Car Buying Tips

Answering Your Most Commonly Asked Questions About the Ford F-150

Competing with machinery like the Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and Ram 1500, the Ford F-150 represents one of the most comprehensive pickup truck model ranges available to Canadian shoppers in 2023.

In addition to an extensive lineup of mainstream models and powertrains ranging from basic work trucks to the six-figure Ford F-150 Limited, shoppers can also choose an advanced hybrid powertrain that includes a built-in generator, the high-performance F-150 Raptor, the extreme-performance F-150 Raptor R, and even the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

Below, we answer your most commonly asked questions about the Ford F-150 lineup and dig into what’s new and what’s changed for the 2023 model year.

What engines are in the 2023 Ford F-150?

Today’s pickup shopper is increasingly unwilling to pay for capability they don’t need, leading Ford to offer the F-150 with a wide range of engine options.

On mainstream F-150 models, the engine options are as follows:

  • A 3.3-litre non-turbocharged V6 with variable cam timing and the port-fuel and direct-injection (PDFI) fuel delivery system, with two fuel injectors per cylinder. Output is rated at 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
  • A 5.0-litre V8, which uses the same cam timing and fuel delivery system you’ll find in the 3.3-litre V6. It offers 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.
  • A 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged and intercooled “EcoBoost” V6 that develops 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
  • A 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged and intercooled “EcoBoost” V6 with 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.
  • A 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged and intercooled “PowerBoost” hybrid V6, developing 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque.

Ford’s high-performing F-150 Raptor uses a modified version of the 3.5-litre V6. This specialized high-output configuration generates 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, and is only available on the F-150 Raptor.

The extreme-performance Raptor R runs a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine, good for 700 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.

The all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning uses a combination of electric motors and a battery pack to offer shoppers two power output levels. With the standard-range battery, look for 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. With the extended-range battery, it’s 580 horsepower and the same 775 lb-ft of torque.

Does the 2023 Ford F-150 come with a diesel engine?

A diesel engine used to be available in the F-150, but not any more. In 2018, Ford offered the F-150 with a 3.0-litre “PowerStroke” turbodiesel V6 (250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque), though this engine was eventually replaced by the new PowerBoost hybrid V6 and discontinued after 2021.

Does my Ford F-150 have a recall?

Recalls are designed to address latent safety defects, and dealers perform recall work to affected models free of charge. Some vehicles have a few recalls, and some vehicles have many. A recall may affect a few dozen copies of a certain model, tens of thousands of copies, or every model produced between a certain time period.

You can find a complete list of recent Ford F-150 recalls here, or you can plug the VIN of your F-150 into this website to see which (if any) recalls apply to the specific unit you’re driving.

If you buy a used Ford F-150, be sure to contact Ford of Canada and register as the vehicle’s new owner, which helps ensure any future recall notices are sent your way in a timely fashion.

How much is a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning in Canada?

In Canada, the 2023 Ford Lightning is priced from $79,000 in XLT trim, from $90,000 in Lariat trim, and from $121,000 in Platinum trim (all before destination fees).

What is the F-150 Lariat?

According to the dictionary, a lariat is basically another word for lasso or a rope used for tethering. According to Ford Canada, the F-150 Lariat is the entry to luxury for F-150 customers. Available in the SuperCrew configuration, it intends to appeal to shoppers after more standard equipment, technology, safety features, and luxurious touches like leather seating and branded, up-level audio systems.

Ford says the F-150 Lariat sits in the middle of the F-150 lineup, between the XL/XLT and King Ranch/Platinum/Limited models. For 2023, the F-150 Lariat starts at $69,750 for 4x2 and $74,950 for 4x4.

You’ll find Lariat models throughout Ford’s truck lineup, from the Maverick to the F-Series Super Duty.

What is the towing capacity of the Ford F-150?

Ford F-150 towing capacities range from 2,268 to 6,350 kg (5,000 to 14,000 lb), but there are a lot of different F-150 models and variations, and it’s important you know which one you’re driving so you can understand exactly what its towing capacity is. To check for yourself, head to this direct link to Ford’s towing guides, or this link to the F-150 model and specs page, where you can search up the towing and payload specifications for the F-150 you’re considering using the drop down menu.

Which F-150 models have a sunroof?

Look for a twin-panel moonroof as an option on F-150 SuperCrew models including XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Tremor, and Raptor), and standard on F-150 Limited.

What is Ford F-150 EcoBoost?

“EcoBoost” is the name for a family of efficient turbocharged engines used across various Ford models. The first Ford EcoBoost engine hit the road in 2009, and has since grown to include six different engines globally – several configurations of which can be found under the hood of the 2023 Ford F-150.

In general, EcoBoost can be taken to mean “turbocharged,” as all EcoBoost engines run one or two turbochargers to boost efficiency, torque output, and power. A turbocharger is an air compressor driven by the engine’s exhaust gasses. Compressed air is forced into the engine, allowing for more powerful combustion on demand. Key benefits of the EcoBoost engines include a compelling combination of enhanced torque output and increased fuel efficiency.

EcoBoost engines are able to deliver peak torque at a much lower rpm than a non-turbocharged engine, boosting throttle response, refinement, and performance while towing and hauling.

Which Ford F-150s are hybrid?

Most F-150 models can be optionally outfitted with a hybrid engine called the PowerBoost engine. If equipped with this engine, then the F-150 in question will wear a PowerBoost badge on the lower front doors.

The PowerBoost engine is built on the 3.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6, but adds an integrated electric motor/generator unit and battery, as well as other componentry to turn it into a hybrid. With the addition of the electric motor, horsepower and especially torque output grow, despite a reduction in fuel consumption.

The EcoBoost V6 generates 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid PowerBoost version of this engine delivers 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque – effectively making more power while using less fuel.

How does the Ford F-150 Hybrid work?

To the standard 3.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, the PowerBoost engine adds an integrated electric motor within the transmission, as well as a dedicated hybrid battery pack. The battery is recharged automatically as you drive around, so plugging in to recharge is not required and not possible. The PowerBoost engine generates all of the electricity it needs automatically, with no driver intervention required.

That self-generated electricity is used to help propel and drive the truck. Whether boosting the output of the gasoline V6 or driving the F-150 solely with electricity in certain situations, the gas engine needs to run less often and has a lighter workload when it is running, which reduces fuel use. The hybrid system can even recuperate energy when coasting or braking to help charge the battery, further boosting efficiency.

A key benefit of the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid is the city driving fuel consumption: the truck achieves the same mileage whether driving in the city or on the highway. Otherwise, the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid works the same as any other F-150: just put gas in the tank and drive.

 

Which Ford F-150 comes with a built-in generator?

The built-in generator is available on the F-150 PowerBoost, thanks to the Pro Power Onboard system. The F-150 PowerBoost’s hybrid engine contains all of the ingredients required to create a mobile generator: a gas engine, an electric motor/generator, and a big storage battery.

These components are used to boost power and efficiency while you’re driving, but they can be repurposed for the campsite or jobsite while you’re parked, too. The Pro Power OnBoard system is available in two output levels with up to 4,000 watts of power available.

With your F-150 PowerBoost parked and electrical devices plugged in, the truck supplies constant power via its battery and inverter and can automatically run its gas engine to generate more power as needed. A full tank of fuel can power multiple high-draw devices for dozens of hours and there’s no need to purchase or transport a separate generator and the fuel to power it.

By cleverly repurposing hybrid driveline components as a portable gas generator, F-150 PowerBoost customers get a generator included with the purchase price.

Pricing for the F-150’s PowerBoost engine ranges from $2,200 to $6,175, depending on the engine it’s being upgraded with. Note that for model-year 2023, the PowerBoost engine comes standard on the F-150’s Limited trim grade, and is not available on F-150 Tremor models (which only come with the EcoBoost engine).

The fully electric F-150 Lightning is also capable of powering external tools and equipment, and can also be used as a backup generator for your home when properly equipped.

What is the F-150 FX4?

FX4 is a popular off-road package offered on 4x4 F-150 models in most trims, from XL to Platinum. The F-150 FX4 gives itself away, in part, with box decals included with this package. Designed for rough-road and off-road use in more remote areas, the FX4 adds a locking rear differential, off-road tuned shocks, skid plates, and both Rock Crawl Mode and Hill Descent Control functionality at the driver’s fingertips.

According to Ford Canada, the FX4 package costs $1,000 and is a popular choice for both retail and commercial customers.

Where is the Ford F-150 built?

Final F-150 assembly occurs at one of two plants in Dearborn, Michigan, or Kansas City, Missouri, while engines are sourced from multiple plants.

Specifically, the 3.3-litre V6 and 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 are built in Lima, Ohio, while the larger 3.5-litre EcoBoost is born at the Cleveland engine plant in Brook Park, Ohio. The F-150’s 5.0-litre V8 is built in your writer’s hometown – Windsor, Ontario.

The F-150’s transmissions are sourced from Livonia Transmission in Livonia, Michigan.

What is the Ford F-150 Coyote motor?

Ford’s “Coyote” V8 engine first appeared under the hood of the 2011 Mustang GT and has been updated, tweaked, and enhanced over the years since. Where EcoBoost refers to a range of engines, the Coyote V8 refers specifically to the 5.0-litre V8 engine you’ll find under the hood of the Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang.

The 5.0-litre quad-cam V8 unit runs a sophisticated variable cam timing system to ensure optimal engine breathing under all conditions.