WORKIN’ IT Despite the lengthy list of pricey variants, we were nonetheless wowed by the capability of the basic F-150 work truck.
We were not as misty-eyed about the carryover six-speed automatic. Executive editor Mark Rechtin experienced an abundance of gear hunting uphill, whereupon it stayed in sixth gear downhill and would only downshift in Sport or Tow mode. Associate online editor Alex Nishimoto also experienced weird gear choices—he once downshifted to second in Sport mode downhill at 40 mph. Some liked the start/stop system, but others found it a bit harsh and felt it paired better with the 10-speed.
It was a pretty resounding win. Nothing really came close.
Our entry truck has less ground clearance and no four-wheel drive, so it could not get to our washed-out quarry of choice for the dirt-drifting shenanigans that the four-wheel-drive F-150s enjoyed.
The XL is a champ with a trailer. It weighed less than the trailer it towed (not to mention the smaller Colorado) but tied for the second-fastest quarter mile while laden and was a handling master on the skidpad. Features editor Christian Seabaugh was impressed. “The little 3.3 has zero trouble towing its 5,000-pound trailer,” he said. “Tow/Haul mode keeps the gears low and the engine roaring. No shift shock. Rock solid and stable. Super easy to park this trailer, too.”
The bare-bones truck has a boxed steel frame, a locking removable tailgate, pickup box tie-down hooks, trailer sway control, hitch assist, hill-start assist, and curve control standard.
