Gets respect like the Lion King |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
This year, Ford pursues its current streak and presents a specialized version of its popular F-150. The King Ranch with four full doors is a classy pickup and a compromise between a workhorse and regular transportation. Like its name suggests, its target customer is farmers; however, the vacationer that wants to tow a trailer will also be happy with this truck. Ford increased the equipment level and finish in order to make the King Ranch more enjoyable and to give it more class.
More imposing grille |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
To give the F-150 a stronger visual statement, a number of changes were made, particularly regarding the grille. Ford is borrowing the styling cues of the Tonka concept that was unveiled a few years ago. With its four doors and mid-size bed, the King Ranch is already pretty impressive by its dimensions. Our King Ranch is an FX4 version with a premium trim.
Attractive cabin |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Thanks to its running boards, a necessity for the ladies, we can easily access the King Ranch's cabin without having the impression that we're climbing into it. The cabin accepts four occupants with ease, but the front chairs will only sit the driver and his passenger. The rear will receive two adults comfortably, and three for short distances. It's the interior finish that grabs your attention in the King Ranch, though. Like its name indicates, the seats are covered in brown leather cowhide. The leather is laced together with laced stitches, and is combined with light beige on the door panels and the dashboard. The look is a success. However, the cowhide is slippery and bothered certain passengers, especially in front because of the angle of the seat cushion.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Storage-wise, the cabin offers a vast central bin, but its access is hindered by the shift lever. However, the rear portion is easily accessible and offers lots of room for passengers. Cargo space becomes especially useful during on occasional moving days. Being the driver, I don't appreciate the automatic locking doors when the vehicle is in motion, because at even the slightest trip to the store, the rear doors always get locked up.
Multipurpose bed |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Thanks to its extender, the mid-size bed can accommodate a sofa, an ATV or a snowmobile. This aluminum extender is easy to manipulate and remove, once we understand its mechanism (thank you Chomedey Ford). The length of the bed is a compromise, that's for sure. Personally, I prefer a full-length box, but then you'd have to choose a two-door or a Crew Cab model. You must be careful when backing up, since visibility isn't always good with cargo in the bed. In addition, the reverse sensing system keeps beeping when the liftgate is lowered.
