  2009 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4X4 . Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Ford F-150
Inside Story is a review of interior comfort features, cabin controls, storage options, trunk space and under-hood accessibility based on a seven-day evaluation.
When it comes to the business of Light-Duty Truck, the Blue Oval team has been consistently pounding the bejeebers out of the North American competition for 42 years straight. This means that every other truck manufacturer has been trying to upset this balance ever since. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. There was a time in the not-so-distant past that a four-door pickup was reserved for the likes of city work crews, in any colour you wanted, as long as it was Signal Yellow.
Fast-forward to Oh-Nine, and the lowly pickup has become something of an Omni-Vehicle. Work, play, and the needs of family have become the new trifecta for attracting buyers. Why have up to three vehicles when one can nail the needs? Every truck wants to be this truck. And boy, are they trying. Cargo management systems, premium audio and Navi, even mondo storage pits like the Dodge Ram’s RamBox system have become the new equipment standard.
     2009 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4X4 . Click image to enlarge |
All the truck needs now is fuel economy, which is apparently very much in reach, thanks to variable engine displacement systems and six-speed automatic transmissions. Even the issues of emissions are being addressed, with two-mode hybrid systems now available at the GM camp. The question put to Inside Story this week is whether or not the F-150 has kept pace with the new expectations of Truckdom. Let’s hope so, since this week’s tester settles in at an MSRP of $54,899. (Pricing shown does not include freight, taxes, regional or promotional incentives.)
The IP is off to a good start, with a full sweep of needed instrumentation, including engine coolant temperature, oil pressure, and transmission fluid temperature. The four-spoke wheel gets manual tilt, making up for no telescopic action with power adjustable pedals. Steering-wheel-mounted tabs access cruise control, audio, and the voice prompts for SYNC and wireless phone use. The Trailer Brake Controller is part of the Max Trailer Tow Package. As appreciated as this feature will be for those in need, the absence of an Auto 4×4 mode for the transfer case seems to be a solid swing and a miss. Headlamps include an Auto setting.
The heated exterior mirrors are controlled by a sensibly-placed toggle, on the top edge of the door panel. Turn signals are incorporated in the mirrors, as well as puddle lamps, trailer-view lower mirror panes, and manual telescoping for trailering duties. The power window pod includes an Auto setting for the driver pane. Access to “The Within” is enhanced, with the classic Ford keypad on the driver’s door. The Sony Navi head unit is a single CD affair, with auxiliary audio and USB inlets via the SYNC system. Voice recognition, guidance prompts, and map views continue to set the standard for Navi savvy. Setup keys for the driver’s information display are found above the Navi head unit, as well as the traction control and hazard flasher switches. HVAC controls provide dual frontal zone tailoring, as well as Auto climate. The only electric defroster is for the side mirrors; opting for the power or manual sliding rear window on an F-150 deletes the much-needed rear visionary warmth. In addition to rear park assist sensors, an optional $500 rear-view camera confirms what the sensors are chirping about, with a tailgate-mounted eye. The six-speed automatic floor shift adds a tow/haul mode switch on the side of the shifter.
The non-locking glove box is best dedicated to the owner’s lit, especially with a lockable oversized console. The underside of the console lid gets additional organizer pockets, for items such as MP3 players. A removable tray houses a coin holder and business card slot. There’s a 12-volt DC powerpoint within, which joins a second port on the dash, with a cell phone-sized cubby beneath. The rear of the console houses a third powerpoint. Note the HVAC vents, as well as dual cupholders with removable sizing bladders.
The front dual cupholder uses a similar bladder system, with good depth and cinch. Front and rear door panels get sizable pockets, with bottle-specific holders. The rear centre armrest finishes off the cupalapalooza, with a slide-out dual tray. Console side cubbies are all the rage, and the F-150 doesn’t disappoint, with a side pocket on the passenger side. Front seatbacks throw in deep rear pockets.
         2009 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4X4 . Click image to enlarge |
There are plenty of useful bits topside, without overwhelming the headliner. The Homelink transmitter is housed on the driver’s side sun visor. The centre pod holds an oversized sunglasses holder, plus switches for sunroof tilt/slide operation, and the power rear sliding window. The interior rearview mirror is a self-dimmer. The visors slide for sunblock, with card clips, and lighted vanity mirrors. The sunroof opening is ample, with a proper alloy deflector.
As with most 4x4s, there’s additional protection available for the important bits. Skid plates are an additional $120, which should be downright included for any 4×4 model. Note the exposed wiring at the transfer case. The fuel tank opts for a polycarbonate protective cover.
It’s the hour of full power for both driver and front passenger, including lumbar bladders and two memory positions for the driver. There’s not only three-step heat; the front buckets include three-step cooling ventilation. Heated rear seats are unavailable, even at the King Ranch and Platinum (that’s right; Platinum) trim levels. Take a close look at the rear seating snap. The legroom shown is accomplished with the front passenger seat in the full rearward position. Ever lose your seatbelt buckle? These ingenious flaps of belt material keep one from fishing around at floor level for an errant buckle, working much better than a plastic nub waiting to break off.
First seen on the Super Duty series is the availability of the integrated tailgate step system, a $300 touch on the option box. The pickup box extender can also be reversed, to keep items from bouncing around inside the box. Is fiberglass-filled plastic the best solution for containing load shifting? Let’s just say I’d trust the tailgate first for a load of patio blocks.
The fold-up rear seat cushions provide an expansive flat-floored cargo cabin within, truly locking into place, with built-in release handles. Bag hooks on the underside of the cushion add utility, with a storage gully found beneath the cushion on the left-hand side of the vehicle. A Cargo Management System, which appears to be very close in functionality to the GM Silverado/Sierra systems, is optional. Since it’s removable, the upper sides of the box walls can be utilized, with the classic indents for 2×6 planks to stack materials above the inner fenders. The tailgate is key lockable for extra security. Side access to the front of the box is afforded by the unique side steps, a $300 option. (Side steps in the in and out positions) Tap the tab, and the side step extends for sure-footed stability.
A full-size wind-down spare is provided, mounted on a steel rim. A keyed lock plug for the winding down is included. The jacking tools are held in place beneath the rear bench. Getting to them requires the removal of the storage gully, which appears to be made of some type of reinforced cardboard. (Note the handy funnel.) Ford will change that tire for you, during the first 5 years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
An attached grille shouldn’t be a problem for the F-150 hood, as the height of access plainly shows. The 310-horsepower 5.4-litre V8 isn’t afraid to look like an engine, with good access to major components and fluid fill points, as long as you have a step-stool. A couple of those retractable side steps up front might be a sensible option, hint-hint. There’s been much talk about improved fuel mileage for these rigs. The 29 mpg/9.6 L/100 km you’ve been hearing about is had with the 292-horsepower 4.6-litre V8 mill, and the six-speed automatic on 2WD trucks with a 3.15 rear axle ratio. With the 5.4/6-speed 4×4 (and a 3.73 rear axle ratio), the ratings are 18 mpg/15.6 L/100 km City, and 25 mpg/11.2 L/100 km Highway. Maybe it’s the recent 2010 Honda Insight Cross-Canada tour I participated in that’s talking, but after averaging only 19 L/100 km in a combined cycle on this F-150, I’ve requested this tester for another round for a fuel economy run.
The Verdict:
It appears that the King of Truckdom will be able to hold off another coup for the short term. That Yes for purchase comes with a few caution flags, especially with equipment that other brands are making readily available, such as heated sliding rear windows and rear bench heated seats. The mondo exterior mirrors are in desperate need of power telescope, as well as power-fold for the suburban garage. While we’re at it, let’s figure out a way to sneak the Ford Flex optional cooler/freezer unit into the SuperCrew, with a rear cabin bordering on studio apartment. Keeping just one step ahead of the competition, even with available equipment, is the key to the Crown. Monarch-for-Life status will come from the likes of New Age diesels, Ford’s EcoBoost tech, and hopefully soon, a hybrid system with some impressive numbers.
Next Week: 2010 Honda Insight
