2012 Ford F-150 FX4 Trim Level Overview

Take your average 2012 Ford F-150, beef up the suspension a bit for off-road travel, add standard on-demand 4-wheel drive (4WD), toss in a few extra appearance and cabin goodies, and behold the FX4. This 6-passenger beauty comes in either SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration and with either a 6.6-foot or 5.6-foot bed. Standard appearance features and cabin goodies include 18-inch aluminum wheels, side steps, a Class IV trailer hitch and wiring, premium cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, keypad entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Air conditioning is, of course, standard, as are such amenities as SYNC Applink/Bluetooth hands-free audio selection, Smartphone interface and communications technology, as well as cruise control, side steps, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and power windows, door locks and mirrors. Entertainment, meantime, consists of a single-CD player, satellite radio and a USB connection.

Available to the mid-level FX4 are such toys as dual-zone climate control, navigation, a rear-view camera, a remote garage door opener, a power moonroof and upgraded audio components, as well as upgraded trailer-towing equipment, including beefier rear axle ratios and a trailer brake controller. The available Luxury Package includes heated front seats, driver memory features and leather upholstery, while the spiffy Appearance Package offers, among other things, 20-inch 6-spoke aluminum wheels, black tubular running boards and body-color moldings and grille.

Differentiating the 2012 FX4 from its less off-road-capable FX2 sibling are skid plates and a standard limited-slip rear differential. The standard part-time 4WD, as is traditional, boasts auto-locking hubs and electronic hi-lo gear selection. The heart and soul of this hefty hauler, however, is its choice of two potent powerplants. Standard is a 360-hp, E85-capable (FFV) 5.0-liter V8 engine that combines with the standard six-speed shiftable automatic transmission to pound down 380 lb-ft of torque. This big V8 will easily tow nearly 10,000 pounds of trailer, when properly equipped, but despite variable valve timing (VVT), gas mileage is estimated at only 14 mpg city/19 highway.

Should a bit more oomph and economy be in order, the FX4 can be delivered with the highly touted 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, again with the 6-speed shiftable automatic. This pairing nets 365 hp and a whopping 420 lb-ft of torque and, with the proper equipment, will allow this potent pickup to tow 11,100 pounds of trailer. Mileage in this blown six is estimated at 16/22, significantly better than the V8's.

Though relying heavily on its hefty road presence, the 2012 FX4 nonetheless boasts 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Secondary safety equipment includes the standard post-collision safety system, remote antitheft alarm, front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming, meantime, are optional with the FX Plus Package.