2013 Ford F-150

CHANGES FOR 2013:

- Front fascia refresh.

- Available HID headlights.

- Available power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-tow sideview mirrors.

- New SYNC MyFord 4.2-inch multifunction LCD screen.

- New MyFord Touch.

- New range topping Limited model.

- Hill descent control standard on FX4.

- Beadlock-capable wheels available for Raptor.

- Harley Davidson trim discontinued.

The 2013 version of Ford's amazingly popular pickup gets new available HID headlights and power-telescoping and power-folding trailering side mirrors. MyFord Touch and SYNC make their F-150 debuts this year as well, with physical controls tailored to favour work-gloved fingers. As trucks go, this one is wonderful to drive. Our favourite engine is the torquey and (relatively) efficient EcoBoost (turbocharged) V6, which proves that there really is a replacement for displacement. Buyers seem to agree as well; 42 percent of all F-150s sold State-side are equipped with the EcoBoost V6.

For those still wanting good old V8 grunt in their pickup trucks, Ford has your back; the F-150 still features two V8 options. Long the darling of the pickup truck crowd, the F-150 continues to get better every year and smash sale records; in 2012, Ford sold over 100,000 F-150s in Canada for the first time ever. For those seeking the plushest of all pick-up trucks, a new Limited model tops the trim ladder, offering what Ford calls ?the pinnacle of truck luxury.?

Can we use the word ?badass? here? [Yes, we can, and we will! ?Ed.] We hope so, because it's the best word to describe the Raptor, a highly modified version of the F-150 built to tackle off-road extremes. New stuff for 2013 includes beadlock wheels to better keep tires in place when using the engine's power reserves, and HID headlights make an appearance in the luxury package. MyFord Touch is an option for the first time, also. A very capable truck off the road, the Raptor is also comfortable on it, thanks to a surprisingly compliant suspension.

The F-150 comes with a choice of four engines: a 3.7-litre V6, a twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, 5.0-litre V8, and 6.2-litre V8. All use a six-speed automatic transmission that includes tow/haul mode.

The F-150 comes in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration, as a Regular Cab with 6-foot-6 or 8-foot box; SuperCab, with 6-foot-6 or 8-foot box; and SuperCrew, with 5-foot-6 or 6-foot-6 box. Trim lines are the XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and SVT Raptor.

Features on the XL include 3.7L V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch grey styled steel wheels, regular cab, air conditioning, display centre, tilt steering wheel, vinyl floor, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, AM/FM audio, cloth 40/20/40 front seats, 60/40 flip up rear seat (SuperCab/SuperCrew), lift assist lockable tailgate, driver's side integrated spotter mirror, cargo lamp, 6-1/2' box, underframe spare tire, 98 litre fuel tank, trailer sway control, TPMS, airbags (front, front seat, side curtain), four wheel disc brakes with ABS, and SOS post crash alert system.

STX trim adds 17-inch machined aluminum wheels, information display, outside temperature display, Ford MyKey, auxiliary input, AM/FM/CD audio, satellite radio, and body colour grille with black insert.

XLT trim adds 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted accents, remote keyless entry, fade-to-off interior lighting, power locks, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls, overhead console with two bins, carpeted floor, chrome grille, power mirrors, automatic headlights, power windows with one-touch down, and tinted rear glass.

FX2 and FX4 trims add SuperCab, 5.0L V8 engine, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, trailer tow package, 110-volt inverter, reverse sensing system, leather-wrapped manual telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, flow-through centre console, 4.2-inch productivity screen, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, body colour grille with black insert, body-colour door and tailgate handles, 6-inch angular grew step bar, body colour power heated mirrors with integrated turn indicators and driver's side self dimming function, fog lights, rear window defroster, and SecuriCode keyless entry keypad.

Lariat trim adds 18-inch bright aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, colour-coordinated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals with memory, remote start, woodgrain-style interior trim, 10-speaker Sony audio, SYNC with MyFord Touch, leather seating, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, chrome grille surround with black mesh insert, mirror position memory, power sliding rear window, and two-speed four-wheel drive (when equipped).

King Ranch trim adds SuperCrew cab, 5-1/2' box, four-wheel drive, 18-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with King Ranch painted accents, rearview camera, ambient lighting, King Ranch leather seats and trim, King Ranch floor mats, navigation system, heated second row seats, body colour grille surround with accent colour mesh insert, tailgate step, PowerFold side mirrors, HID headlights, two-tone exterior paint, 136 litre fuel tank, power moonroof, and trailer brake controller.

Platinum trim adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood accent, satin finish grille with chrome mesh insert, body colour exterior handles with chrome strap, power-deployable running boards, chrome side mirrors, single-tone paint; removes King Ranch specific interior and exterior look.

Limited trims adds 3.5L EcoBoost engine, 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, two-tone leather wrapped steering wheel, unique floor mats, chrome grille with body-colour surround and chrome mesh insert, body colour side mirrors, and electronic locking rear differential.

Features on the SVT Raptor include 17-inch alloy wheels with 35-inch tires, unique front and rear styling, Fox Racing internal triple-bypass shocks, electronic locking differential, power-folding mirrors, remote starter, perimeter alarm, heated and cooled seats, second-row middle-seat head restraint, telescopic steering wheel, and unique interior accents.