2009 Ford F-150

NEW FOR 2009:

- Redesigned F-150

- Super Duty adds standard SOS Post Crash Alert System; automatic transmission standard on Lariat models; Rancho-branded coloured front and rear shocks on all FX4 with Off-Road Package; limited slip rear axle standard on FX4 and Lariat models; trailer brake wiring kit deleted

- Super Duty adds available spray-in factory bedliner, available Sync, six-inch angular chrome step bars in Chrome Package, illuminated tubular running boards included in King Ranch package, and heated convex spotter mirror included with manual telescoping or PowerScope trailer towing mirrors, new Cabela's Luxury Package and FX4 Luxury Package available on FX4 models

- Exterior colours: Brilliant Silver Clearcoat Metallic, Sterling Grey Clearcoat Metallic, Dark Stone Clearcoat Metallic and Royal Red Clearcoat Metallic added; Dark Toreador Red, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, and Dark Shadow Grey Metallic discontinued

For 2009, the Ford F-150 is all-new, with a new frame, engine choices, interior and safety features. The Super Duty models are carried over.

The redesigned F-150 comes with a choice of three engines, all of them V8s: a two-valve 4.6-litre with four-speed automatic, a three-valve 4.6-litre with six-speed automatic, and a flexible-fuel 5.4-litre with six-speed automatic. The V6 and manual transmission options have been discontinued.

New safety features include standard side and curtain airbags, and Ford's Roll Stability Control with trailer sway control.

Cab configurations are the Regular Cab, with 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot or 8.0-foot box; SuperCab, with 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot or 8.0-foot box; and the SuperCrew, with 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot box, all in 4x2 or 4x4 configuration. Trim lines are the XL, STX, XLT, FX4, and Lariat, which can be further optioned with a King Ranch or top-level Platinum trim package; between the cab, box length and trim lines, there are 35 possible combinations.

The F-250 three-quarter-ton and F-350 one-ton continue to offer a 5.4-litre V8, 6.8-litre V10 gasoline engine, or 6.4-litre Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel with five-speed automatic.

Features on the F-150 XL include 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, black grille and surround, black front bumper fascia, heavy-duty shock absorbers, manual mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system, intermittent wipers, AM/FM stereo, display centre, black vinyl floor covering, map lights, cloth 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat, tilt wheel, and manual windows.

The STX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body colour front bumper fascia, black grille with colour-keyed surround, CD stereo with auxiliary input, and Sirius satellite radio.

The XLT adds chrome bumpers, chrome grille and surround, power mirrors, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps, carpet and floor mats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, exterior temperature gauge, compass, overhead console with storage bins, premium cloth 40/20/40 split bench seats, cruise control, power windows, rear privacy glass, and on SuperCab and SuperCrew models, rear power point and rear power windows.

The FX4 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, keyless entry pad, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals and driver's-side auto-dimming, reverse sensing system, trailer tow package, six-way power driver's seat, and leather-wrapped wheel; unique to the FX4 are black rubber floor mats, off-road shock absorbers, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear axle.

The Lariat adds 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, silver grille mesh, heavy-duty shock absorbers, six-CD/MP3 stereo, full coverage rubber floor mats, in-dash message centre with trip computer, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled leather-trimmed captain's chairs with ten-way power driver's adjustment and memory, wheel-mounted audio controls, garage door opener, and Sync.

The King Ranch package, available only on the SuperCrew, builds on the Lariat and adds unique badges, two-tone paint scheme, Pueblo Gold mesh grille and running boards, heated and cooled Chaparral Leather captain's chairs, unique floor mats, wood trim and rearview camera.

The Platinum Package, available only on the SuperCrew, builds on the Lariat and adds 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, chrome front tow hooks, satin finish grille, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beam lamps, unique cluster and aluminum trim, power tilt wheel, Sony six-CD/MP3 stereo, power deployable running boards, power sliding rear window, power sunroof, trailer brake controller, tailgate step and rearview camera.

Depending on the model, available options and accessories include the tailgate step first introduced on the Super Duty models, a retractable box side step, folding stowable bed extender, integrated trailer brake controller, navigation system, Sync, and rearview camera with navigation screen or rearview mirror display.

The F-150 is a very well-done makeover that puts Ford back at the top of its truck game, with a class-leading towing maximum of 11,300 lbs and a hauling capacity of 3,030 lbs; depending on the engine, fuel economy is better as well. Improved interior styling includes comfortable seats and, in the SuperCrew, a completely flat rear floor that makes it easy to slide in large objects for weather-tight stowage. A suite of options, called Ford Work Solutions, includes an integrated computer, dispatch system, tool management system and tool locking system; it's available in the U.S. but should come to Canadian trucks for the 2010 model year.