The 2009 Ford F-150 is redesigned, gaining power, passenger room, and numerous new features. A 248-hp 4.6-liter V8 replaces a 202-hp V6 as the base engine and comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 292-hp version of the 4.6 and a 320-hp 5.4 V8 are also available, both matched to a 6-speed automatic. The 5.4-liter V8 is capable of running on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Available are rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive that cannot be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing for off-road use. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Three cab styles are again offered: regular cab, which deletes its former rear access doors; SuperCab extended cab, with rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts; and SuperCrew crew cab, which has four conventional doors and gains six inches in length, mostly benefiting rear-seat legroom. Cargo beds include 5.5-, 6.5- and 8-foot Styleside beds and a 6.5-ft Flareside bed. Seven trim levels are offered: base XL, sporty STX, off-road-oriented FX4, midlevel XLT, uplevel King Ranch and Lariat, and new line-topping Platinum. Rumored for later in the 2009 model year is the Raptor, an off-road-oriented model powered by a 6.2-liter V8. Newly available features include a hideaway side step for access to the pickup bed, a tailgate step, a retractable cable lock to secure items in the bed, and a capless fuel filler. New electronic devices include Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system, a voice-activated navigation system that includes real-time traffic information, a rearview camera, a built-in dashboard computer with available printer, a tool inventory system, and a vehicle tracking device for fleet users. Also new is an SFE (Superior Fuel Economy) package for 2WD models with the 292-hp 4.6 V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. The package includes low-rolling-resistance tires and a different axle ratio for a 1-mpg increase in the EPA highway fuel economy rating. Maximum payload capacity is 3030 lb on regular cabs, 2650 on SuperCabs, and 1760 on CrewCabs. Maximum towing capacity is 11,300 lb on all models. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.