2013 Ford F-150 XLT 4WD

Model Highlights

There are four different engines offered on the F-150: a 302-hp, 3.7L V6; a 360-hp, 5.0L; a 411-hp, 6.2L V8; and a 365-hp, 3.5L turbocharged V6. All four come connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and they can be had with either 2- or 4-wheel drive. There are also several bed lengths as well as Regular, SuperCab and SuperCrew cab styles. The newest of the four engines--the "EcoBoost" turbocharged V6--is the star of the lineup. It produces V8 levels of power, but with V6 fuel efficiency. Peak torque for the EcoBoost V6 is 420 pound-feet, which starts as low as 1,700 rpm, and models with this engine are tow-rated as high as 11,300 pounds and with a best-in-class payload of 3,060. What's more, this engine, which Ford promotes as an alternative to step-up V8 models from competitors, runs just fine on regular unleaded gas. F-150 trucks are purchased for an array of uses, ranging from simple construction work to weekend hauling to cowboy commuters and those who use their rigs as a family vehicle, so Ford offers a wide range of cab, bed and trim levels to fit almost everyone. Ford's SYNC interface is available throughout the lineup; the feature allows an easy Bluetooth-based, voice-command-driven interface with phones and smartphones, and allows other features such as traffic reports, news, and weather. For those who truly work out of their trucks, Ford is again offering a Ford Work Solutions in-dash computer with, among several noteworthy features, a tracking system for tools. The F-150 lineup includes eleven different models, including XL, STX, XLT, XLT Custom, Limited, FX2/FX4, Lariat, Lariat Limited, King Ranch, Platinum and Harley Davidson F-150. Base XL models have vinyl seats, manual windows and wind-up windows, but they do include air conditioning and an AM/FM stereo. The STX adds keyless entry, cruise control and power accessories, while the XLT gets a little more of a dress-up, with fog lamps, a chrome grille and upgraded wheels. On the XLT, you can option up to the V8, but the Lariat includes it, along with some of the features of a luxury vehicle, including power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, SYNC and Sirius Satellite Radio. Lariat Limited and Platinum models add even more luxury, including remote start, power seats, ventilated seats and wood/leather trim. The Lariat Limited also gets huge 22-inch wheels. Harley-Davidson and King Ranch models put it over the top in luxury, with a moonroof, heated second-row seats, a navigation system and special badging. The Harley Davidson model of course bows to its motorcycle namesake in appearance, while the King Ranch's interior is swaddled in top-caliber hides. If buyers want a truck that's equipped more for sport, they should go for the FX2/FX4 models, which include a power driver's seat, SYNC, telescopic steering adjustment, blacked-out trim, 20-inch off-road wheels, and a power inverter. However, for those looking for the most extreme truck in the lineup, there is only one choice: the F-150 SVT Raptor--featuring the 411-hp, 6.2L V8 plus a long-travel off-road suspension, skid plates, wide fenders, a new locking front differential and special electronic off-road controls, the Raptor is built for serious off-roading at serious speeds.