2023 Ford F-150 Performance & Towing Capacity - Commercial Trucks For Sale

For 2023, Ford has added the off-road-focused Rattler variant to the F-150 lineup. The Rattler, which is based on the XL FX4, adds unusual 18-inch wheels, a dual-exhaust system, hill-descent control, a locking rear differential, and an off-road suspension system along with logos that are clearly inspired by rattlesnakes all over the place.

Because to its place in the F-150 lineup, the Rattler offers buyers who want more off-road performance but don’t want to spend as much money on the Tremor or Raptor models a more reasonable alternative.

There are various body types and bed lengths for the F-150. While the XLT model is an improvement over the entry-level XL work truck, we think the Lariat offers more conveniences.

It provides the best balance of features and price, but it costs about $10,000 more than the XLT, which may make it out of reach for certain consumers.

Performance – Engine, Transmission

A variety of engines are available for the 2023 F-150, including a 400-hp 5.0-liter V-8, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6, and a 250-hp 3.0-liter diesel V-6. Whichever engine you select for the F-150 will be mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

For the first vehicle ever, a hybrid powertrain is also available for the F-150. Ford claims that the new 400-hp hybrid drivetrain, which is made up of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 35 kW electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission, will provide up to 700 miles of range per tank of gas and be able to run an onboard generator to keep the lights on at construction sites or during power outages.

With any of the F-150’s available powertrains, buyers will be able to select between rear- and four-wheel drive. A four-wheel drive Lariat with a hybrid powertrain raced to 60 mph on our test course in a snappy 5.4 seconds.

We saw a smooth ride and acceptable handling throughout our test drive; high-end models like the King Ranch have a variable-assist steering technology that sharpens reflexes at low speeds for a more nimble feeling.

The Tremor variant, which boasts 33-inch all-terrain tires, an improved suspension, a locking rear differential, and a four-wheel drive transfer case used from the powerful F-150 Raptor, promises the most off-road capability. The Tremor reached 60 mph at our test track in just 5.3 seconds, falling behind the more potent Raptor by just 0.1 second.

Capacity for Towing and Payload

Models with the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine can tow up to 14,000 pounds, but the regular 3.3-liter V-6 engine’s towing limit is 8200 pounds. The venerable 5.0-liter V-8 has a maximum towing capacity of only 13,000 pounds, compared to 12,100 pounds for the diesel V-6 and 12,700 pounds for the hybrid variant.

The weight of the payload varies from 1840 to 3250 pounds. The 2018 F-150 remains competitive with important rivals like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ram 1500 thanks to its towing and payload capacities.

Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy

According to the EPA, the F-150’s 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 engine can achieve up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate. Up to 18 city and 24 highway mpg are claimed for the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. Up to 25 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway are predicted for the hybrid variant.

The Tremor variant with the twin-turbo 3.5-liter returned 19 mpg on our 75 mph highway fuel-economy route as part of our rigorous testing process. We can assess the real-world mpg of the F-150 hybrid once we can drive it. Visit the EPA website for more details regarding the fuel efficiency of the F-150.

Cargo, Comfort, and the Interior

Particularly in the Ford’s more expensive King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited models, interior features in the F-150 come close to matching the luxurious interior of the Ram 1500. The cabin is furnished with high-quality materials and has many storage compartments.

For people who utilize the F-150 as a mobile workstation, additional convenience features are designed to make life simpler. For instance, the center console and shift lever of the 10-speed automatic may be folded flat to make a sizable flat surface.

Comparable fold-flat front seats for the F-150 are also an option that may be chosen. The four-door crew cab body design is the largest and most accommodating for families, offering substantial passenger capacity. the bed of the F-150’s back end Up to 7.2 kW of power is available from an optional onboard generator to satisfy electrical demands at tailgate gatherings or on the construction site.

Connectivity and Information

A considerably larger 12.0-inch infotainment display is available in addition to the 8.0-inch device that comes standard and runs an enhanced version of Ford’s Sync 4 software. This is comparable to the Ram 1500’s optional 12.0-inch vertically oriented display, although the larger 13.4-inch screens for the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are also an option.

A Wi-Fi hotspot, GPS, SiriusXM radio, and a Bang & Olufsen music system are all options; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard. The updated software for Sync 4 includes onboard telematics for fleet customers to assist track vehicle position and usage, over-the-air upgrades for upcoming software releases, traffic and weather updates via the optional navigation system, and more.

Features for Driver Help and Safety

Many driver-assistance systems are available from Ford, although few of them come as standard. As consumers progress through the F-150’s trim levels, more options become available, such as a rear-facing camera for keeping an eye on a trailer while driving.

Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the results of the F-150’s crash tests. Important safety elements include:

pedestrian identification in automatic emergency braking standards
lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are also options.
adaptive cruise control is accessible

Coverage for Warranties and Maintenance

The bumper-to-bumper warranty on the F-150 is good for three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles. Ford doesn’t provide any free planned maintenance, unlike competitors like the Toyota Tundra and the GM twins.