other features are clearly labeled and easy to use, even with gloves.
Visibility in the F-150 is a strong point, thanks to a high seating position, large windows, and relatively small pillars. That makes the truck much more acceptable as a daily driver and gives the driver the ability to maneuver in tight spaces with less stress.
Driving Experience: 7/10
Ford's turbocharged EcoBoost engines are lively and powerful and make a good match for the F-150 no matter the trim. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost provides strong acceleration and makes the truck feel quicker than it has any business being.
The six-speed automatic transmission is sufficient, but it's the 10-speed auto that steals the show. Developed jointly with General Motors, the gearbox is responsive, delivering quick and snappy shifts in the rev range. It works well in towing, keeping the engine at its ideal RPM level to provide the best and most potent results.
Trucks are not known for their luxurious ride, and the F-150 isn't going to change that perception. Rough roads give it a tough time, especially when it's unladen. An empty bed seems to let the truck grind busily over broken pavement, and though highway drives are quite a bit smoother, any bumps and changes in road conditions are felt tenfold at highway speeds.
In certain configurations, the F-150 can run 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Those are strong numbers for a truck, especially one that can tow upwards of 12,000 pounds.
Unlike many trucks, the F-150's cabin remains mostly peaceful, even on rough roads or terrain. The truck comes with excellent sound deadening that keeps out most wind and unwanted road noises.
The Raptor, with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, is a real rocketship. It can bound over nearly any obstacle with ease. The powerful engine provides enormous acceleration that truly feels fast and makes the truck a special model.
Fuel Efficiency: 7/10
With two-wheel-drive and a 2.7-liter engine, the F-150 is rated at 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined. With 4WD, those numbers shift to 18/23/20 mpg.
With 2WD and the 3.5-liter engine, the F-150 returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18/25/21 mpg, which changes to 17/23/20 mpg with 4WD.
With 2WD and the 5.0-liter V8, the F-150 is rated at 15/18/22 mpg. Those figures move to 15/21/17 mpg with 4WD.
The Raptor's 3.5-liter EcoBoost with 4WD delivers 15/18/16 mpg.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The base Ford F-150 XL has a starting price of $27,110 and comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, two-wheel drive. 17-inch wheels, two-way adjustable driver and front passenger headrests, a front bench seat, cloth upholstery, an AM/FM stereo, four or six speakers depending on the cab, auxiliary input jacks, manual single-zone climate controls, a 2.3-inch productivity screen, a 4.2-inch infotainment screen, black vinyl flooring, manual door and tailgate locks, manual windows, a fixed rear window, black bumpers and door handles, halogen headlights, and two front tow hooks.
The XL is available with an options package that upgrades the truck with power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, a perimeter alarm, a CD player, and a USB port.
The Ford F-150 XLT starts at $32,480 and comes with SYNC infotainment software, four-way headrest adjustments, lumbar supports, a CD player, cruise control, a compass, carpeted flooring, power windows and door locks, Ford's MyKey, privacy tinted rear glass, chrome bumpers, a chrome grille, folding mirrors, a keyless entry keypad, and an illuminated entry system.
Options packages include a trailer towing and hitch package and a Chrome Appearance group.
The Ford F-150 Lariat has a starting price of $40,865. It comes with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, a two-speed automatic 4WD transfer case, 18-inch wheels, the Sync 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, 10-way power seats, leather upholstery, SiriusXM satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent access with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power-sliding rear window, cargo management points in the bed, and power-folding mirrors.
The F-150 King Ranch has a starting price of $51,380 5.0-liter V8, a trailer brake control system, a reverse sensing system, Sync Connect, front bucket seats, heated front and rear outboard seats, a Sony 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, voice-activated navigation, a flow-through center console with leather trim, 110V/400W power outlets, chrome exhausts and LED taillights.
A tech package is available that brings a lane-keeping system, an FX4 off-road package is available, and a King Ranch monochromatic paint package is available that deletes the standard two-tone paint job.
The F-150 Platinum starts at $53,635 and comes with 20-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring with trailer control, rain-sensing wipers, metallic door sill scuff plates, aluminum interior trim, power-deployable running boards, and chrome mirror caps.
The Platinum trim is available with a tech package that brings features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings, and more.
The F-150 Limited has a starting MSRP of $60,200 and comes with a 3.5-liter V6, a 10-speed automatic transmission, 22-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control.
The Ford F-150 Raptor has a starting price of $49,265 and comes with a high-output twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost, Fox Racing Shocks, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, Ford Performance and Raptor badges.
The Raptor can be upgraded with a wide-reaching options package that includes everything from a remote start system to a special 4.10 front axle and TORSEN differential.
If it were our money shopping for an F-150 today, we'd opt for the mid-range Lariat trim with 4WD. The Lariat model won't break the bank, offers many of the best comfort, utility, and safety features, and can be outfitted with 4WD and a trailer package to make it an even more useful workhorse in all conditions.
More Photos
See more 2017 Ford F-150 photos here.
