2016 Ford F-150 - Review and Road Test

When America’s best-selling vehicle undergoes a revolutionary overhaul, it’s kind of a big deal. Ford seized the opportunity and skillfully crafted one of the most hyped-up truck launches in history. So, has the latest F-150 lived up to its lofty expectations? KBB’s Zach Vlasuk finds out in this video.

For the latest Ford F-150 pricing and information:

[mqbitsko]

I'm a Toyota guy. I test-drove a supercab 4x4 F-150 with the tiny 2.7L V6 on a whim, primarily to laugh at it. In all honesty I hadn't read anything about them. I didn't even know it was made of aluminum.

An hour later I drove away in my new truck. Amazing machine. One correction, though: I WAS a Toyota guy. Not anymore.

[gregoryfaulkner]

All of these shown features are lots of extra $$$ in an F150. I can say from first-hand experience, that if you don't want or need a $35K-$62K pickup; if you don't need extra seating space; if you don't need 4WD that is both expensive and adds lots of weight; you don't need or want a long bed; and if you don't need a high axle ratio which keeps the RPM higher for highway cruising for extra towing capability but worse mpg--there is still an F150XL regular cab, 2wd, short bed, with 3.31 reg rear axle with all the same important technologies as the ones shown in all these reviews, for a competitive price and great fuel economy. I can say first hand that the all-new 2.7 Ecoboost paired with the same configured truck that I've listed above (or a version not so heavy, not so tall, and not so high geared) can get near the EPA combined estimate of 22 mpg with a light foot.

So my point is that the real advantage of a Ford over its competitors is in the regular cab XL version, because here is where Ford offers their most advanced engine, that will achieve the top of the range for fuel economy and also near the top in horsepower and torque, which means no sacrificing capability and performance or fuel economy at under $30K. As of this writing, none of the competition has an answer for this at any where near this lower price point. The 2.7 Ecoboost is a small premium of less than $800 added to a $26K base price. The Ram on the other hand, gives one a torque weakling V6 standard, a gas-guzzling Hemi as an option for not much more money, but does not allow consumers to get the amazing Ecodiesel until one chooses extra seats that he or she may not need or want, and requires a minimum price at or about $38K. GM does provide a direct-injection V6 that is somewhat advanced, but it's not as advanced as the twin-turbo Ecoboost, and as such it comes in pretty low-end torqueless by comparison.

Most reviews illustrating the 2.7 Ecoboost sort of hide the best suit for this engine, because most all are with the super crew (four big doors), most all include 4WD, and most all have a version with higher gearing than the standard 3.31 reg rear axle. The 2.7 can handle this extra weight and mass and higher gearing no problem, but much of the fuel economy potential goes away as the turbos stay on boost too often in both in town and highway driving, as it has to work harder. But the $27.5K truck that I bought a couple of months ago, which includes chrome trim and some important convenience features like cruise, power glass and doors, and remote keyless entry; is returning me an average of 23 mpg so far.

[clauswolter]

Just bought a used 2016 xlt with 5 liter - love it!! - mine has crew cab (whatever biggest cab is called) and short bed - AND one thing you didn't mention as an option - a 36 gallon fuel tank!!!

[edwardmtl]

i have one, lariat fully loaded and it's amazing in every way.

[justonp]

Love everything about this truck. My only complaint is that the higher trim levels are not available with the Bench Seat and Column Shift... I would probably go with the 5.0 V8 as a more traditional engine as well.  

[grahamcouture]

You showed two F-150s with 5.5' boxes when you said that it comes with either a 5.5' or 6.5' box.

[pinky]

Would love to have one of the base models however, I still enjoy my 1988 F-150 with the I6 and 5 speed 4x4. Truck only cost me 800 bucks lol and drives great. Just has about 30% rust on it.

[macleod]

Nice review. I just bought one and have to agree, its the best truck Ive ever owned by far....and I was a Dodge guy.

[mikek]

I just picked up the f150 platinum, it's all that and a bag of chips.

[jasonx]

im a GM guy thru and thru, and will probably never buy anything but a GM.  That being said, this is a very good looking and impressive truck.  Ford is stepping it up big time.  im a huge fan of 1970s model Ford trucks, but since then theyve been lacking.

[gabipaczolay]

I really really want this pickup! The Ford F-150 turned me into the biggest truck fan boy ever! Too bad I'm only 19 and a poor college student :(
Nice review nonetheless

[anthonybush]

I have a 2016 xlt 5.0 sport and love it.

[shelbyedward]

Just left a 2011 ram 1500 for a 16 f150. 4 minutes in and you nailed the ride steering and braking to a t.

[Rockport]

I can see that these trucks hold there value very well, especially in areas where the roads get saltet.
Theoreticaly this truck can live forever....

[robertm.]

Here we are in 2020 and it seems everyone wants a 2016 F150 2.7 eco boost. Best truck ever built! NO IM NOT SELLING MINE!! Amazing truck. Get your own..

[Toolaholic]

Expensive truck to fix.$800.00 a piece for the taillights, has a sensor built into them.There was a test done, hit one box side with a sledge hammer, did a cobble job fixing it.Aluminum is twice the money to fix body work wise and has to be done right.Plus you can't put a heavy snow plow on them, 500 pounds max and Western made a plow for the 2015 F150 which is under 500 pounds.

[opwave]

I wish they talked more about towing and hauling.  Would've been nice to hear about how the truck fared on a 500 mile journey, towing a 16' boat while loaded with 4 large suitcases, 3 tackle boxes, 5 deep sea fishing poles, a crab pot, and an ice chest full of beer.  

[kylefitzgerald]

Good review! Except for other things! Like the ram that f-150 beats it no problem I mean ride in the ram little nicer but the ram has a car suspension in it so I would rather buy a truck that I can tow and haul stuff. The chevy well improved but still cheaper then ford. Also my cousin just bought an 2015 ford f-150 lariat fx4 he loves it so much more then his 13 ram. But hey everyone has a perspective. I am just putting mine out there.

[jab]

I think that tailgate step is a bit risky. If you miss that step and your foot goes in between the step and gate....that will hurt at best.

[dankuettel]

Start/Stop "technology" is so damn ridiculous