Ford proves the accuracy of its badge—Built Ford Tough—with the 2016 F-150. The F-150 is a heavy-hitter among the light-duty sector, with a max GVWR of 7,850 lbs and a 12,200-lb max towing capacity. Also available on the 2016 F-150 is Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes navigating trailers more intuitive and alerts you to obstacles via its advanced rearview camera technology. The F-150 is constructed of a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body wrapped around a high-strength steel frame, keeping it light and tough. Its NHTSA 5-star safety rating shows that Ford puts its customers—both individual and commercial—first.
Ford’s F-series has 38 years under its belt as the best-selling brand of trucks and it just gets better with age. The 2016 F-150’s engine offerings leave little more to be desired, providing fleet managers with plenty of options. The four-engine lineup offers exceptional power-to-weight ratio, which means the 2016 F-150 outperforms its predecessors. It boasts better ride, handling, and braking—attributes that can lead to safety, comfort, and—above-all—driver retention.
Featured Image: All new 2016 Ford F-150 lives up to the “Built Ford Tough” badge with its military-grade aluminum alloy body and high-strength steel frame.
Above: New features, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Dynamic Hitch Assist make towing and hauling a piece of cake.
BELLY OF THE BEAST
In order to start talking about performance, there’s one thing you need to know upfront: the 2016 F-150 has dropped around 700 lbs. This translates to a greater power-to-weight ratio for faster acceleration and greater pulling power. The F-150 offers four engines:
- The 2.7-liter EcoBoost offers “the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any gas-powered light-duty pickup,” according to Ford’s website. This engine puts out 325 hp at 5,750 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Features of this engine include twin turbochargers, CGI upper block and cylinders, twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), aluminum lower block and cylinder heads, variable displacement oil pump, and Auto Start-Stop technology.
- The 3.5 EcoBoost Ti-VCT V6 offers more power, while still delivering noticeable fuel economy. This engine puts out 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. Features of this engine include twin turbochargers, direct-injection technology, and Ti-VCT.
- The 3.5 Ti-VCT V6 boasts unsurpassed standard V6 EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for a light-duty pickup. This engine puts out 282 hp at 6,250 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm.
- The 5.0 Ti-VCT V8 is designed for every day, heavy hauling. This engine puts out 385 hp at 5,750 rpm and 387 lb-ft of torque at 3,850 rpm. Features of the engine include Ti-VCT technology and CNG/propane gaseous engine prep package.
The 2016 F-150 comes with a standard electric 6-speed closed-ratio transmission, which improves power delivery. Tow/haul mode allows the pickup to use engine braking to control speed when going downhill. Available SelectShift automatic feature comes with two modes: progressive range select and full manual.
WITH GREAT POWER COMES…
High performance suspension and braking systems for the 2016 F-150 are engineered and tuned for agility and maneuverability. The F-150 features an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a wider track. The wide-track Hotchkiss-designed rear suspension with shortened, widened retuned 2-stage leaf springs offers superior ride quality, stability, and control. By staggering F-150’s rear shocks, Ford was able to reduce the effects of solid rear axle hop. Combine that with having mounted the rear shocks outboard of the frame rails and you get a smooth ride with reduced body lean and improved cornering.
This F-150 is not just an easy ride—it’s made to work. With such features as stowable loading ramps; LED box lights; flexible, configurable class-exclusive BoxLink system; class-exclusive remote tailgate release; and class-exclusive integrated tailgate step with lift assist, this pickup’s bed is made to haul your payload—up to 3,270 lbs.
More than a hauling truck, the 2016 F-150 demonstrates superior towing skills. On top of the new Pro Trailer Backup Assist, F-150 provides Dynamic Hitch Assist, a line-of-sight guide to help direct your hitch ball to the trailer receiver. Trailer Sway Control and Trailer Brake Control also help with trailer stability and truck/trailer brake synchronization, respectively. Smart Trailer Tow Connector further assists with towing safety and accuracy, informing you of trailer connectivity issues, including burned-out or unlit trailer marker lamps, brake lights, and trailer battery problems.
The 2016 F-150’s cab is maximized for comfort and convenience.
BRAWN, SAFETY, AND A TOUCH OF INNER BEAUTY
Ford built its 2016 F-150 to live up to “Built Ford Tough” standards. Its class-exclusive military-grade aluminum alloy body is the same grade of aluminum used in the aerospace industry. Ford chose aluminum alloy because of, among other things, its resistance to dents and corrosion. “Our goal in building the next generation of the Ford F-150 was to set the industry bar for durability for years to come. It’s a goal that required a commitment to over 10 million miles of cumulative torture-testing—in labs, at proving grounds, over high-altitude passes, and through desert valleys—while hauling huge loads and towing heavy trailers at temperature extremes from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit,” Ford’s website explains.
This F-150 has a 5-star overall NHTSA crash test rating. With a high-strength steel frame featuring eight crossmembers, advanced restraint system with dual-stage airbags, and safety belt pre-tensioners added to the belt anchor side, the F-150 makes sure that the safest part of the pickup is its crew. To take it a step further, F-150 utilizes Curve Control to help you maintain control when taking a curve too quickly.
The 2016 F-150 comes with a few new interior features, as well. A 110V/400 watt—300 while driving—AC outlet powers floodlights, recharges cordless power tools, and recharges batteries. The beltline of the doors have been lowered and front pillars moved forward for increased visibility. The SuperCab offers 170-degree swing-out rear doors for easy loading and unloading, while both the SuperCab and SuperCrew offer a fully flat load floor. Vehicles equipped with available center console have nearly twice the front-row storage room as the previous generation. Offering more interior room than the previous model and a center console nearly two inches wider, this F-150 is the definition of driver comfort.
LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL FEATURES?
The 2016 F-150 offers a slew of available features. The 360-degree camera with Split-View Display provides maneuvering assistance. Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert monitors blind spots, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning slows your vehicle down when approaching traffic. Expanding upon F-150’s safety features is a Lane-Keeping System that sends an alert—vibratory pulses in the steering wheel, plus visual indicator—if you start to drift into another lane when the turn signal has not been activated. For enhanced safety and maneuverability, Active Park Assist is available to help you parallel park when needed. But no ride is complete without a little inner technology. Voice activated SYNC technology allows you to use mobile devices hands-free, control apps, choose music, and much more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Find out more about the 2016 Ford F-150 by talking to your local Ford dealer or visit
www.ford.com/trucks/f150.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: JANUARY 2016 ISSUE
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