Rather than a traditional auto-show unveil, Ford chose to take the wraps off its freshened 2013 F-150 pickup at a Future Farmers of America event in Bruceville, Texas – at the heart of the American pickup market. Only the XLT model was revealed at this time.
Long the best-selling vehicle in the Canadian market, the Ford F-150 gets a new front-end design as well as the availability of some new technologies for the 2013 model year. It also gets a new Limited luxury model and some new colours.
One of those newly-available technologies, MyFord Touch driver controls with voice activation and a new 8-inch LCD colour touch-screen, is standard in the Limited, as well as in Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum models. This package also adds a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks.
Ford's Sync communications and entertainment system is standard on XLT and higher-level models.
Other available features include L-shaped, high-intensity-discharge projector headlamps – a segment-first technology – as well as an electronic-locking rear axle, Hill Descent Control and new 18- and 20-inch wheels in various trim packages.
Engine choices include a 302-hp 3.7-litre V-6, a 360-hp 5.0-litre V-8, a 365-hp 3.5-litre EcoBoost V-6 and a 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8 – all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode.