3 Things Car and Driver Loved About the Ford F-150
We’re always happy to see a new Ford on the market, especially the esteemed F-150. In 2018, Ford updated its popular pickup truck with new safety features, more powertrain options, and higher towing capacity to beat out its competitors. For this model year, both the Limited and Raptor trims got a few touch-ups, including a high-powered Ecoboost engine.
Most of its rivals got a redesign for 2019, but there are no outstanding exterior differences on the newest Ford F-150. However, when it comes to power, it’s what’s under the hood that counts. Here are some of the things Car and Driver loved the most about the 2019 F-150 and how it measures up to the competition.
A great lineup of engines
No matter what kind of job you need to accomplish, the F-150 probably has an engine to accomplish it. Drivers can choose between six different engines across the available models. The base offering is 3.3-liter V6, which delivers good handling and power, but doesn’t demonstrate the full potential of the truck.
Some of its more high-powered options include a 5.0-liter V8, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, and a 2.7-liter V6 Ecoboost. The most powerful engine, reserved for the Limited and Raptor trims, is a turbocharged V6 with a power output of 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. With this engine and the optional Tow Package, the F-150 can tow up to 13,200 pounds.
Comfy interior and cool upgrades
Nowadays, trucks have more luxurious interiors to compete with smaller, sportier cars. Cloth upholstery is standard, but drivers also have the option to upgrade to more comfortable vinyl and leather interiors. The F-150 has one of the roomiest cabins of its class and there’s a lot of legroom in the backseat as well.
The front seats have a lot of additional comfort options, including heating, ventilation, power-adjustability, and even massaging. The steering wheel and backseats can also be heated. Wi-Fi connectivity is available, and you can also get a USB port for your wireless devices.
GMC Sierra
The Sierra offers almost as many engines as the F-150. Its base engine is a V6 4.3-liter capable of 285 and 305 lb-ft of torque. If you want something with a little more power, there’s also a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. However, even when fully loaded, its maximum towing capacity is a little less than the F-150 at 12,500 pounds.
Ram 1500
In terms of interior comfort, Ram has probably stepped it up the most out of any pickup truck. Vinyl upholstery is standard as opposed to cloth. It also has two types of leather upgrades, as well as all the seat functions available to the F-150. The Uconnect infotainment system is standard and the interface is highly user-friendly.
There’s a lot of interior storage space as well, plus a spacious cargo bed with RamBoxes on the side. Its most powerful engine is a little underpowered compared to the F-150’s turbo V6. The 1500 got a Hemi 5.7-liter engine with a power output of 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque.
Chevy Silverado
The Silverado doesn’t have as many interior comforts as its rivals, but it still has a lot of extra space after the redesign. There are many engines to choose from, including a new turbocharged four-cylinder capable of 310 and 348 lb-ft of torque. Almost all of its engines are outfitted with stop-start technology, which improves the truck’s fuel economy. Additionally, C/D reported that its suspension gave drivers a more comfortable ride compared to the F-150.