When Ford announced it was re-engineering the F-15o pickup with a fully aluminum body atop a steel frame a couple years ago, it shook up the automotive industry. It was a bold move for the automaker involving its most successful vehicle.
But, in an effort to remove weight and improve fuel economy, Ford went ahead and gave the world a largely — and large — aluminum pickup with the 2016 F-150.
When I say the F-150 is successful, I’m understating history. It’s the top-selling pickup of all time and remains on top of the sales chart year after year. In fact, according to what statistics you check, the F-150 is the hottest selling vehicle in the world — with worldwide consumers buying as many as three trucks per minute.
Also: NAIAS 2016: Ford Tears Up Detroit with New F-150 Raptor
So, re-creating the very core of the truck with an all-new aluminum body was somewhat of a risk. While Ford wouldn’t want to mess with the F-150’s sale figures, the company also boasts a strong commitment to eco-design — constantly developing new engine technology, recycled materials and any improvement that can make any of their vehicles more environmentally friendly. That philosophy led to aluminum wrapped around steel.
Does the change improve the truck’s already well-received handling? Does the already benchmark truck end up with improved fuel economy? Would the vehicle maintain those sales figures?
To answer those questions, I had two opportunities to test drive the pickup in its Platinum and XLT trim levels. Buyers can also buy in with XL, Lariat, King Ranch and Limited versions. But, I was less interested in the subtitles of these variations and focused on the driving experience.
There is no major consumer pickup that drives as smoothly or as comfortably as the F-150. For a vehicle of its size, it’s remarkably easy to maneuver at speed or in restricted spaces. The easiest way to describe the F-150 in motion is that it feels as though you’re driving a car or any smaller vehicle. There is no more effort or driver consideration needed beyond the recognition of the truck’s length.
The engine providing that power varies in overall power from 282 to 385 horsepower. The price tag climbs with the horsepower ratings and onboard technology from $26,430 all the way north to $58,770. On the lower end, the buyer gets the smaller, turbocharger-aided EcoBoost V6 – while big spender in need of more towing and torque reach for a V8.
With that aluminum body, average mpg numbers from 19 street to 26 highway. Those are improvements over previous years, so mission accomplished there.
The truck’s interior is as comfortable as its ride. With styling perfected by Ford’s master designer Anthony Prozzi, the cab’s aesthetic is an infinity away from the barebones trucks of generations passed. Overall features depend on the trim level as always, but even the base truck features power everything, infotainment, power steering digital readouts, etc. It’s these essential high-tech flares that keep the F-150 at the top of the pickup mountain.
As for how the truck buying world reacted to the arrival of this unique aluminum creation, I think you’ll find the F-150 remained number one in its class for 2015 and is cruising toward a similar performance this year with its new generation.
