Why so many engines? Simple: shoppers want lots and lots of choices, and especially, choices that don’t make them pay for capability they don’t need when it comes time to fill up. For what the majority of truck guys use their trucks for, the majority of the time, this little EcoBoost is the one to get: very decent on fuel, heaps and gobs of power, and confident towing with a reduced gas bill. It’s win-win stuff.

Of course, the engine doesn’t work alone. An idle-slashing AutoStop system slashes eliminates wasteful idling, shutting the engine down at stoplights and stop signs and restarting the millisecond you release the brakes. It’s not the fastest reacting AutoStop system I’ve ever seen, but it operates smoothly and effectively.

There’s a new aluminum body, too. In case you haven’t opened a Pepsi lately, aluminum is strong and light and helps the F-150 shed hundreds of pounds over the previous model. Making a vehicle lighter is one of the most effective ways to make it burn less gas and perform better, and some versions of the F-150 with this 2.7L V6 pack a better power to weight ratio than competitive V8-powered models.

Mileage on my late winter test drive landed at 14.6 L/100 km, with frequent and vigorous use of the four-wheel drive, plenty of remote starting, and an engine that was far from completing break-in. That consumption figure is on par with a big six-cylinder family crossover, though it should improve notably once break-in is complete.

Of course, there’s more than just fuel saving technology going on in the latest F-150.

It’s a handsome looker, especially with the FX4 grade tester benching the glitzy grandpa chrome for a more casually sporty look. On board, the cabin is even bigger this time around, with split folding rear seats that fold down, or up, to deal with goings on in your gear-hauling world. Flip both seats upright, and you’ve got heaps of space for a grand worth of groceries, a pair of large canines, a bicycle or two, or even, if needed, a small inflatable mattress should you be out camping and forget your tent.

Up front, F-150 favours a clean and tidy cabin layout, with much of the same tech found in the last-generation model – including the same Sync central command infotainment system, which is getting a little old these days.

The new cabin has the mandatory storage pockets, centre console storage cavern, and charging ports you’ll find in any other big pickup. Ditto a household power outlet up front, and another one in the rear, for keeping your laptop, camera batteries and the like juiced on the move. Whether you’re a single guy using your F-150 as a hauling rig, or a family fella running a mobile office out of your truck, you’ll find the cabin backs you up well with thoughtful and handy stuff that you’ll appreciate on the daily. Of course, none of this is exclusive to the F-150.

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