2015 Ford F-150 SuperCab 4x4 XLT: Returns As The Gold Standard For Large Trucks

 

Highlight: This is the first all-aluminum vehicle in the fullsize truck segment.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $45,725

Base Regular Cab 4x2: $26,615 (base model)
Base SuperCab 4x2: $30,675 (base model)
Base SuperCrew 4x2: $33,130 (base model)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; roll stability control; curve control; hill start assist; a jack; spare tire carrier; a trailer sway control; grab handles for front occupants; a SOS post-crash alert system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (base SuperCab 4x2 model): a 23-gallon fuel tank; a 170-degree rear doors; a capless fuel filler door; a removable tailgate with lock; four pick up box tie downs; a 17-inch aluminum wheels; a/c; cruise control; dome light; dual note horn; an illuminated entry; an outside temperature display; a power tailgate lock; powerpoint 12v; a rear wiper activated headlamps; a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and Ford’s signature infotainment SYNC system

Options On Review Model: a rear window defroster; a satellite radio; a rear back up camera; 3.55 rear axle ratio; a trailer tow package; power folding rear with glass; remote start; left side mirror spotlights; a tailgate step; a 23-gallon fuel tank; LED box lighting; chrome step bar; chrome wheels; a sprayed-in bedliner; and cloth 40/20/40 seats

SuperCrew Trim Levels:

XL
Lariat

Other Non SuperCab Trim Levels:

Platinum
King Ranch

Payload: 1,910

Towing: 11,900

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD

Bluetooth Connectivity:  Available

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000-mile warranty

Powertrain Warranty:  5 years or 60,000-mile warranty

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder/325-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/26-hwy

What’s New: The F-150 is the industry’s first all-aluminum full size pickup truck. Ford switched to an aluminum body structure, making the truck lighter and more fuel efficient, without sacrificing durability.

Pros: Ford’s aluminum truck is available in a variety of configurations, powertrains and price points. Because of the aluminum, the overall weight of the truck is lighter, which leads to an increase in fuel economy. With Ford’s F-150, truck buyers can opt for a regular cab, a super cab or a crew cab with either one of three 6-cylinder engines, an 8-cylinder engine, a 4x4 or a 4x2. Like all full size trucks, this workhorse is available with either a 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot bed. And depending upon one’s cash flow and attended use, the F-150 can be configured with a variety of options.

Some of those features include a power locking rear tailgate, a 360-degree camera, available integrated loading ramps, available LED headlamps (and tail lamps), an available 400-watt audio system, LED spotlights on the sideview mirrors, the brand’s next-generation steps which are fully integrated inside the tailgate, a dual panel sunroof, a new 8-inch infotainment screen, LED lighting embedded in the walls of the truck bed, rear under seat storage for valuables and a deployable box side step.

The F-150 is also available with a variety of safety driving aids: second-row inflatable seat belts, curve control to provide more aggressive braking for 4x4s, an automated cruise control system, an available lane-keeping assist system and an available blind spot electronic lane changing system.

We had an opportunity to review a XLT 4x4 outfitted with the optional EcoBoost 2.7-liter, 6-cylinder engine. Now while the truck lacked many of the high-end luxury amenities like leather seats that can be found in the top end Lariat trim, it didn’t disappoint, as it relates to the ride and handling capabilities. In fact, the premium priced Cadillac Escalade, which is also based-off of a truck platform, doesn’t soak-up the road as well as the all-new F-150.

The brand’s signature Ecoboost engine, which pushed out 325 horses, while offering 375-lbs of torque, is a workhorse. It was hard to believe that this wasn’t an 8-cylinder vehicle, as opposed to a 6-cylinder engine.

Cons: The only concern from some critics is that we’re not really sure of the true cost would be to repair the aluminum vehicle in case of body damage. 

And the other major concern is when will a diesel be available in the F-150 model? Ram offers a diesel in its 1500 trim, which greatly enhances the fuel mileage.  In fact, the Ram 1500, with the diesel offers the best fuel economy in the class. With the diesel, one should expect a healthy $4,000 price tag, too along with more horsepower.

Verdict: Ford’s all-new F-150 continues to be the gold standard for the large truck segment. The F-150 offers a variety of price points, powertrains, trim levels, cab configurations and high-tech safety aids that place the vehicle ahead of the competition.

Added to that, the F-150 offers the perfect balance of riding and handling capabilities that makes one feel that they’re behind the wheel of a car-based crossover as opposed to a pick up truck, whether the vehicle is off-road or towing a heavy load. With the F-150, it’s obvious that Ford has another homerun on its hands. Even with a refreshed Titian coming to the market soon, Ford continues to offer many segment firsts in this ultra competitive segment, especially with the lower gas prices and the rebound in the construction industry.

Competition: Chevy’s Silverado 1500 Double Cab 1LT, Ram’s 1500 Quad Cab SLT , Toyota’s Tundra Double Cab SR and Nissan’s Titan King Cab SV
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