• Ford presents the updated 2024 F-150 pickup on the eve of the 2023 Detroit Auto Show.
Detroit, MI – Whenever Ford makes any kind of changes to its F-150 pickup, it's big news. This is, after all, the best-selling vehicles in North America, and has been for ages.
The current generation was introduced for 2021. Three short years later, the Blue Oval automaker is already giving it a series of upgrades, both in terms of equipment and styling. To stay ahead in this segment, this is just par for the course.
For the occasion, we took a short detour to Detroit for a preview of this revised 2024 F-150.
Design and conception
With an update, there are always aesthetic changes. This is the case this time, but we're also going one step further with the addition of new conceptual features.
Like the optional Pro Access tailgate. Since GMC launched its multi-function tailgate, Ram has taken its own approach, and even Ford has gone so far as to offer integrated rulers and surfaces to facilitate work on the interior.
Here, we go one step further with the possibility of opening the tailgate from the side. Note, however, that we're not talking about a complete opening, but rather a portion cut out of the center of the tailgate. As our photos clearly show, we've simply integrated a door inside the assembly, allowing easy access to the body. And to prevent the door from flapping in the wind (and bumping into anything in the vicinity), the design features three stops. So it can open and remain stable at 37, 70 or 100 degrees. Of course, the tailgate can still be lowered in the conventional way.
Dividers can also be added to the body, and with the box lid, everything is designed to fit neatly together, so much so that a small boot can be created in the rear of the body.
Options, and more options, to offer consumers more. This is the very nature of a war between manufacturers, a merciless struggle in which, at the end of the day, the winner is generally the one who offers the most, the one who innovates the most.
Note that this body still benefits from the functionalities of the Pro Power OnBoard system, which allows the connection of electrical appliances. This is one of the F-150's strengths. The base capacity is 2.0 kW. With the hybrid variant, it's 2.4 kW, with the option of boosting this to 7.2 kW.
At the front, the grille has been reworked, and each variant offers its own specific features. Ford talks of a “coast-to-coast” design, a way of saying that from one side to the other, the front grille is integrated within the same block. There's even been talk of a retro influence with this design. In a way, it recalls the treatment given to the model when it was redesigned for 1997.
Powertrains of the 2024 Ford F-150
Under the hood, the only change is the disappearance of the base engine, a 3.3-liter V6. This is simply replaced, where it was offered, by the 2.7-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder, a mill that Ford simply describes as more powerful and more frugal.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is also available, in both regular and hybrid configurations, not forgetting the high-performance version reserved for the Raptor model. The R variant of this model still benefits from its 5.2-liter supercharged V8, which Ford promises to be the most powerful in its class. We can therefore guess that it will offer more than the 702 hp of the Ram 1500 TRX.
And yes, the valiant 5.0-liter V8 is still on the menu, for those who want a more traditional pickup.
As you can see, it's always a case of “my dad's stronger than your dad” in this category. And that's fair enough.
2024 Ford F-150 variants
The menu features virtually the same equipment as last year. The offer begins with the XL proposition, followed by the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Platinum Plus, which replaces the Limited.
There's also a newcomer, the STX FX4, offering a more affordable off-road solution. Of course, speaking of which, the Tremor and Raptor models are obviously back, with more skills than ever.
In the case of the former, the big news is the availability of a modular bumper that facilitates the installation of accessories, including a light strip that can be grafted on for off-road driving. The cameras serving the vehicle's driving aids have also been relocated so that their operation is not impaired by the addition of front-mounted equipment. The winch, capable of pulling 12,000-lb loads, can still be installed by Ford at the front. The Tremor team is working on other accessories that will eventually be added to the catalog.
The Raptor model features new Fox Dual Live dual-valve shock absorbers. These also offer rebound control, which promises to keep the vehicle more planted and stable on the road, when riding becomes more aggressive off-road, and even on asphalt. More control is guaranteed with this position-responsive compression. It should be noted that these are present when 37-inch tires are selected (rather than the standard 35-inch units); they are optional with the Raptor, standard with the Raptor R.
Technology and safety
Onboard, all F-150s now feature two 12-inch screens: one for the instrument cluster, with graphics and animations unique to F-150 and its special features, and another for the multimedia system. The latter features the Sync4 system as standard.
For driving aids, ten functions come as standard, including a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, as well as blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts. Ford also adds an Exit Alert, where the driver is warned if a vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian is about to pass by.
Then, in an interesting addition thanks to the Ford Pass app, the owner of a 2024 F-150 will be notified if someone attempts to steal their vehicle when they are not present. It will of course be possible to immediately alert the authorities, but also to deactivate functions that will make life more difficult for criminals.
Otherwise, the F-150 continues to offer the functions that have helped build its reputation, such as hitch assist, reverse assist in towing situations, and the Blue Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. This too will benefit from upgrades for 2024.
In short, we could go on at length about each of the vehicle's variants and functions. No other type of product in the industry is so richly varied.
That said, Ford says it has simplified the model configuration process by 90% compared to 2023, without sacrificing the quality of the offering. A lot of standard features have been added. However, in passing, some popular options can still be chosen individually, such as the panoramic roof, the driver's seat that can be converted into a bed, different axle ratios, as well as mirrors designed for towing.
The 2024 Ford F-150 will be available to order tomorrow, and is expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2024.
Keyword: 2024 Ford F-150: Evolution in Continuity