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The 2018 Ford F-150: Pro’s & Con’s

About 75,000 drivers purchase Ford F-150s across the U.S. monthly, making the pickup an industry favorite and best seller. In fact, World Report and U.S. News has named it the best full-size pickup and the vehicle has been given additional honors, including Autobytel’s Choice Award for Best Truck, and truck of the year by New York Daily News – just to name a few.

If you are in search of a new vehicle and looking for a pickup truck, you may want to consider the2018 Ford F-150. Year in and year out, this model consistently tops the best of the best lists when it comes to full-size pickups.

The 2018 model has a refreshed exterior with two-bar front grille that is new, as well as updated shape taillights and headlights with added LED accents. Ford has included new wheel designs on this vehicle, with sizes that range between 17 and 22 inches.

The 2018 Ford F-150 also now has, for the first-time ever, a diesel engine, and there have been enhancements made to last year’s engine to offer heightened torque and power. Additional new features on the F-150 include a wireless hotspot, and premium Bang and Olafson sound system. Some active safety features within the truck have also seen improvements.

Think the Ford F-150 might be for you? Below are some pros and cons to purchasing the pickup.

Pro’s

Towing and Hauling Capacity

The Ford F-150 has a best in class hauling and towing capacity. If you are looking for a pickup for power there simply is no better option than the 2018 F-150 model. Class leading, the truck offers 13,2000 lbs and its maximum payload is 3,270 lbs.

Its Cabin

This year’s F-150 can carry anywhere from three to six people, depending on what trim is chosen. Standard options can come with cloth interior upholstery, but vinyl or leather is an upgrade option. Power-adjustable functionality, bucket seats, as well as heating and cooling and massage capabilities can be upgraded; and the rear seats and steering can be heated as well. Those who are looking for a little luxury with their pickup truck need not look any further: the F-150 is the way to go. While the base model is well, basic, models that are fully loaded meet those luxury needs with everything from a push-button start to power moonroof. Sky’s the limit when it comes to luxury and the F-150.

Enhanced Driver Assistance Features

Safety features is a big draw when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle these days, and the 2018 Ford F-150 is well equipped with these and includes some upgrades to the new model as well. Some of these are: pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection and enhanced stop-and-go technology added to the adaptive cruise control. The F-150 also has a 360-degree camera system, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, active parking assistance, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Engines

Drivers have a vast array of choices when it comes to F-150 engines. The base model has a 3.3-ltr V6, with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Clients are given the choice to upgrade between a turbocharged, 2.7-ltr V6 EcoBoost that gives 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque; or turbocharged 3.5-ltr V6, which provides 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Those who decide on the Raptor trim F-150 will get an off-roading experience in the form of a turbocharged 3.5-ltr V6 that gives 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Ten-speed automatic transmissions come with all these upgraded engines.

Off-Roading

The F-150 offers a truck that is customized with off-road tuned suspension, locking-rear differential, as well a hill-descent control. If you choose the Raptor, drivers can adjust driving modes based on road conditions and gain advantage within the truck’s non-skid beadlock rear wheels.

Safety Ratings

The F-150 pickup was awarded the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety Top Pick designation. It has yet to be crash-tested by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, but when this does happen, the truck is expected to hit and/or exceed last year’s five-star overall safety rating.

Bed Lengths

This year’s Ford F-150 is available in three bed lengths to choose from, depending on what model you pick. They are: 8-foot, 6.5-foot, and 5.5-foot; however, size does not matter when it comes to the F-150 and functionality. Regardless of bed length, drivers still gain access around features, which entail making hauling easier with loading ramps (that can be stowed), LED lighting, movable tie-downs, as well as a tailgate step.

 

Infotainment System

Let’s face it, infotainment systems are all the range and the 2018 Ford F-150 provides something incredible when it comes to this fun new-model feature. Easy to use and offering tons of functionality, Ford’s Sync3 system allows a driver to connect their smartphone device by using either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and provides a wireless hotspot for up to ten devices. Also available within the Ford F-150’s infotainment system is Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, and an eight or 4.2-inch touchscreen.

Handling

The pickup is shockingly nimble for a pickup of this size and its able to take even the sharpest of turns with composed and smooth ease.

Cons

Base Model And Features

The 2018 Ford F-150 offers a base model that’s affordable; however, the features aren’t as great when one compares them to other pickups in their competitive category. Base models on this year’s F-150 only include a radio and basic climate control.

Can Be A Rough Ride

Those that choose this pickup with the larger wheels’ option will get a little bounce when driving rugged roads and some added sliding if the bed is not full. These tend to be pronounced when drivers decide on the off-road package.

Competition Comparison

While there aren’t many full-sized pickups that are as amazing as this year’s Ford F-150, two are comparable, and they are the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado. Both have great cabins with incredible amenities and features, yet don’t equal out when it comes to the capabilities the F-150 encompasses.

 

So, there you have it! A complete list of pros and cons to think about, as you ponder around the decision of bringing home your very own 2018 Ford F-150. While the vehicle is undeniably one of the best in its class, it still may not be the pickup of choice for everyone.

Purchasing a new vehicle can be an expensive investment and a daunting task; however, knowledge is power, and with the right information, drivers can feel good around the choice they make.

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