1 of 6
Ford
2 of 6
Ford
F150 Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com
3 of 6
Ford
4 of 6
Ford
5 of 6
Ford
6 of 6
Ford
As we expected, Ford is first to hit the 30 mpg highway milestone in a half-ton 4x2 pick-up based on EPA-estimate ratings. Further, the 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined all come courtesy the new 3.0L Power Stroke turbo diesel. Ford was no doubt targeting the Ram 3.0L EcoDiesel, which claims 20 city, 27 highway (although 29 mpg is in the works) and 24 combined.
4x4 lovers are promised to get 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined in the F-150 Power Stroke, which is interesting since the Ram 1500 in 4x4 is reportedly 19 city and 27 highway, still making it the better fuel economy value for guys buying four wheel drive.
Ford attributes their 30 mpg achievement to the 10-speed SelectShift transmission, and the overall weight reduction using the lightweight aluminum alloy body, and the aluminum and compacted graphite engine.
Ford doesn’t stop celebrating there though as the all-new F-150 Power Stroke boasts best-in-class diesel power. In case you’re wondering, the class is full-size pick-ups under 8500 lbs GVWR.
The bottom line is, or rather the peak of the curve, is 250 horsepower at 3,250 rpm and 440 lb ft of torque at a low 1,750 rpm, which Ford has turned into best-in-class diesel towing at 11,400 pounds and best-in-class diesel payload of 2020 pounds in 4x2, regular cab, XL trim. Here is Ford is the clear winner over Ram which has ‘just’ 240 hp at 3600 rpm, 420 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm, max towing of 9,290 lbs and a max payload of 1640.
GM is still holding out on publishing their 3.0L Duramax specs for their half-ton trucks, but Ford has now set the bar.
New engines deserve a certain amount of skepticism when anyone starts talking about durability, but Ford says the new 3.0L shares the same proven technology they use in the Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke. GM will no doubt make a similar reference comparing their new 3.0L to the existing 2.8L in the Colorado & Canyon siblings.
Ultimately we have to give the proven engine prize to Ram as their EcoDiesel has been racking up millions of miles, with some tweaks, in a half-ton truck since 2014.