Eco trucks: they’re a thing now, with the big-three automakers all peddling their own breed of fuel-saving, emissions-reducing truck tech. The RAM trucks offer an EcoDiesel option, GM pickups offer EcoTec power, and before both of those, Ford began fitting EcoBoost powerplants to their F-150.For the latest version of this pickup sales superstar, the EcoBoost engine range has been expanded and enhanced to give shoppers even more choice.
The 20
15 Ford F-150 is the latest iteration of Ford’s popular pickup, this time around offering new design and technology, a handsome new look, key F-150 attributes, and a strong focus on reduced fuel consumption and enhanced performance with no compromise. In addition to gas-saving powertrains, a lightweight aluminum body slashes hundreds of pounds from the F-150’s weight, helping it avoid ripping through its fuel supply like an orbit-bound rocket thruster.
The latest F-150 starts in the mid-twenties, and climbs well past $60,000 for a top-line model with all of the goodies. The tester, an FX4 Super Crew with a heap of optional equipment, came in around $55,000.
Featured here was the newest F-150 powerplant: a new EcoBoost V6 with a tiny-for-a-truck 2.7 litres of displacement. Given the size, one might think it’s got about as much torque as a wristwatch, but twin-turbos work towards V8-like performance with 325 horsepower, and more importantly, 375 pounds of torque, available right off of idle.
FX4 models get a added off-road equipment , with tougher shocks among the upgrades. The off-road calibration turned in a relatively relaxed ride on smooth roads and highways, and maintains comfort levels on uneven city streets, too. On the really rough stuff, including washboards and washouts on my favorite backroad, the ride can become busy and abrupt, though rugged and manly overall. Test-drivers should examine ride quality on the roughest available road to be sure they don’t find it uncomfortable.
Note that the FX4 system also includes a selectable rear differential lock, which reduces the tendency of a single rear wheel to spin on a slippery surface, and ensures both rear wheels partake equally in getting the F-150 moving.
Horsepower and torque are the bragging figures for most truck guys, but this new F-150 might start getting them to think “Power to Weight Ratio”, because the little EcoBoost will keep right up with most of the big V8’s out there. It’s also effortless, cruising in traffic at light throttle while hardly breaking 1,500 revs and making barely a peep.
Mileage landed at 14.6L/100km in my late 
winter test of a not-yet-broken-in tester, and included plenty of use of the 4×4 and remote start systems.
Steering is notable, too—likely on account of the reduced weight and some revised calibrations, F-150’s steering now feels expertly matched to the size, weight and tuning of the machine.
Other notables? The halogen lighting system is very decent, and the brakes feel powerful, though the pedal lacks much meaningful feel and could be more precise to inspire more confidence during emergency stops.
There’s little we haven’t seen before in the F-150’s box: it still has a step built into the tailgate so you can hop up and do your truck-guy things more easily, if you like. There are steps built into the side for easy access to your cargo which theoretically pop out after you give them a kick, though they failed to work on my test-drive, probably because they were frozen.
A slick new power sliding rear window modernizes the look with a clean, frameless design, and a dual-pane moonroof lets in plenty of rays on nice days and makes the monster cabin appear even bigger than it already is. Equipped thusly, and adding in the tall windows and windscreen, it feels like you’re driving a big glass box.
A few thoughtful feature touches add more appeal. Favorites included the bright LED spot lights on the side mirrors for perimeter lighting or illumination of after-dark jobsites, and the pair of household power outlets on board to help keep things charged up.
Elsewhere, look for a massive rear seat area on the Super Crew model, complete with space galore and flip up or fold-down capabilities, depending on the task at hand.
F-150 is far from the market’s only option in a pickup truck that promises decent fuel mileage. Your writer also recommends the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, since it’s a torque monster which gets silly-good mileage, if you cough up the extra cash for its pricey diesel engine. The new generation GM pickups turn in very decent mileage from their conventional EcoTec V8 engines, which don’t cost extra, like that EcoDiesel, or the EcoBoost.
If you’re driving one, be sure to drive all three. This is a great segment to be shopping in these days.
Check out a full photo gallery here.
2015 Ford F-150 EcoBoost
Engine: 2.7 litre V6, twin turbo, 325 horsepower
Drivetrain: 4×4
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Features: LED perimeter and box lighting, SYNC system, downhill assist control, remote start, household power outlets, heated seats, full driver computer
What’s Hot: Powerful and efficient engine, numerous thoughtful feature touches, positively massive cabin, solid and tough ride
What’s Not: Inconsistent responses from Ford Sync infotainment system, some drivers may find the FX4 model’s ride too busy and stiff
Starting Price (F-150 4×4 SuperCrew): $41,549