A Truck for Every Driver, Every Budget
Ford has been the truck sales leader in the U.S. for decades. Still, competition keeps Ford engineers always at the drawing board. There’s something for any type of truck owner across a wide range of budgets thanks to Ford’s vast range of configurations.
The F-150, all-new in 2021, offers six engine choices, ranging from the standard 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 to a torque-rich turbo-diesel on up to a 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8. A new addition is a 430-hp, turbo 3.5-liter V-6 gas-electric hybrid. Then choose from six trim levels and regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) configurations. Our tester was the XLT (one step up from the base) SuperCrew with the 5.0L V8 engine. Starting with an MSRP of $43,804, it had a little over $11K in upgrades for a total sticker price of $57,540.
Off-road vehicles are a hot segment where even the legendary F-150 Raptor now has a viable contender. Yes, a new Raptor R is coming this year but for a different kind of off-roader, the introduction of the F-150 Tremor® was first. Raptor is inspired by desert racers, and although capable of rock crawling, it is primarily tuned to go fast over any type of terrain. The F-150 Tremor® combines capability to tow 10,900 pounds and a payload rating of 1,885 pounds with true off-road prowess. This one is the rock-climber with upgraded suspension and driveline hardware, increased suspension travel, approach, breakover, and departure angles plus standard rear locking differential and available front Torsen limited-slip differential. In addition to standard Hill Descent Control, Tremor also features available new off-road technologies such as enhanced Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist. All versions feature a F-150 Raptor-style bash plate, off-road running boards, a unique hood and grille with Active Orange highlights and unique trim and technology packages. All F-150 Tremor models are configured as SuperCrew cab with a 5.5-foot box, four-wheel drive, and the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Our tester was the mid-level which added just over $6K to the MSRP of $49,505. With trailer tow package, the Torsen differential, Pro Power OnBoard power generator, Co-Pilot 360 Assist and a few other add-ons, it was priced at $63K.
A new Ford Ranger is due for the 2023 model year, poised to compete with the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and all-new 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-sizers, but first to launch in the category of what we’d term “unconventional trucks” was the 2022 Maverick, an affordably priced unibody construction compact pickup with a standard hybrid drivetrain good for 40 mpg in the city, yet still with an impressive payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and standard towing capacity of 2,000 pounds or optional 4,000-pound upgrade. Ford says it hopes that the economical Maverick won’t just be a customer’s first truck – they’re going after brand newcomers. The 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat comes with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine. But our tester had the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas-only engine which is the only way to get all-wheel drive. The gas engine with the 4X4 and just a few option upgrades was $30K.
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