2024 Ford F-150 Debuts with Tech and Tailgates

You don’t need us to tell you that the Ford F-150 is a leader in American truck sales, nor that it has been for many decades. But what you do need us to tell you is that 2024 marks a big update for the world-renowned pickup, which recently debuted ahead of this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

As we discussed with the 2023 Super Duty launch, the latest F-150 isn’t just a beast of burden. These modern trucks work smarter and harder, made possible by a 2020’s dose of technology mixed with the winning formula Ford adhered to for all these years.

Part of that equation is the powertrain lineup. For 2024 the F-150 sees a new entry offering, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, capable of 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. If this twin-turbocharged power plant isn’t quite tough enough for you, the 5.0-liter V8 is still available with 400 horses and 410 lb-ft. Customers will also be able to opt for another twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, 3.5-liters in displacement with 400 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter can also come as a full hybrid PowerBoost unit or as a High Output variant in the F-150 Raptor. Take that prehistoric rampage one stomp farther to the Raptor R and you’ll find a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 under the hood.

Ford is looking to stage the PowerBoost hybrid as one of the top-selling hybrids in America; not an impossible task, as Ford claims the the F-150 was the best-selling full-hybrid pickup truck in the first half of 2023. In fact, 10 percent of current F-150’s sold are hybrid models. In order to meet demand, Ford intends on doubling the mix of hybrid trucks in the 2024 model year. We suspect most truck buyers will be okay with the 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque made possible by this hybrid system, and they’ll certainly be okay with initial PowerBoost pricing, matching the MSRP of the 3.5 EcoBoost. And those hybrid models come packaged standard with Ford’s Pro Power Onboard.

This feature is used to charge up devices, appliances and whatever other electronics you need juiced up. The PowerBoost hybrid packages a 2.4kW system as standard, capable of 85 hours of runtime with a full tank, with a 7.2kW system available as an upgrade. The latter is more suited for a job site, with Ford using the examples of a framing crew, mobile welding shop or a dirt bike shop being powered for 32 hours straight; though nothing is stopping you from using this beefier system for the best tailgate party you can conjure up. And for the gasoline trucks, a 2.0kW system is available– again, enough for a comfortable tailgate.

Speaking of tailgating, Ford has done some clever things with the titular feature this time around. The headlining act is Pro Access Tailgate, swinging open to the side and stopping at 37, 70, and up to 100 degrees. It opens up from the driver’s side and, as you can imagine, makes it a bit easier to access the bed when you’re hitched up to a trailer. This feature is available on the new F-150, and the classic style tailgate is still there for those who prefer it.

And on the topic of towing, all of that haulin’ is easier than ever thanks to the Pro Trailer systems. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses the rear camera and corner radars to align the hitch with the trailer, while Backup Assist tracks the trailer position while the operator guides the trailer with a rotating knob. As we saw in the latest Super Duty, the OnBoard Scales estimate payload weight in real time, while an available Smart Hitch will measure tongue weight and help customers better distribute their trailer load, thus reducing sway. With the proper configuration, expect a max towing of 13,500 lbs and a max payload of 2,455 lbs.

The interior of the new F-150 is technologically bolstered by the 12-inch infotainment screen, now standard on all models. It’s joined by an equally-sized gauge cluster behind the wheel, showing vital vehicle stats and pertinent information. An available Head-Up Display joins the F-150 lineup for the first time, as does Ford Stolen Vehicle Services. This service is designed to track the truck in the event of theft, providing location data directly from the vehicle. It will also alert customers of unauthorized access or attempts to tamper with it.

Looking at the trims and packages, Ford has streamlined the process a bit, now bundling things the way customers have already been buying them and providing more standard features, like the 36-gallon fuel tank. For example, the Black Appearance Package, a popular choice among buyers, is available on all models from STX to Lariat. The Platinum features blacked-out accents straight from the factory; and, speaking of, the Platinum, along with the Lariat, have been “specifically redesigned for a sophisticated, modern appearance while still being instantly recognizable as a Ford F-Series truck.” These models come with C-Clamp daytime running lights, while lower trimmed units boast amber horizontal turn indicators and a “coast-to-coast” grille. The Blue Oval faithful may spot the slightly altered logo, now with the ‘Ford’ cursive bolder in design.

Since off-roading is all the rage these days, the Tremor and Raptor models have all received some meaningful enhancements for enthusiasts. Starting with the Tremor, customers can opt for a modular front bumper, a dealer-installed WARN 12,000-pound winch, and light bar. Aside from unique design elements up front, you’ll find orange accents, unique running boards and a special side box decal. The Tremor model was designed by Ford engineers who saw how customers were using their trucks for life in the field, bogs and rocky trails, giving an off-road capable vehicle that retains the original versatility of the F-Series. But for those who want the ultimate F-150 off-roader, you already know where you’re heading.

The 2024 F-150 Raptor and Raptor R are back, boasting some incredible pickup performance. Styling has been updated, including the aforementioned modular bumper, available on models with 37-inch tires. In this case, the bumper end caps have been modified to expose a little more rubber, giving an even more menacing look while increasing rough terrain performance. Wider tow hooks not only look mean, but also make it easier to extract your friend’s ride if they get stuck; and there’s also an available lightbar for those inclined, though the blackout grille and new headlamps are standard.

But what about the performance? Well, most of the underpinnings remain the same for this current generation (which is by no means a complaint); however, available on the Raptor are now Dual Live Valve shocks from FOX. This electronic suspension is able to read the road and adjust hundreds of times a second, adapting to the terrain while utilizing off-road algorithms owned and used exclusively by Ford. These systems work in tandem with the five-link rear suspension introduced in 2021. And it should be noted that, even without these available Dual Live Valve shocks, the Raptor will still come with the Live Valve Shocks we’ve experienced before. Again, no complaints here. Nor can we gripe about the two powertrains, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and the Raptor R’s supercharged 5.2-liter V8, putting out 450 horsepower and 700 horsepower respectively.

So, there you have it. While this isn’t the most extensive update ever, it’s certainly meaningful. And what Ford has introduced is both important and appreciated. Customers should have an easier time placing an order with the simplified trims and packages, and we’re looking forward to spending more time with this American icon in the near future.