This Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 2012 seems like a whole lot of truck for the money, considering a loaded-like-this F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado usually comes in closer to $50K if memory serves. I like the big pickups from Ford, Chevy and Dodge. With this particular sample, it's all about the EcoBoost engine. Why should one consider an EcoBoost instead of a V8? With this stout twin-turbo V6 you have the ability to tow up to 11,300-pound if that is what you need. When you're not towing and the turbos aren't always spooled up, you should get more than 20 mpg on the highway. Show me another light-duty truck that will give you that kind of mileage and towing capability.
The rest is all pretty standard F-150 stuff: The seats are comfy with tons of room in the cabin, and the truck looks good both inside and out. The cloth seats were fine, switches and knobs and such are where they are supposed to be—all good.
Would I miss the V8 growl? Maybe. But it's hard to argue with this truck's towing capacity and fuel economy.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: When you need a serious piece of machinery to do some serious hauling, you turn to…a V6-powered pickup truck? Yes, indeed, I'd argue, after an overnight hauling operation that required this turbo V6-engined F-150 to pull a loaded 12-foot cargo trailer and 45 cases of bottled water—1,215-pounds worth—in the truck bed. That's a mountain of Ice Mountain, folks.
How'd she do? Nothing short of spectacular, with plenty of power to pull even from a dead stop and facing an uphill grade on launch. The engine never really seemed to strain, but pulled steady and strong across the power band, without any turbo lag or unusual lurching or sudden, unexpected downshifts. What's the best part? With all that weight on board and sitting on the hitch, the F-150's somewhat bouncy road manners settled in and seemed to smooth the road and ride right into submission. Just when I expected a lot of rocking horse bobbing over bumps and dips, instead the truck and trailer just flowed over the imperfections. It was truly impressive.
Though I'm still looking for the switch to shut off the rear obstacle detection (it may still be beeping for all I know), I did note that, even without a navigation/MyFordTouch/Sync screen in the center stack, Ford wisely included the backup camera display built into the rearview mirror. This is a must for anyone who plans to pull a trailer, even once or twice a year.
These trucks aren't cheap, but when it's time to do a man's job, the F-150 can certainly man up.
Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew 2012
Base Price: $37,965
As-Tested Price: $43,100
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6; 4WD, six-speed automatic
Output: 365 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,687 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 17/28.4 mpg
Options: XLT chrome package including P275/65R18 Owl all-terrain tires, chrome step bar, 18-inch chrome clad wheels ($1,595); XLT convenience package including power adjustable pedals, Sync voice activated systems, power driver seat ($995); max trailer tow package power package including max trailer tow, heated, telescoping and folding mirrors ($940); EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine 7650-pound GVWR package with select shift transmission, 36-gallon fuel tank ($895); off road package including 3.73 electronic lock RR axle, skid plates ($695); XLT plus package including power sliding rear window, rear defroster/defogger, reverse sensing system ($495); rear view camera ($450); cloth bucket seats with console ($300), satellite radio with six-months of service ($195); keyless entry pad ($75); XLT convenience chrome package savings ($-1,500)
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121115/carreviews/121119912#ixzz2CNNSm2J6
