2010 Ford F-150: Road Test
2010 Ford F-150 ▼
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- MSRP: $21,380 - $45,835
- Invoice: $19,981 - $41,200
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Our road test for the 2010 Ford F-150 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Ford F-150 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Ford F-150, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Ford F-150 help you decide if a 2010 Ford F-150 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Models with the 5.4-liter V8 engine and 4WD are the only 2009 F-150 examples made available for testing so far. These trucks have good acceleration away from a stop, in around-town driving, and in highway passing. The 6-speed automatic transmission kicks down quickly under part-throttle application, but downshifts are sometimes delayed when the throttle is floored. One test truck suffered from rough upshifts from low speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD SuperCab with the 5.4 V8 averaged 14.6 mpg. Also with the 5.4 V8, a 4WD SuperCrew averaged 16.0 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. All engines run on regular-grade gas. The 5.4 V8 can also run on E85 ethanol.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Smaller bumps are easily absorbed, but even moderate-size ones are followed by a reverberation that's typical in pickup trucks. The tail end can hop on rough roads without some weight in the bed--also typical of pickups.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Firm, responsive steering complements capable handling to make the F-150 among the more agile-feeling in this class, but like other big pickups, it's ponderous in tight maneuvers. Brakes have good pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Overall very quiet for a pickup, but F-150 still suffers noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Gauges are easy to read but might seem small to some drivers. Audio and climate controls are mounted high, just out of easy reach, and basic functions aren't absorbed by the optional navigation system--a plus.
DETAILS
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5.4 |
Lower-line models are rather stark inside. Even though the tested uplevel Lariat has few padded surfaces, it features faux wood and aluminum trim that helps dress up a two-tone cabin, which looks about as good as hard plastic can.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.4 |
Plenty of room on comfortable, supportive seats. Step-in is high, particularly on 4WD models, but large doors and available running boards aid entry and exit. Visibility is generally good in SuperCab and SuperCrew models--the latter aided by side pillars that are thick, but now mounted 6 inches farther rearward--but the regular cab, which forfeits its former access door, has huge rear pillars that block a lot to the back corners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 9 | 5.5 |
SuperCrew adds about 4.5 inches of legroom over last year's model, leaving abundant space for the largest occupants, even with the front seats all the way back. A wide seat and flat floor allow easy three-abreast seating. SuperCab's seatback has been further reclined to aid comfort--which it does--and there's enough headroom and legroom for an average-size adult as long as the front seats aren't pushed far back.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 6.1 |
SuperCrew's rear-seat cushion can be folded up to reveal a wide, flat-floor load space along with handy grocery-bag hooks. Cabin small-item storage is quite good, the huge center console and a few small bins making up for a tiny glovebox. The cargo bed can be outfitted with dual side rails that can host adjustable tie-down cleats, removable bins, a bed divider, and a collapsible bed extender. Other accessories include a retractable cable lock for tools or equipment, and a computerized tool inventory system so that needed tools aren't accidentally left at the shop or job site.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 7.6 |
The redesigned F-150 is improved in almost every way. Ford paid particular attention to the needs of SuperCrew buyers and commercial users--which together make up the vast majority of sales--and it shows. Surprisingly, Ford still doesn't offer a 4WD system that can be left engaged on dry pavement, but in most other regards, the F-150 is a strong competitor and a must-see for those shopping full-size pickups.
Total Score
| 4WD XLT SuperCab, 5.4 V8 | 4WD Lariat SuperCrew, 5.4 V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 58 | 67 | 63 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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