By Adam Smith for the Open Road Magazine
2023 Ford F-150 review
Converting a left-hand drive American vehicle to right-hand drive for Australian roads might sound simple, but doing it properly is a complex undertaking that would give most automotive engineers conniptions.
For the F-150, Ford has teamed up with RMA Automotive to retool its pick-ups with essential system tweaks, rebuilds, and around 500 new parts.
Ford F-150 returns to Australian shores
The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the US for donkey’s years – 41 years in a row, in fact.
Having departed our shores back in 1993, the F-150 returns to take on the Ram 1500 ($98,950) and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ($128,000) for ute buyers wanting an up-sized combo of load-carrying and towing beefiness.
Are there different 2023 Ford F-150 modes available?
Two F-150 dual-cab 4x4 models come in either short or long wheelbases, starting with the XLT SWB ($106,950) and LWB ($107,945), while the flagship model is the Lariat SWB ($139,950) and LWB ($140,945).
The choice between SWB and LWB mostly boils down to tray size, where the latter’s extra 30cm in length can be really useful, although squeezing into urban parking spots could be an issue.
How powerful is the 2023 Ford F-150?
The powertrain in both XLT and Lariat models is a 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed auto transmission, dishing out a hefty 298kW and 678Nm.
The XLT has selectable 4WD and the Lariat has an additional full-time 4WD system.
Both models offer a big-rig 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity.
How are the 2023 Ford F-150's specs?
There are minor exterior differences between specs but they become more apparent when you climb in the cavernous cabin, where an arm-length separates front occupants and in the rear pew three full-size adults can sit comfortably without touching shoulders.
The XLT has a more workhorse character, with cheap-feeling cloth seats and a small eight-inch touchscreen.
The column-shifter behind the steering wheel is old-school but means the handy centre work table can be folded out while driving, whereas the Lariat’s gear lever in the centre console can fold flat to make way for the table.
Add in a factory-backed five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty to ease any conversion concerns and it all makes the Ford F-150 a tempting proposition – but only for those with specific needs and deep pockets
What are the 2023 Ford F-150's features?
Standard features are still generous, with 20-inch alloys, a pull-out tray step, digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, sat-nav, reversing camera, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, electric driver’s seat adjustment and various driver assistance systems.
The more premium Lariat adds leather accented seats that are heated and cooled (heated only in outboard rear), a larger 12-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, twin-panel panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control.
How does How does the 2023 Ford F-150 drive?
With its extra-chunky proportions, you might imagine the F-150 drives like a whale but you’d be well off the mark.
Behind the wheel, it somehow feels like your garden variety Aussie ute.
The steering system has been pinched from the Ranger Raptor and is responsive, acceleration is amazingly punchy and accompanied with a pleasantly deep engine growl, and it’s refined out on the open road.
How does the Ford F-150 reverse park?
Our drive didn’t include manoeuvring through tight urban spaces, which could prove nail-biting, but we did test Ford’s clever attempt to take the trepidation out of reverse parking a boat or caravan.
Using the rear camera and a dial beside the touchscreen, the Pro Trailer Back-up Assist means reversing a trailer is no longer counter-intuitive, so turning the dial, say, left (to go left) will spin the steering wheel right.
It sounds odd but the system works a treat.
2023 Ford F-150 – final verdict
Add in a factory-backed five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty to ease any conversion concerns and it all makes the Ford F-150 a tempting proposition – but only for those with specific needs and deep pockets. – Adam Smith
Pros: Smooth and potent powertrain; towing ability; interior space
Cons: XLT feels cheap inside for $107k
Specs
- Engine: 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
- Transmission: 10-speed auto
- Power: 298kW
- Torque: 678Nm
- Fuel consumption: 12.5L/100km
- Spare tyre: temporary use
- ANCAP: Not tested
- Price: From $106,950 (plus ORC)
