For 50 years running, the Ford F-150 has been Canada’s bestselling vehicle, but Ford isn’t resting on its laurels. For 2016, it’s adding unique new features and new trim levels to increase its mass-market appeal.
The aluminum-bodied pickup gains Ford’s latest Sync 3 infotainment system that adds pinch-to-zoom capabilities, updated graphics, and Siri Eyes Free – but not Apple Car Play. Also new is Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows drivers to steer hitched trucks easily into place using an intuitive dash-mounted knob. The system works on trailers and loads of all sizes, and works up to the F-150’s max towing capacity of 5534 kg (12,200 lbs).
Ford is also offering one new trim, and two new special edition packages. The XLT Special Edition Package adds 20-inch wheels, red-accent seats and steering wheel, dark exterior graphics, dark grille, running boards, and smoked headlamps. The Lariat Special Edition includes all of the XLT’s equipment, but trades the mesh grille for a red-accented grille. Also new is the F-150 Limited, the plushest, most expensive F-150 yet – it adds fine Mojave leather upholstery, genuine wood and aluminum trim, quad-LED lights, powered running boards, and a remote tailgate release, not to mention every bell and whistle normally optional on other F-150s.
The F-150, like most half-ton trucks, is offered in an immense number of configurations. Regular and Super (extended) cabs can be paired to 6-1/2’ or 8’ boxes; the SuperCrew cab can be had with either a 5-1/2’ or 6-1/2’ box. Powertrain choices include a 2.7-litre turbo V6 with 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 with 282 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0-litre V8 with 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.5-litre turbo V6 with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. XL, XLT, and Lariat trims come standard with 2WD (4WD optional), while King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited get standard 4WD. All use a six-speed automatic. Towing capacity ranges from 2268-5534 kg; payload from 658-1483 kg.
The 2016 F-150 starts at $25,299 for the base XL Regular Cab with 3.5L V6 and 2WD, and spans to $75,499 for the Limited SuperCrew with 3.5L turbo V6 and 4WD.
