As the best-selling pickup truck, the Ford F-150 is constantly evolving. There are a few changes for 2023. First, a new off-road trim called the Rattler nestles between the XLT and Heritage trims. This trim level is based on the XL FX4 and includes a locking-differential, 18-inch wheels, a dual exhaust system, hill-descent control, off-road suspension, and rattle-snake-like logos. Pricing is around $46,000. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the new Raptor R. The truck gets a 700-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8, along with many off-roading options. The cost for this mega off-roader is $109,000. On the electric front, the F-150 Lightning, for the most part, looks like a regular F-150 but is quite different. Two electric motors can produce between 452 horsepower with the Standard Battery and 580 horsepower with the Extended Battery.
Wide variety of models available
Ford offers the F-150 in many trim levels, cab configurations, and bed sizes. There are also gasoline, hybrid, and electric powertrains. Standard on some trim levels is two-wheel-drive, but higher-end trim levels come with four-wheel-drive. Any truck can be optioned with four-wheel drive. While some F-150s are posh, others are born rugged for off-roading. You’ll find more than nine different trim levels in the non-EV F-150s and six for the Lightning EV. The entry point of the F-150 is the XL with the regular cab and 6.5-foot bed. If you want the Lightning, that starts at $55,000 for the Pro, and f-150s can easily top out at over $100,000 for the Lightning Platinum and the Raptor R.
Powertrains depend on the trim level. For the most part, a V6 is the standard engine. Some models have a 3.3-liter naturally-aspirated V6, while others have a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6. These range from 290 horsepower to 325 horsepower. The EPA states these get between 20-22 MPG. F-150’s V8 produces 400 horsepower and gets around 18 MPG. The upgraded 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 produces the same 400 horsepower as the V8 but returns about 20 MPG. A hybrid version is available with 430 horsepower and over 25 MPG. Two high-performance off-road F-150s are the Raptor and Raptor R. While the regular Raptor has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 450 horsepower and 15 MPG, the R gets a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 700 horsepower and returns 10 MPG. All come with a ten-speed automatic.
The range and power of the F-150 Lightning electric vehicle depend on the battery size. The Standard Battery pack utilizes a 98.0-kWh battery. The range for this battery back is around 230 miles, and the motors produce 452 horsepower. EPA ratings for the Standard Battery is 68 MPGe. Moving up to the Extended Battery pack garners a 131.0-kWh battery. This time, the range increases to 320 miles with 580 horsepower. EPA ratings for the Extended Battery Pack are between 66-70 MPGe.
2023 Ford F-150 features and options
Ford doesn’t skimp when it comes to options and features. There are a plethora of color and wheel combinations. Some versions have power outlets to power various tools or even act as a generator. Safety features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and multiple cameras. All get backup cameras, while higher-up trims can be had with a 360-degree camera. Inside, you can find trim levels with Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, massaging seats, large infotainment systems, and a trailer control system. Whatever kind of pickup you want, Ford has the answer.
