In the 1960s, Ford became known for its ‘Better Idea’ slogan. And while not every idea created sustained customer satisfaction, there’s no denying that the Ford F-Series line of pickup trucks outsells every other brand today. The newly redesigned 2024 Ford F-150 carries on that ‘Better Idea’ spirit, recently revealing two significant updates for the upcoming model year. 

Ford reveals two significant updates for the 2024 F-150

A recent press release from Ford describes the foundation of the ‘Better Idea’ slogan and the history of innovation surrounding its F-Series line of pickup trucks. The press release describes several past innovations already available on F-150 pickups, such as:

• Best-in-class towing capacity, up to 13,500 pounds, and payload up to 2,455 pounds
• Up to 7.2kW of exportable electrical power
• A full suite of driver-assist features
• Comprehensive trailer towing and hitching technology
• Ford’s SYNC4 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen
• A 12-inch gauge cluster screen behind the steering wheel

A new standard engine offering is the first update of particular interest to entry-level F-150 buyers. The second update is the available “Pro Access Tailgate.” Here’s a little more detail on both updates.

The 2024 Ford F-150’s new standard engine

While the 2024 Ford F-150’s new standard engine isn’t exactly new to the lineup, it was only available on lower trims as an upgrade option. For 2023, Ford provided the 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque as the standard engine in the XL and XLT trims.

With the deletion of the 3.3-liter engine, the 325-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 with 400 lb-ft of torque is now the standard engine for a larger segment of the 2024 F-150 lineup. That’s an increase of 35 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque for those keeping score at home. 

The 2024 Ford F-150 Pro Access Tailgate

Ford’s press release mentions a long history of tailgate innovation, starting with the Model A. Tailgates evolved from simple stamped metal and wood designs held in place by hooks and chains to modern assemblies with electronic locks, integrated steps, and powered raise and lower mechanisms.

Ford’s newest Pro Access Tailgate offers a swing-out gate with a 100-degree maximum opening for easier access to the contents of your truck bed, especially when towing. The Pro Access Tailgate provides soft-stop detents at 37 degrees and 70 degrees to hold the gate open in tight quarters when needed.

In addition, the Pro Access Tailgate still functions as a typical tailgate, using the truck’s key fob to open and close it. 

How do the 2024 Ford F-150 updates measure up as ‘Better Ideas’

It’s not likely that Ford’s decision to do away with the 2023 3.3-liter V6 in favor of the more powerful 2.7-liter it already used on some trims qualifies as a ‘Better Idea’. While more power is almost always better, the 2.7-liter was already an option on the XL and XLT trims, and the base price of the 2024 F-150 will likely reflect the upgrade to the once-optional powerplant. 

However, the new Pro Access Tailgate, while not standard across the F-150 lineup, does represent the fundamentals of a ‘Better Idea’. While tailgates with various access points aren’t new, Ford’s approach solves a number of problems encountered by pickup truck users. 

What do you think of Ford’s updated F-150? Is the Pro Access Tailgate a “Better Idea?”