After decades of waiting, Australians will soon be able to get their hands on a factory right-hand drive Ford F-150 with local order books for America’s best-selling pickup truck opening ahead of deliveries starting in Q3. And the best news? This isn’t just steering swap, as Ford says it’s been extensively tested and tuned for Australian conditions.
For a market that loves pickup trucks as much as Australia, Ford has been slow in launching the F-150 locally. It will arrive in local showrooms later this year and be sold in XLT and Lariat guises, both of which are offered in short- and long-wheelbase configurations.
Prices for the Ford F-150 range kick off from AU$106,950 ($73,038) for the F-150 XLT SWB and AU$107,945 ($73,718) for the F-150 XLT LWB. Both the SWB and LWB models are powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 that pumps out an impressive 298 kW (399 hp) and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque while coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard. The SWB has a wheelbase of 3,683 mm (145-inch) and a 1,676 mm (5.5-foot) bed while the LWB has a 3,987 mm (157-inch) wheelbase and a 1,981 mm (6.5-foot) bed.
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The F-150 XLT comes loaded with features and shouldn’t be considered an ‘entry-level’ model. It includes a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, 8.0-inch infotainment display, seven-speaker audio system, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, cruise control, Ford Pro-Trailer Back-Up Assist, and a host of safety features.
Local shoppers with a bigger budget can splurge on the F-150 Lariat. It is available from AU$139,950 ($95,575) in SWB guise and AU$140,945 ($96,254) in LWB form. The Lariat has the same powertrain specifications, wheelbase, and bed size as the XLT variant but a load of extra features to make it that much more premium.
These include a premium mesh grille insert, chrome appearance package, twin-panel moonroof, leather-accented seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, 12-inch infotainment display, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, 360-degree camera, and Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go, among other features.
Regardless of whether customers opt for the X-150 XLT or Lariat truck, they will be available to choose between Oxford White, Agate Black, Iconic Silver, Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Grey, and Rapid Red.
“The F-150 is perfect for those who want to explore our amazing country in luxury and comfort. The addition of this icon to our local showrooms alongside the incredibly popular Ranger means Australian customers now have two uncompromising utes to choose from. Thanks to its 4.5 tonne towing ability, the F-150 ensures Aussies can go anywhere, with almost anything, at any time,” Ford Australia president and chief executive Andrew Birkic described.