To say Ford has a lot riding on the F-Series pickup is a gross understatement. The full-size trucks are some of the most popular models for the automaker, representing between 600,000 and 800,000 units sold each year. While those numbers include the entire F-Series lineup, made up of the Super Duty models and the half-ton F-150, much of the sales can likely be attributed to the F-150. I say “likely” because Ford doesn’t publish the breakdown between the two classes. Still, the F-150 is an immensely popular truck.
That’s why it was so critical for Ford to nail its next-generation F-150. Completely remade from bumper to bumper, save for some carryover powertrains, the new-for-2015 F-150 took the leap into aluminum, ditching its steel body for high-strength tin foil.
Well, calling it tin foil might not be accurate. Ford will quickly point out the aluminum used on the F-150 is “military grade” stock. While that sounds great, the basic premise is this: the truck is lighter without its strength being compromised. Much of that strength doesn’t actually come from the aluminum, however. The F-150’s new frame is comprised of high-strength steel. Fully boxed, the frame is stronger than before, yet weights nearly 60 pounds less than the 2014 F-150’s frame.
All this is designed to let the F-150 do work. Configured correctly, the pickup truck will haul 3,270 pounds of cargo and tow 12,200 pounds worth of trailer. Those are numbers one-ton trucks like the F-350 couldn’t match a decade ago.
Despite those outrageous numbers, the F-150 is no stripped-out tractor. In fact, I had the chance to sample Ford’s range-topping trim level for the 2015 model year, the Platinum. While 2016 is bringing the even-more-luxurious Limited trim, the Platinum rivals the best mid-level luxury sedan in terms of comfort and equipment.
Let’s take a look
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