Ford F-Series review: big truck has what it takes to find local success

Big American-style pick-ups with six-figure price tags are taking over our highways. We get behind the wheel of the world’s biggest seller before it arrives in local showrooms.

The word “iconic” is arguably the most abused and overused adjective in the English language.

But in the minds of most Americans, Ford’s F-Series has probably earned the descriptor.

It’s notched up more than 40 million sales over fourteen generations and has been the number one selling pick-up truck in the United States for 46 years. In fact, it’s been the number one vehicle overall for more than four decades.

In Australia, we have similar tastes, although we’ve traditionally liked our utes a size smaller. The Toyota HiLux has been the top-selling vehicle in the country for the past seven years, while the F150’s little brother, the Ranger, is number two on the sales charts.

That appears to be changing, as Aussies dig deeper into their pockets for bigger, brawnier pick-up trucks.

Ford’s F-Series goes on sale later this year. Picture: Supplied.

Sales of pick-up trucks costing more than $100,000 doubled in the first six months of this year, as well-heeled buyers flocked to the RAM 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado. The imminent arrival of the F-Series and Toyota’s Tundra is likely to continue the growth.

F-Series deliveries begin this quarter and we managed to secure a preview drive of the big truck in its natural environment, the North American countryside.

Driving out of Toronto, Canada, we headed to Baysville, a couple of hours north.

Our test vehicle wasn’t the same specification as Australian-bound models, but it was close enough to get a feel for how the big truck handles the great outdoors.

Australian-spec F150s will be powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 putting out 298kW and 678Nm through a ten-speed auto.

The Ford F-150 undergoing local testing. Picture: Supplied.

The vehicle we drove had the hybrid version of the V6, which puts out 316kW and 772Nm.

Both engines are more than capable of towing 4.5 tonnes, which is a tonne more than the Ranger and HiLux.

On the freeway, the V6 purrs along at ridiculously low revs, rarely breaking a sweat on steep hills thanks to the auto’s wide spread of ratios. It almost feels like a diesel, although it’s much quieter, more refined and more responsive when pressed.

The 10-speed auto is equally adept at navigating traffic, plucking higher gears as soon as possible to save fuel.

The hybrid is no fuel-sipper, though. The label claims about 10L/100km on the US fuel cycle, but we saw 12s after a trip that was mostly freeway and open road.

The rest of the package is impressive. The suspension has been tuned for comfort rather than cornering ability but a combination of nicely weighted steering and decent body control makes the big truck predictable and confidence-inspiring through the bends, despite its heft and high centre of gravity.

The big Ford is surprisingly capable and easy to drive. Picture: Supplied.

The cabin of the F-Series has acres of space in the rear and big, comfortable seats up front.

Our test car was closest to the Lariat, which starts at a fraction under $140,000, and includes heated and cooled leather-accented seats, a large tablet-style centre touchscreen, a digital driver display and voice-activated satellite navigation.

Other luxury items include a twin-panel sunroof and a booming 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

There are also thoughtful touches for the tradie, including a fold-out tray for laptops, power outlets, a step in the tailgate and wireless phone charging.

The XLT, which will start at $106,950 plus on-roads, has cloth seats, a smaller centre screen and fewer creature comforts, but delivers the same functionality of the more expensive model.

Two models will be available in Australia. Picture: Supplied.

The F150’s driver assistance tech is comprehensive and well calibrated, offering assistance when needed without overbearing beeps and tugs at the steering wheel.

Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera on the Lariat are a welcome addition for navigating the big Ford through shopping centre carparks and narrow city streets, which can be a nerve-racking experience at the best of times.

After more than 500 kilometres behind the wheel, it’s easy to see the appeal of the F-Series in the right environment. For people who love the great outdoors and want to tow big boats and caravans, the big American truck is comfortable, composed and capable.

But if you’re looking at buying one to show off in the suburbs, you’ve got more dollars than sense.

Originally published as Ford F-Series review: big truck has what it takes to find local success