Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/94279
2013PREVIEW F-150 King Ranch editions get upgraded leather, refi ned interior trim and a new Kodiak Brown paint option. for just about anyone's lifestyle and work needs. The same holds true for the 2013 Super Duties with the new Platinum edition added to the top of the heavy-duty Ford's trim levels. LIMITED LUXURY Seemingly satisfi ed they can out- pull and out-run the competi- tor's comparable models, Ford engineers and designers turned their attention to furthering driver comfort, productivity and connectivity on the higher-end 2013 models. Much of that focus has been on MyFord Touch, an all-en- compassing software/hardware package that incorporates luxury-car-like features into the center stack. Everything from naviga- tion and adjusting the climate controls to fi nding the cheapest fuel prices and local weather is just a voice-command away with MyFord Touch. The system, anchored by a bright 8-inch screen, is fast and intuitive. Then there's the top-of- the-rock F-150: the Limited. It combines just about every upscale feature Ford off ers into one package. It runs a 22-inch tire/wheel 14 PROPICKUP December 2012 2013 FX models have the Luxury option and an FX Appearance Package that comes with special matte side/hood graphic treatment to go with the HID lights. package, and comes standard with the twin-turbo, 3.5L Eco- Boost leather, MyFord Touch, power running boards, high- end Sony sound system, power moonroof, "LIMITED" lettering on the bedsides, and a long, long list of standard features that are op- tions on the lower trim levels. About the only feature the Limited doesn't come with is a butler, although MyFord Touch is almost as good as having one. "The F-150 Limited signifi es the highest levels of design refi nement, luxury and technol- ogy that we've ever off ered in a Built Ford Tough pickup truck, " said Ford Group Vice President for Product Development, Raj Nair. "The F-150 Limited refl ects a growing trend – more and more customers today have high expectations for luxury and convenience, yet their needs call for a truly capable truck. " MAX TOW The F-150's effi ciency and safety are also improved. For example, on the FX and upper trim levels, new HID-projector beam head- lights are said to almost double the effi ciency of standard lights. And when the "Max Tow" option package is ordered – required to use the F-150s 11,300-pound towing capac- ity – the truck comes with the same towing mirrors found on the Super Duties, 3.73 axles and upgraded cooling system. (A point of note: The use of a weight-distributing hitch is required on all F-150s for trailered loads weighing more than 5,000 pounds.) Speaking of power and New center stack clusters all the audio and climate controls in one location. Knobs are easy to use with gloved hands. MyFord Touch system occupies the upper level. effi ciency, the 365hp EcoBoost V-6 and six-speed automatic are now an option on all the models, including the base XL SuperCrew. It's an excellent upgrade choice because this V-6 delivers horsepower on par with a small V-8 to tow when needed, while delivering better-than-average mpg when running empty. The fuel economy numbers for the SuperCrew FX2 I drove were 16 city/22 hwy, while the Lariat 4x4 SuperCrew and Limited 4x4 models were 15/21. From my limited seat time in the 2013 Ford pickups there's no doubt they are much more refi ned and effi cient trucks than what was off ered even four years ago, and there's really no com- parison in comfort and effi ciency to pickups 10 years or older. It's safe to say if the Blue Ovals in your fl eet are getting a little long in the tooth, 2013 is a good year to think seriously about trad- ing in – and up. Optional MyFord Touch delivers everything from weather maps and gas station prices to changing audio, heating and A/C from either voice commands or by touch screen. System is simple to use and fast.