1 - 2013 Ford F-150 (84.3%)
Once all scores and comments were tallied, no one was surprised to find that the bestselling pickup in North America had taken top honours. Ford has literally been blazing a trail in this category for decades and there's no sign that they will fall off the podium's top step any time soon.
The roots of the truck we evaluated actually date back to 2004 and the "important" facelift occurred in 2009. Since then, the F-150 has undergone a number of updates to keep it current. If you can read between the lines, what we're trying to say is that Ford's 10-year-old platform still trumps the competition's latest... How's that for being on top of things?
Inside and Out
We all agreed that the Ford F-150 is not the looker of this quartet, and this despite the fact that our tester was a fancy-pants Limited clad in Ruby Red with 22" wheels. An FX4 with a few choice options would have made a great visual impact we think, but the bottom line is that the F-150's styling is still quite current and is aging well.
From the passengers' point of view, the Ford's cabin is very truck-like but still user friendly. The ergonomics are clean, but many of the controls require dexterity to manipulate; gloves are a bad idea here. Fit and finish are tops and the materials used, mostly because this is the pricier Limited, are near luxury-car level in quality.
The F-150's seats are supportive, quite comfortable, and the same mostly applies to the large rear bench. Storage areas are limited, but still sufficient for regular everyday use.
Driving
This portion of the test is where the F-150 really stands out, in all of its aspects. As I stated earlier, the truck's chassis is an older design, but had we not known all of us would have said that the Ford's principal building block is all-new.
The well-sorted, solid, and isolated frame is mounted by what is (in our opinion) the best gasoline-powered engine option in the segment. Although fuel numbers may not be exactly where they should be (2nd best in our comparo), the power created and how it comes about are what make this engine an absolute gem. With the twin turbos whistling, boost builds quickly and the F-150 takes off. The Tundra is the Ford's only competition in pure accelerative power, but the V6 takes it in the end over the V8.
Although Ford has put an enormous amount of effort behind their line of EcoBoost engines, they did not ignore their transmissions in the process. Truly, all drivers found the F-150's 6-speed autobox to be the best performer with faultless operation while cruising, and plenty of will to find the right gear when pushed. Combined, it was the favourite powertrain of the lot -- and by a fair margin.
The way power was put to use on the road also helped make the F-150 our champion. Unladen, the ride quality was generally good, poised even, with appreciable comfort. The rear suspension's work kept the box stable, limiting rebound and shaking. Laden, little changed.
The 2013 Ford F-150's steering kept drivers well in control. Mild corrections were required to keep a straight line on country roads, but the experience was nowhere near as hairy as with the Tundra. The electronic power steering's assistance was perfectly judged regardless of speed or general driving conditions. The Ford's brakes also garnered praise as being strong and confidence inspiring.
A final word
Overall, the Ford F-150 is the go-to pickup in the segment. That is unlikely to change any time soon. As nearly all (if not all) engineers on the F-Series team at Ford are truckers themselves, they evidently have their fingers on truck buyers' pulses, often knowing what they want before they ask for it.
Once all scores and comments were tallied, no one was surprised to find that the bestselling pickup in North America had taken top honours. Ford has literally been blazing a trail in this category for decades and there's no sign that they will fall off the podium's top step any time soon.
The roots of the truck we evaluated actually date back to 2004 and the "important" facelift occurred in 2009. Since then, the F-150 has undergone a number of updates to keep it current. If you can read between the lines, what we're trying to say is that Ford's 10-year-old platform still trumps the competition's latest... How's that for being on top of things?
Inside and Out
We all agreed that the Ford F-150 is not the looker of this quartet, and this despite the fact that our tester was a fancy-pants Limited clad in Ruby Red with 22" wheels. An FX4 with a few choice options would have made a great visual impact we think, but the bottom line is that the F-150's styling is still quite current and is aging well.
From the passengers' point of view, the Ford's cabin is very truck-like but still user friendly. The ergonomics are clean, but many of the controls require dexterity to manipulate; gloves are a bad idea here. Fit and finish are tops and the materials used, mostly because this is the pricier Limited, are near luxury-car level in quality.
The F-150's seats are supportive, quite comfortable, and the same mostly applies to the large rear bench. Storage areas are limited, but still sufficient for regular everyday use.
 |
| From the passengers' point of view, the Ford's cabin is very truck-like but still user friendly. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving
This portion of the test is where the F-150 really stands out, in all of its aspects. As I stated earlier, the truck's chassis is an older design, but had we not known all of us would have said that the Ford's principal building block is all-new.
The well-sorted, solid, and isolated frame is mounted by what is (in our opinion) the best gasoline-powered engine option in the segment. Although fuel numbers may not be exactly where they should be (2nd best in our comparo), the power created and how it comes about are what make this engine an absolute gem. With the twin turbos whistling, boost builds quickly and the F-150 takes off. The Tundra is the Ford's only competition in pure accelerative power, but the V6 takes it in the end over the V8.
Although Ford has put an enormous amount of effort behind their line of EcoBoost engines, they did not ignore their transmissions in the process. Truly, all drivers found the F-150's 6-speed autobox to be the best performer with faultless operation while cruising, and plenty of will to find the right gear when pushed. Combined, it was the favourite powertrain of the lot -- and by a fair margin.
The way power was put to use on the road also helped make the F-150 our champion. Unladen, the ride quality was generally good, poised even, with appreciable comfort. The rear suspension's work kept the box stable, limiting rebound and shaking. Laden, little changed.
The 2013 Ford F-150's steering kept drivers well in control. Mild corrections were required to keep a straight line on country roads, but the experience was nowhere near as hairy as with the Tundra. The electronic power steering's assistance was perfectly judged regardless of speed or general driving conditions. The Ford's brakes also garnered praise as being strong and confidence inspiring.
 |
| The well-sorted, solid, and isolated frame is mounted by what is (in our opinion) the best gasoline-powered engine option in the segment. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
A final word
Overall, the Ford F-150 is the go-to pickup in the segment. That is unlikely to change any time soon. As nearly all (if not all) engineers on the F-Series team at Ford are truckers themselves, they evidently have their fingers on truck buyers' pulses, often knowing what they want before they ask for it.