Ford F-Series (thirteenth generation)

While nearly all body panels of the F-150 were converted from steel to aluminum construction (the only significant sheet metal component constructed of steel is the firewall[12][13]), the frame remained of steel construction, and the use of high-strength steel in the frame was increased from 23% to 77%.[12] The aluminum body panels resulted in a nearly 750lb reduction in curb weight. To showcase the durability of the aluminum-intensive design, Ford entered prototypes of the model disguised as 12th generation F150s in the Baja 1000.[14]

The F-Series underwent a revision of its powertrain offerings, largely to expand its range of both powerful and fuel-efficient engines.[15] As the entry-level V6, a 3.5 L Ti-VCT V6 replaced the previous 3.7 L V6; though lower in output, the redesign offered a better power-to-weight ratio.[15] The 3.5 L EcoBoost made its return, joined by the 5.0 L flex-fuel V8; as the Raptor had gone on hiatus, the 6.2 L V8 became exclusive to Super Duty trucks.[15] Slotted between the two 3.5 L V6 engines, a 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 was introduced; unrelated to the larger EcoBoost engine, it is shared with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Continental.

For model year 2017, the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine underwent a redesign, increasing its output to 375 hp (450 hp for the Raptor); along with adding supplementary port fuel injection, the engine introduced auto start/stop capability. For model year 2018, the model line received three all-new engines, as a 3.3 L V6 replaced the naturally-aspirated 3.5 L V6 and the 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 was redesigned (adopting many of the changes from the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine). For the first time, a diesel engine was offered in the F-150, as a 250 hp 3.0 L PowerStroke V6 was introduced during the model year, dependent on trim (commercial and fleet sales only, for XL and XLT trim). For 2019, the 450 hp version of the 3.5 L engine was introduced to the flagship Limited trim.

As with the previous generation, the F-Series is offered solely with automatic transmissions. At initial launch, a 6-speed Ford 6R80 automatic was paired with all four engines. As part of the introduction of the 2017 Raptor, a 10-speed Ford 10R80 automatic (the first 10-speed transmission in a non-commercial vehicle) was paired to its 3.5 L EcoBoost V6. For model year 2018, the 10-speed automatic was paired to both EcoBoost engines, the Powerstroke diesel, and the 5.0 L V8 (with only the 3.3 L V6 paired to the 6-speed automatic[16]).

In line with its predecessor, the thirteenth-generation F-150 is sold with three cab configurations (two-door standard cab, 2+2 door SuperCab, four-door SuperCrew), with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (4×4). Three bed lengths are available (dependent on cab configuration): 5.5 ft (1.7 m) (SuperCrew, all Raptors), 6.5 ft (2.0 m) (all except Raptor), 8 ft (2.4 m) (regular cab, SuperCab).

The 2015 F-150 marked several design departures from previous F-Series model lines. While the cab design saw largely evolutionary styling changes, the rectangular grille adopted a trapezoidal shape, flanked by C-shaped headlamp units. Using LED headlights for the first time, designers used polycarbonate thermoplastic optics to focus the beams, with one LED for each beam and an orange thermoplastic light pipe (doubling as the turn signal).[18] Coupled with the headlamps, the taillamps adopted LED technology, also housing the blind spot monitor; these systems were not typically included on pickup trucks because the system could not be packaged inside steel bumpers typically found on pickup trucks.[18] The tailgate was redesigned; along with retaining its fold-out step functionality, the tailgate was redesigned, adopting several different styles (dependent on trim).

• 
  2015 F-150 Lariat SuperCab
• 
  2016 F-150 Limited SuperCrew
• 
  2015-2017 F-150 tailgate

For 2018, the F-150 underwent a mid-cycle model revision, adopting several design features from the Super Duty model line. The trapezoidal grille was replaced by an octagonal grille; the three-bar styling was replaced by a wide two-bar configuration (with a larger Ford Blue Oval emblem). The tailgate saw minor changes, with an embossed "F-150" emblem replacing the previous stamped-metal logo; the taillamps saw a minor revision. Several appearance packages were introduced for the XL, XLT, and Lariat trims.[16]

To comply with 2018 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, all 2018 F-150 models received a standard rear-view backup camera.[16]

In comparison to the exterior, the interior of the 2018 F-150 saw fewer visible changes, with most revisions focused on its infotainment systems. Sync was updated to Sync 3; on select models, the system provides remote access, service information, and other vehicle-related information. The premium audio system manufacturer shifted from Sony to Bang & Olufsen, with SiriusXM satellite radio becoming standard for the XLT trim.[16]

For 2019, the top-line Limited trim received the powertrain of the Raptor, with a restyled dual exhaust; the Limited also gained a model-specific Camel Back interior color for 2019.[19]

• 
  F-150 XLT regular cab
• 
  F-150 XLT SuperCab
• 
  F-150 XLT SuperCab rear, showing new tailgate

2019 Ford F-150 Raptor

Following a two-year hiatus, the F-150 Raptor sub-model made its return for the 2017 model year, with the loss of its previous SVT prefix.[21] As with its predecessor, the 2017 Raptor is an off-road oriented vehicle produced in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations with a model-exclusive 5.5-ft pickup bed. The model continues its lack of a Ford Blue Oval grille badge, with "F-O-R-D" spelled across the center of the grille.

As with a standard F-150, the Raptor is an aluminum-intensive vehicle; though built upon a steel frame, nearly all its body panels are built using aluminum (reducing curb weight by nearly 500 lb (227 kg) over an equivalent 2014 SVT Raptor). In place of the 411 hp (306 kW) 6.2 L V8, the new Raptor features a 3.5 L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired with an industry-first 10-speed automatic transmission. The new engine improves the horsepower by 39 hp (29 kW) to 450 hp (336 kW), and increases the torque from the old engine to 510 lb⋅ft (691 N⋅m) of torque.

To improve its off-road ability over a standard F-150, the Raptor is fitted with a torque-on-demand transfer case, 13 in (33 cm) travel front and 13.9 in (35 cm) travel rear Fox Racing suspension, and all-terrain 35" tires and wheels.

For 2019, the Raptor gets a new Trail Control system, optional Recaro sport bucket seats and FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shock absorbers with Live Valve Technology.[22]