New for 2016

The 2016 Ford F-150 has several significant upgrades, including safety improvements that enhance frontal crash safety, the return of the luxury Limited trim and a Special Edition Appearance package for the Lariat and XLT trims.

2016 Ford F-150 Combines Performance and Luxury

The Ford F-150 is an iconic vehicle in Ford’s lineup. It’s been the best-selling pickup in the United States for more than 40 years, demonstrating the reliability and long-standing reputation of the brand.

In 2015, Ford relaunched the F-150 with a new all-aluminum body that cut approximately 700 pounds from the weight of the truck. The 2016 Ford F-150 keeps the new lightweight frame and adds several significant updates to give the truck a more luxurious feel.

In particular, Ford has revived the top-of-the-line Limited trim for 2016, allowing drivers to enjoy luxury features such as LED headlights, remote start, a panoramic sunroof and various technological enhancements. New safety features also protect occupants from being harmed in collisions.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Ford F-150 comes with a choice of powerful turbocharged engines. The turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is the most fuel-efficient option, offering city/highway fuel mileage of 19/26 mpg.*

Drivers who plan to use the truck for towing large loads may prefer the extra power provided by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, which also offers a good fuel efficiency of 17/24 mpg for city/highway driving. The maximum towing capacity of the 2016 Ford F-150 is 12,200 pounds. Anyone who needs to tow even greater loads should consider Ford Super Duty trucks, which can be equipped with a super-powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Reviewers have noted that the transmission and steering of the 2016 model are very responsive. Despite its large size, the F-150 is quite nimble on the road. Like the 2015 model, the 2016 Ford F-150 has electric power-assisted steering, which adds to its agility. The lightweight aluminum body also makes this truck more agile than other trucks of a similar size.

Some reviewers criticized the F-150 braking as being oversensitive. However, others noted that the aggressive engine braking is extremely useful when towing or hauling because it can bring even a very large load to a quick halt.

Features and Trims

The new Limited trim adds a number of luxury features to the Ford F-150. This top-of-the-line trim comes with a variety of high-tech options, including a system that helps the driver stay in-lane during highway driving, a 360-degree camera system and dynamic trailer hitch assistance. The Limited trim also has a panoramic sunroof and remote start.

Other trims available for the 2016 Ford F-150 are the XLT and Lariat. Both these trims offer an optional Special Edition Appearance package that enhances the look of the truck.

Drivers also need to choose between Regular Cab and SuperCab or SuperCrew models of the Ford F-150. Regular Cab models seat three people, whereas SuperCab and SuperCrew can seat up to six. The Regular Cab 2016 Ford F-150 starts at a price of $26,730 for the basic model.**

Design

The exterior design of the 2016 Ford F-150 is similar to previous generations of this classic pickup truck. Like the 2015 Ford F-150, the 2016 model has a lightweight aluminum body, in contrast to older, heavier models in the Ford F-Series.

Inside the cab, drivers find an impressive range of standard features. These include satellite radio and automatic dual-zone climate control. The rear seats provide plenty of legroom, while the front seats are comfortable and roomy.

The 2016 Ford F-150 is one of the first Ford models to come with SYNC 3, the most recent generation of Ford’s touchscreen driver interface and infotainment system. SYNC® has simplified graphics and controls compared to previous versions, as well as improved voice recognition.

Safety

The Regular Cab and SuperCab models of the Ford F-150 have received an important safety upgrade for 2016. Ford has added a special brace structure to the front of each cab, leading to much better performance in front crash tests. In fact, both 2016 models earned a top safety rating in tests conducted by the Insurance Institute.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Ford F-150 builds on the success of the 2015 F-150, offering a similarly lightweight chassis in combination with a powerful EcoBoost engine. New on the 2016 model are safety features that reduce the risk posed by a frontal crash, as well as improvements to the SYNC® infotainment system.

To find out more about the new features of the 2016 Ford F-150, contact Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands to arrange a test drive.

* EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

** Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. Price ranges based on MSRP of base model to top model and do not include optional equipment not included on those models, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title or registration.

Image: Ford Motor Company