Ford opens order books for F-150

BY MATT BROGAN | 24th Feb 2023

FORD has opened the order books for its F-150 pick-up this week, the four-variant range priced from $106,950 plus on-road costs and offering what Ford Australia says are “generous standard features for customers that want an uncompromising truck for work and play”.

Now available for order, the short- and long-wheelbase F Truck range will include XLT and Lariat grades locally, each backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre manufacturer warranty.

Ford Australia says the reintroduction of the F-Series comes after significant demand from local customers. The model has undergone extensive re-engineering work by the Blue Oval’s Aussie engineers and RMA Automotive and promises to be ideally suited to the harsh local environment.

“As an iconic full-size American pick-up, the F-150 is joining Australian showrooms thanks to an extensive and meticulous local re-engineering program,” explained Ford Australia F-150 assistant program engineer, Tom Dohrmann.

“Together with RMA Automotive, Ford Australia earned the privilege of developing a world-first right-hand drive program for the F-150.

“We set ourselves the target of equivalency without compromise and are incredibly proud to have achieved this to our exacting standards, while offering our customers compelling value and generous specification.”

The F-150 will compete with locally the converted Chevrolet Silverado (from $121,000 plus ORCs) and DT-Series Ram 1500 (from $114,950 plus ORCs). It will also face competition from the right-hand drive Toyota Tundra when that model arrives locally in 2024.

Both the F-150 XLT and Lariat (from 139,950 plus ORCs) will be powered by Ford’s 298kW/678Nm 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. Crew Cab bodies with four-wheel drive will be the only configuration available Down Under.

The F-150 is available in short- or long-wheelbase format, the former measuring 3683mm between the axles and with a 1676mm-long style-side box and the latter 3987mm in wheelbase with a 1981mm-long style-side box.

All variants offer a braked towing capacity of 4500kg.

For the F-150 XLT, standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome bumpers, black running boards, tailgate step and Tough Bed spray-in tubliner.

The Lariat is differentiated by a premium mesh-style grille with chrome frame, chrome appearance package including wing mirror caps, door handles, belt mouldings, tow hooks and running boards, a powered twin-panel moonroof, and LED head-, fog- and tail-lights.

XLT variants are available in five paint colours including Oxford White (NCO), Agate Black, Iconic Silver, Antimatter Blue and Carbonised Grey, while the Lariat adds Rapid Red to the palette.

“The F-150 is perfect for those who want to explore our amazing country in luxury and comfort,” said Ford Australia president and CEO, Andrew Birkic.

“The addition of this icon to our local showrooms alongside the incredibly popular Ranger means Australian customers now have two uncompromising utes to choose from.

“Thanks to its 4500kg towing ability, the F-150 ensures Aussies can go anywhere, with almost anything, at any time.”

2023 Ford F-150 pricing*: