Ford F-150 2024 review

Ford Australia has already released the details on what we can expect from the locally available versions of the F-150. There will be two models, the XLT (which we drove in the USA) and the higher-grade Lariat, and both will be available in standard or long-wheelbase.

The XLT begins the range at $106,950 (plus on-road costs), with the long-wheelbase priced from $107,905. The Lariat SWB will start at $139,945 and the Lariat LWB from $140,900.

Ford Australia has already released the details on what we can expect from the locally available versions of the F-150.

Standard features for the XLT will include 20-inch machined alloy wheels, chrome bumpers front and rear, a work-surface tailgate and a spray-in bedliner, as well as an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel, 8.0-inch multimedia screen with Ford's SYNC4 interface, power adjustable seats and dual-zone climate control.

Stepping up to the Lariat adds extra chrome trim, including mirror caps and door handles, as well as a twin-panel moonroof, power tailgate, heated and vented leather accented seats, a larger 12.0-inch infotainment screen and similar instrument cluster and a surround-view parking camera.

One of the major appeals of the F-150 (and its Ram and Chevrolet rivals) is the space offered up in the cabin. If a Ranger has the space of a mid-size sedan inside, the F-150 is the equivalent of a limousine - or at least it feels that way.

Which is not a surprise when you look at the dimensions. The XLT SWB is 5884mm long, 2030mm wide and 1995mm tall with a 3694mm wheelbase. The LWB variants stretch beyond six-metres in length, measuring 6184mm with a 3994mm wheelbase.

Out the back, the SWB F-150 models have a sizable tray that measures 1704mm long, 1285mm wide and 54mm deep, while the LWB option extends that length to 2004mm.

The sheer size of the F-150 SuperCrew allows for a much roomier and more practical cabin than a Ranger can offer. The width allows for two spacious front seats with a wide centre console between them, which incorporates two cup holders, a pair of small storage recesses and a lidded console box that can fold out to become a work space between the seats.

The rear seats are equally generous and clever. The breadth of the F-150 means there's genuinely space for three adults to sit across the rear, with the length of the cabin meaning there's ample knee room too. There are plenty of small item storage spots and multiple cup holders, but also a clever lockable under seat storage space for items you want to keep out of sight.

Out the back, the SWB F-150 models have a sizable tray that measures 1704mm long, 1285mm wide and 54mm deep, while the LWB option extends that length to 2004mm.

One of the major appeals of the F-150 (and its Ram and Chevrolet rivals) is the space offered up in the cabin.

In a word - imposing. Even in the USA, where big pickups are common, the F-150 is a big vehicle in every sense of the word. Physically you need to climb up into it, once you're behind the wheel you look out across a vast bonnet and down to the road below.

And yet, despite this, it doesn't feel big or unwieldy to actually drive. The EcoBoost engine makes light work of its size, pulling the F-150 along with ease and some genuine kick. It pulls off the mark with some convincing shove and will keep motoring hard all the way past the legal speed limit in Australia.

Physically you need to climb up into it, once you’re behind the wheel you look out across a vast bonnet and down to the road below.

The 10-speed automatic actually feels well-matched to the EcoBoost engine, quietly going about its work of keeping the engine ticking over at the lowest possible revs to save fuel while also being ready to jump down and offer a surge of power.

Obviously when the pickups are converted to right-hand drive there may be some changes to some of the driving characteristics, most notably the steering, but in the US this left-hand drive model impressed with its well-weighted and responsive steering feel.

It pulls off the mark with some convincing shove and will keep motoring hard all the way past the legal speed limit in Australia.

The ride was good on US roads, on par for what you can expect from a ute. Which is to say, without any load in the tray the back it can bounce around, but get some weight in there and it settles nicely.

Ford Australia hasn't confirmed payloads for the local models but has said it will have a 4500kg towing capacity, which is on par with the Ram 1500 and Silverado 1500 and 1000kg better than what the Ranger can manage.

Obviously when the pickups are converted to right-hand drive there may be some changes to some of the driving characteristics.

The F-150 will be converted to right-hand drive by RMA Automotive in direct partnership with Ford Australia, so it will be covered by the usual five year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

Servicing details, including intervals and pricing, are yet to be confirmed by Ford Australia, but it will be handled by your local dealer just like any other Blue Oval model.