Ford has revealed the updated version of its F-150 pickup in the US ahead of an Australian arrival in late 2024.
The updated Ford F-150 has subtly tweaked exterior and interior styling, as well as more tech and convenience features.
“In Australia, we’re looking forward to first deliveries of right-hand drive MY23 F-150 making their way to customers in coming weeks. The updated model will come to Australia, and can be expected to start arriving in late 2024,” said a spokesperson for Ford Australia.
On the outside the updated F-150 has a restyled grille, bumpers and lighting elements. There are also more three-dimensional tail light elements.
New on the updated F-150 is the Pro Access Tailgate, that’s essentially an swing gate integrated into the regular fold-down tailgate that can open all the way out to 100 degrees.
This trick tailgate is conceptually similar to the Chevrolet Multi-Flex tailgate offered on the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC MultiPro tailgate available on the GMC Sierra and Hummer EV pickup, as well as the Ram Multifunction Tailgate offered on the Ram 1500.
The F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate avoids hitting the tow bar when opening, and it also allows owners to access items in the tub more easily. There’s also an available rear step to make getting up in the tub simpler.
A regular fold-down tailgate is still also available.
Inside, the entire Ford F-150 range now comes with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. There’s also an available head-up display.
The updated pickup gains Ford BlueCruise 1.2, which includes autonomous lane change functionalities. New F-150 customers can purchase this driver assist system as an annual or monthly subscription at either vehicle purchase, or after a 90-day free trial.
The updated F-150 Tremor receives a new optional front bumper with an integrated Warn 12,000-pound winch. There’s also an available light bar which is integrated into the grille.
The updated F-150 Raptor on the other hand receives new Fox Dual Live Valve shock absorbers, claimed to provide a “more confident, controlled riding experience”. There’s also now the option of 37-inch tyres.
In the US the Ford F-150 the standard 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine has been dropped. The range now opens with the EcoBoost 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6.
All the other engine options remain unchanged. These comprise the EcoBoost 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, 3.5-litre EcoBoost hybrid, 3.5-litre High Output twin-turbo V6 in the Raptor, 5.0-litre V8, and a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 in the Raptor R.
The current, 14th-generation F-150 was only revealed in 2020, and it’s finally going on sale in Australia during the third quarter of 2023.
The pre-update model will continue to be offered until 2024 not only in Australia, but also in North America.
The first Australian-spec examples of the current F-150 recently arrived locally and are currently in the process of being converted from left- to right-hand drive by RMA Automotive in Mickleham, Victoria.
Australian orders for the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado rival opened in February.
The local, pre-update F-150 range currently start at $106,950 before on-roads for the XLT SWB in Australia, and extends to $140,945 before on-roads for the Lariat LWB.
Two trim levels will be offered in the F-150 locally, both of which can be had in either short- (3683mm) or long-wheelbase (3987mm) guise. Regardless of which length you opt for, the F-150 will feature a two-row crew cab in Australia.
Unlike its American pickup rivals with their V8 engines, the F-150 will be powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. The EcoBoost V6 makes 298kW of power and 678Nm of torque.
With a braked towing capacity of 4500kg, the F-150 matches the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 when it comes to claimed heavy hauling ability.
The pickup will be backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and will be sold and serviced through the Ford Australia dealer network.
Ford Australia is aware of the F-150 Hybrid, Raptor, V8, and all-electric Lightning options. It hasn’t ruled out bringing them Down Under, but only once the remanufacturing process is established and demand for the EcoBoost has been proven.
MORE: Everything Ford F-150