Ford's 2013 F-150 Lariat displays its new grille.
By most measures, it should be a tough year for the full-size pickup truck market. Yet even when fuel prices were running at near-record levels, earlier this spring, demand for the big rigs was running hot. And that means Ford may be perfectly timed for the introduction of its updated 2013 F-Series line.
The 2013 pickups won’t see near as dramatic an update as they did in recent years but there are some notable revisions, nonetheless, including some bold new grilles, added technologies and an all-new luxury model dubbed the Limited.
Ford pulled the covers off the new 2013 F-Series models during a conference of the Future Farmers of America, in Bruceville, Texas. No surprise, perhaps, as the agricultural community has traditional been one of the strongest markets for full-size pickups.
“Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. “For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models.”
Demand for the F-Series has remained strong despite rising fuel prices -- in part because of Ford's two V-6 options.
The new grilles on the 2013 F-Series models can be complemented with the newly-added HID headlamp, the first time these high-intensity lamps have been offered in the pickup segment.
Interior designs have also been updated for the upcoming model-year, starting with a new 4.2-inch multifunction LCD display screen. Ford’s popular Sync infotainment system is now offered as an option – and becomes standard on the XLT series and above – with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report, and a suite of other services from real-time traffic to horoscopes also available.
On premium models, including the King Ranch and the new Limited, Ford offers a larger 8-inch display with MyFordTouch as well as redundant knobs for many basic infotainment functions.
A bigger 8-inch LCD display with Sync and MyFordTouch is offered on Lariat, King Rang and the new Limited versions of the F-Series.
But what may remain the big selling point for the Ford F-Series going into 2013 is the continued availability of two V-6 powertrain packages. For years, that might have seemed anathema to full-size truckers but the six-bangers have accounted for more than half of F-Series sales for over a year, now, and few expect that dominance to end anytime soon, even with fuel prices falling slightly since early April.
The base 3.7-liter V-6 still makes 302 horsepower and can handle up to 6,100 pounds towing. It gets 17 mpg in the City cycle and 23 on the Highway, according to the EPA – in 4×2 configuration.
The up-option 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, meanwhile, churns out 365 hp and, at a rated 11,300 lbs, matches the tow rating of the F-Series’ big 6.2-liter V-8. The EcoBoost’s mileage, meanwhile, is listed at 16 City, 22 Highway, almost 25% better than the V-8.