Ford’s commitment to fuel-efficiency leadership has paid off once again. In determining which full-size pickup would merit a place on their list of Top 10 Winter Cars for 2012, the folks at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com website reported that: “The 2012 Ford F-150 in 4WD configuration won our votes for its smart blend of style, comfort and, yes, even fuel economy, thanks to the available 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6—which has become the most popular engine in the entire F-150 lineup.”
That makes sense, since the EcoBoost powerplant delivers both a best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque and unsurpassed EPA numbers, even when mated to Ford’s cutting-edge four-wheel-drive system. And by combining the truck’s highway rating of 21 mpg with its new-for-2012 36-gallon fuel tank, Ford also delivers the segment’s longest cruising range—756 miles. That’s enough to go from Atlanta to Detroit without refilling even once.
The F-150 EcoBoost 4X4—like all four-wheel-drive F-150s—also gains other enhancements for 2012, including:
- Standard Hill Start Assist, which helps prevent the truck from rolling backward when stopped on an incline
- “Neutral tow” capability, allowing the F-150 to be flat-towed
- An available electronic locking rear axle
- A new two-speed automatic 4X4 system for Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels; the system provides traditional “high” and “low” modes, and adds an auto mode that can automatically route torque to the truck’s front wheels if wheel slippage is detected
“These changes are centered around making F-150 an even more useful tool for our customers,” said Jackie DiMarco, F-150 chief engineer. “We’re continuously raising the bar when it comes to capability, and these upgrades and new technologies push us even further.”
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