Ford Got The 2018 F-150 Right

If you think modern full-size pickup trucks are big and dumb, you’re only partly right. Case in point, this F-150, might be big, but it is not dumb.

Quite the contrary, Ford has approached this generation F-150 as a literal test bed, switching its bed and cabs construction from steel to lightweight aluminum, helping improve fuel economy and performance. Inside the aluminum body is a seriously functional cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the armrests are well-positioned.

Storage and Interior

There’s lots of door storage space and a huge bit of storage in the center console. Upfront, you’ve got a couple of itemized spots where I guess you can put your wallet. There is more storage up top on the dash for nicknacks. The F-150 is a little like an industrial loft. It is a great place to live and work.

The F-150 comes in regular, super cab, and super crew layouts, but the super crew is definitely the play for carrying people. Legroom is outstanding, unlike the cozier super cab. A flat floor means sitting in the middle position is not some sort of punishment and easy flip-up seats mean you can store your gear safely inside away from the elements and thieves. And the under-seat channels look like they’re expertly crafted to carry, I don’t know, large shipments of wine. Maybe my mom needs an F-150.

Of course, cabin plushness varies by trim. The basic XL trim comes drenched in easy-to-clean plastic, but higher trims offer increasingly luxurious appointments. Nothing caps a hard day on the job like cooled and massaging seats…I’m assuming. Just because I am reviewing this car doesn’t mean I own one with said features.

Bed and Options

The F-150’s bed is a perfectly functional space to haul stuff, but it should be noted that a damp tailgate does not come standard. The 2018 F-150’s tailgate drops old school. There is also the optional tailgate step. It does make it easier to get in and out of the bed, and setup takes just a few seconds. For more effortless bed loading, check the option sheet where you’ll find pop-out side steps, integrated loading ramps, a bed extender/divider, a damped remote release tailgate, or an assistant closing tailgate with an integrated step.

As a big capable truck, you might expect the F-150’s road manners to be unrefined, but that’s not the case. There are the typical live rear axle jitters over bumps, but ride quality is good. The brakes feel confident, and interior noise is suppressed unless I have my drink in a cupholder and it is making a squeaking sound. A slow steering ratio and a comparatively wide turning circle make confined maneuvering challenging. Still, if you’ve got the dough, the options list makes nearly every aspect of driving much much more manageable.

There’s a 360-degree camera system for confident parking, automatic Park Assist for effortless parking, and Pro trailer backup assist that makes backing up a trailer as simple as turning a knob. On top of that, there’s full-range adaptive cruise control, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and blind-spot monitoring that even accounts for a trailer.

Engines and Hauling

Where engine choices are concerned, there are plenty, including an eager and reasonably efficient 3.3L V6, a 2.7L EcoBoost v6, a 3.5L EcoBoost v6, and for those who hate forced induction, a naturally aspirated 5L V8. The base V6 features a 6-speed automatic, but the rest of the lineup uses a 10-speed unit that knocks out nearly undetectable shifts.

Standard on all engines is a fuel-saving automatic engine start/stop system though you’ll need to deactivate it on hot days to keep the air-conditioning working at stoplights. To exploit the F-150’s 13,200-pound maximum tow capacity, choose the 3.5L, but for less extreme towing, we highly recommend the 2.7L EcoBoost. The two-seven will tow 8,500 pounds, costs less, and it returns the best fuel economy in the F-150 lineup.

Shopping the F-150 and Your Other Options

Given the loyalties of truck buyers, you probably already have a brand allegiance. Still, if you’re curious, the full-size pickup truck field includes the Chevy Silverado, RAM 1500, Nissan Titan, and the Toyota Tundra. Each entrant has its strengths, but the Ford stands out as exceptionally well suited to the needs of truck buyers.

The Ford F-150 is smart, capable, and ruggedly styled. In essence, it does all the things a pickup truck should do, and it does them really well. It’s also a handy reminder that innovation comes in all sizes.

Tags: 2018, 2018 Ford F150, f150, ford, lariat, xlt
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