2013 Ford F-150 Overview

2013 Ford F-150 Overview

Overall User Score

4⁄5

Based on 1 review

In addition to having numerous—think double-digit—trim options, the 2013 Ford F-150 pickup truck enters the new model year with upgrades and additional options. These include updated grilles, power-folding/extending exterior mirrors and center consoles, and options such as HID headlights and the MyFord Touch system. There is even a new trim level—Limited—which is available to potential owners for the first time.

Buyers can choose from 10 different trim levels for the 2013 Ford F-150. These are the XL, STX, XLT, FX2, Lariat, FX4, SVT Raptor, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. The F-150 can be had with a Regular cab, SuperCab or 4-door SuperCrew—the King Ranch, Platinum and Limited levels come standard as SuperCrews—and can be built with either a 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot or 8-foot long box, though not all cabs or box sizes are available for all trims. The XL, STX, XLT and Lariat trims are factory built with a 40/20/40-split front seat, while the FX2, FX4, King Ranch, Platinum, SVT Raptor and Limited come assembled with front bucket seats.

As far as engines go, the 2013 Ford F-150 offers four options: a 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve Ti-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) V6 engine, a 5.0-liter DOHC 24-valve Ti-VCT V8 engine, a 6.2-liter SOHC 16-valve V8 engine (available only in the SVT Raptor) and a 3.5-liter 16-valve V6 EcoBoost engine. Horsepower numbers for the engines are 302 for the 3.7-liter V6, 360 for the 5.0-liter V8, 411 for the 6.2-liter V8 and 365 for the EcoBoost. Torque numbers for each are: 278 for the 3.7-liter V6, 365 for the 5.0-liter V8, 434 for the 6.2-liter V8 and 420 for the EcoBoost. All come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission is an option for the XL, STX and XLT trim levels and standard for the FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, SVT Raptor, Platinum and Limited trims.

All powertrains, which are Flex-Fuel capable, are available as 4-wheel drive and rate from 11 to 16 mpg in city driving and 16 to 21 in highway driving. All trims except the SVT Raptor are available in rear-wheel drive and capable of achieving 13 to 17 mpg city and 18 to 23 highway. Depending on powertrain and drivetrain selections, the F-150 is capable of towing between 5,500 and 11,300 pounds, with the higher rating the best in its class. The upper end of the scale requires the purchase of the F-150 Heavy Duty Payload Package. The F-150 is also capable of handling a payload of up to 3,100-plus pounds—also best in class.

Standard equipment available in the XL trim level of the 2013 Ford F-150 includes air conditioning, vinyl seating surfaces, a tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo and 17-inch steel wheels. Depending on trim level, upgrades available include dual-zone automatic temperature control, cruise control, cloth or leather seating surfaces, heated front bucket seats, 6- to 10-way power driver's and front passenger seats, heated second-row seats, power locks, power exterior mirrors, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio and climate controls, power adjustable pedals, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, remote keyless entry, remote start, an AM/FM/XM stereo with single-CD player or Sony audio system, navigation system, HID headlights, power moonroof and power-sliding rear window. A number of wheel choices, including lug steel, machined aluminum, lug aluminum and painted aluminum wheels—available in sizes up to 20 inches (22 inches on the Limited)—are also available. Numerous packages, including a communications package, power equipment group and trailer tow package, can be added for additional cost as well.

In addition to a multitude of available configurations and options, shoppers looking at the 2013 Ford F-150 will also find numerous safety and security features—most as standard equipment. As far as airbags are concerned, the F-150 comes with six: dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and canopy side curtain airbags. Other features include 4-wheel antilock vented disc brakes, advanced traction control with roll stability control, trailer sway control, a tire pressure monitoring system and SecuriLock passive antitheft system. Fog lights, a rear-view camera and a perimeter alarm are available options for most trims.

Current owners of the 2013 Ford F-150 can’t get enough of the pickup, raving about its towing ability, handling and performance. Since revamping its powertrains in 2011, the F-150 V6 engines have attracted buyers due to their power and decent fuel mileage. Owners rave about how well the F-150 transitions from off-road to highway and back again. The F-150 shows no lag when getting up to speed, even fully loaded. The interior even gets food marks, especially when upgraded from the base model’s equipment.

With more than 50 combinations—including cab, box and engine options—available, the 2013 Ford F-150 gives buyers many ways to configure their new pickup. The segment leader in towing and payload capacity, the F-150 continues to roll on, leaving competitors such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 in its wake.