Since 1981, the Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States, and is the second best-selling automobile of all time, trailing the Toyota Corolla. And with reason, the F-150, the most common version of the F-Series, is highly versatile and has something to offer nearly every full-size truck shopper. This week, I am in America's most popular vehicle, decked out in fine leather and a drivetrain that is both powerful and fuel efficient. Let's look at the Ford F-150 King Ranch.
Today's F-150 remains part of the 14th generation of F-150s that came out in 2021. While its silhouette and aggressive grilles are instantly recognizable, its aluminum-alloy body design is more traditionally utilitarian compared to its competitors, mainly the boxy GM twins and the bold Ram. Seems that being slightly conservative from the rest has paid dividends for Ford.
One thing that makes the F-150 so appealing is the various ways it can be had. It is available in nine different trim levels, three cab styles and three bed lengths. And there are four different engine options to pick from, not including two that are trim-level specific (Raptor and Raptor R).
The King Ranch that the tester arrived as, is one of two top-tier luxury trim levels available, the other being the Platinum. Going with the King Ranch, the F-150 cabin is decked out in special rich leather that emits a luxurious vibe. Ford has been in partnership with King Ranch since 1999, and the King Ranch logo, the "Running W", is boldly shown in the cabin of the F-150, reminding its occupants of the special F-150 that they are in.
Luxury aside, the F-150 is all about the work and convenience features it has to offer. Not only is the cabin big and comfortable, but it can be used as a place to do office work. For example, at the touch of a button, the gear shift lever can be folded flat into the center console to create a large flat workspace- almost like having your own desk at your side. Or if you find yourself working too hard and need to take a nap, the new F-150 can be ordered with fold-flat front seats to be used for sleeping.
Raptor versions aside, the F-150 is offered with two different turbocharged V6 engines as well as a V8. And they also offer a hybrid powertrain, called the PowerBoost. The PowerBoost powertrain consists of Ford's twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, along with a 35-kilowatt electric motor. Combined, the two make an impressive 430 hp and 570 lb-ft. That setup allows the F-150 to hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Two-wheel drive versions of the F-150 with the PowerBoost engine is rated at 24 mpg while four-wheel drive versions should bring in about 23 mpg. Regardless of which engine you opt for, all are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Driving the PowerBoost F-150 feels a lot like the 3.5 EcoBoost- except the fuel gauge doesn't move as quickly. Go easy on the gas pedal and the F-150 can drive in EV (electric vehicle) mode, but do more than breath and the gas engine kicks in.
And just because the PowerBoost F-150 is economical don't think it has gone soft in terms of work duties. It's capable of towing 12,700 pounds and has a payload of 2,120 pounds - both impressive numbers.
Once at the worksite, the F-150s job isn't done. The Pro Power Onboard system allows the F-150 to play generator and lets you charge and use household-style plugs in the bed of the truck, including power tools, tailgating accessories and even small appliances. Three different power ratings are available, but the most powerful, the 7.2-kilowatt system, is only available with the PowerBoost powertrain.
It doesn't take long to understand why the F-150 is so popular. Not only does it do everything well, but it can be configured to meet one's needs. In the case of my King Ranch with the PowerBoost engine, it s a case of luxury meeting power and being combined with fuel efficiency. It's a matter of being all things to all people.