Acceleration

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	6	6	6	5.2

F-150's V6 has adequate power for commuter duty, but it struggles with even modest loads. The 4.6 V8 has decent acceleration and works well enough for light-duty hauling. Its stronger 5.4 is well-suited to heavy work, but it trails Dodge's Hemi V8 for overall power and GM's 5.3 V8 for refinement. With the 4.6, the transmission tends to rush upshifts and delay downshifts, frustrating passing response and hilly terrain driving. No Harley-Davidson models have been made available for testing.

Fuel Economy

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
3	2	2	2	2.7

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCab averaged 13.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Extended-use-test 4WD 5.4 Lariat SuperCrew averaged 13.2 mpg in a city/highway mix over 7435 miles. All engines use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.7

Firm always, but reasonably comfortable and composed over big dips and swells. Still, even mildly rippled surfaces induce jiggles and shakes, though minimally so in SuperCrews. Typical of pickups, the tail can hop on rough roads without some weight in the bed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

Firm, responsive steering highlights capable handling, though F-150 is big-pickup ponderous in tight quarters. Optional traction control is a plus for 2WD V8 models. Powerful brakes have good pedal modulation.

Quietness

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.5

A very quiet truck. Engines are subdued while cruising; road and wind noise is low at highway speeds.

Controls

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6.3

F-150's gauges are handsome and well-placed, but a bit small for some testers. Controls for audio, automatic climate systems are slightly undersized vs. rivals'. The turn-signal/windshield wiper stalk is too short for easiest use. No F-150s with the navigation system have been made available for us to test.

Details

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
4	6	5	6	5.3

Cab decor ranges from spartan in the XL to luxurious in the leather-trimmed Lariat, King Ranch, and Harley-Davidson. The console-mounted transmission shift lever is made of hollow-feeling plastic and feels flimsy to move. Assembly quality has been good, and our extended-use 4WD Lariat SuperCrew wore well.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.1

The seats are a bit flat but comfortably firm. Ample headroom and legroom. Seats in the regular and extended cabs have integrated seatbelts; crew cabs use traditional pillar-mounted belts. Tall step-in, but big doors allow easy entry and exit. Outward visibility is unobstructed.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
0	4	4	8	4.9

Extended cab is okay for occasional adult use, but the crew cab is much more accommodating. The seats in both are nicely padded. Angled backrests add to comfort, as does the optional power sliding rear window. Swinging doors in SuperCabs don't open wide enough for easy access to the rear seat.

Cargo Room

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
2	5	4	5	5.3

No opportunity to evaluate the Cargo Management System. Helper springs make the tailgate easier to close but complicate removing it. The regular cab's unique rear doors are handy for accessing behind-seat storage. SuperCab's rear-seat cushions flip up for extra cargo space but leave seat-frame corners jutting into the cargo floor. All models have extra-large map pockets in all doors, but rival trucks have larger, more accessible console bins. Available overhead storage system makes adding post-purchase accessories a snap.

Value within Class

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
6	7	8	7	6.7

Without available curtain side airbags and limited availability of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement, the F-150 lacks some important features available on its rivals, all of which are newer designs. This Recommended pickup deserves consideration, however, for passenger room, refinement, and on-road composure. A wide range of models and features, combined with competitive (and frequently discounted) pricing further bolsters this big truck's appeal.

Total Score

2WD XLT reg. cab, 4.6 V8	2WD Lariat SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8	4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8	Class Average
46	57	56	61	58.3

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		39
Average Score		58
High Score		70