2012 Ford F-150 Des Moines

For the 2012 model year, the four-wheel-drive system on the F-150 gets upgraded on most trims. The system now has a two-speed automatic four-wheel-drive system for the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. There are now four-high, four-low, full-time and all-wheel-drive auto modes on the four-wheel-drive models. Hill start assist is also a new feature, and so is an electronic locking rear axle for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8, all of which are supposed to help improve traction capabilities.A new, larger fuel tank that can hold up to 36 gallons is now standard on all four-wheel-drive EcoBoost F-150s, boosting the driving range to 750 miles.  The F-150 SVT Raptor gets some performance upgrades for the 2012 model year. A new optional traction-tuned front Torsen differential increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck, according to PickupTrucks.com. A new front-end camera on the Raptor helps the driver navigate tough terrain at slow speeds.  Smooth and quiet, the F-150 is comfortable on bumpy streets around town, over rugged terrain like construction sites, farms and utility roads, and on the open highway. Its steering is nicely weighted.  With one of the deepest beds in the segment, the F-150 has generous cargo volume out back and a maximum payload rating of 3,060 pounds; most versions carry 1,600-2,100 pounds. Any cab model F-150 can be optioned to tow more than 11,000 pounds; the range varies from 5,500-11,300 pounds.  Other new features for 2011 F-150: larger image-in-mirror rearview camera, new instrumentation with a 4.2-inch screen, one-touch front windows, a telescoping steering column on upper trims, 110-VAC outlet, HD radio, an integrated key/fob with remote start, 7-lug 17-inch aluminum wheels for the heavy-duty package, and a new off-road package with locking rear differential.

Driving Impressions of the '12 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 has a solid feel to it and has impression of substance and tight construction regardless of the road surface or the model.  The 6-speed automatic works smoothly, andis not overly anxious to get into that fuel-saving top gear as soon as possible; engaging Tow/Haul mode will stretch out the shift points, not require a carpet-flattening mash of the pedal to affect a downshift and provide some engine braking on descents.  Electric-assist steering is used on all F-150 except those with the 6.2 V8. It makes for lighter effort at low speeds, better weighting at road speeds, never loses assist in extensive maneuvering as when backing a trailer, and is programmed to reduce fatigue from crowned roads or crosswinds. It should simplify engine service, requires no service of its own, and can add highway fuel economy.  The sheer mass of the F-150 combines with the suspension to deliver a very good ride and quiet composure.  Brakes get the job done with their ultimate performance based as much on tire choice and weight in the bed as anything else. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard across the board. A locking rear differential is optional for the best traction, and in many cases the suspension tuning on an FX produces the best ride quality.  The rearview camera is good for the view behind the tall tailgate and on the navigation screen has colored lines to indicate the width of the truck and centerline for hitching a trailer; Rear park sensors also aid maneuvering in tight quarters, raising the frequency of audible beeps as you move closer.

Interior Features of the '12 Ford F-150

Ford has all bases covered inside the F-150, with plenty of patterns, textures and finishes, including new gauge cluster designs, and the choice of a 40/20/40 split-bench front seat or captain's chairs in many models.  The basic XL is very respectable and a good value.  Fleet drivers will appreciate that air conditioning is standard and the truck is quiet and refined, in part due to a smoother 60-degree V6.  Front and rear-seat room is very good; the rear is a vast, spacious area for three adults with a flat floor all the way across and full roll-down windows.  The rear seat cushions lift up to stow vertically, with four grocery bag hooks on the underside of the wider driver-side seat and, if equipped, the subwoofer for the Sony sound system under the right rear seat; rear cabin storage seats-up amounts to nearly 58 cubic feet. With captain's chairs up front there are vents in the back of the center console. There are three tethers and two anchor sets for baby seats, outboard rear headrests raise enough to protect tall passengers, and a smaller center rear headrest to preserve vision for those who use the window; you can also get a power sliding window with defrost.  The Sony navigation/sound system and Ford's SYNC system bring infotainment to a new level, integrating Bluetooth-enabled devices, 911 Assist, Vehicle Health report, Sirius travel link with real-time traffic, weather, 4500 movie theater listings and show times and 120 gas stations with fuel prices. Power points, a USB port and MP3 input jack are in the lower center dash. The Sony 700-watt 5.1 channel sound system provides very good sonic quality.  The Regular Cab is roomy enough to fit three adults across and has plenty of space for the miscellaneous debris and detritus that tends to accumulate in trucks. SuperCabs have a full-width back seat best-suited to kids and short rides for bigger adults.  For larger families or routine four-passenger service, the SuperCrew's room and regular back doors will be welcome, with as many as 30 different places to put things.

Model Lineup

Regular Cabs are offered in standard bed and long bed XL, STX, or XLT grades. SuperCab trucks add higher FX and Lariat trim to choices plus SVT's Raptor, and a short-bed option. A long-bed SuperCab is available only with the heavy-duty package. The SuperCrew F-150, available with either the short bed or standard bed, drops the STX grade and adds King Ranch and Platinum derivatives while Harley-Davidson and Lariat Limited are SuperCrew short bed only.

The F-150 XL is a standard bed, Regular Cab two-wheel drive. It comes with 3.7-liter V6, 17-inch steel wheels, black bumper/grille/mirrors, and vinyl upholstery and floor covering. XL includes air conditioning, split front bench (and rear on four-door cabs), locking tailgate, tilt steering wheel, stability control, capless fuel filler and a stereo radio.

F-150 STX models add body-color bumpers over a black grille, CD player, and cloth seats with driver lumbar. More equipment is available, including 18-inch wheels, Sirius radio, SYNC, cruise control, fog lamps and power mirrors.

F-150 XLT adds chrome for bumpers and trim, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, automatic headlamps, carpeting, cruise control, power windows and locks, and better cloth upholstery. All manner of options are available on the XLT, including three wheel diameters, tailgate step, cargo management and towing equipment.

F-150 FX4 and FX2 come with a 5-liter V8, black grille and body-colored bumpers, trim and mirrors. Electric-shift 4WD is standard, as are fog lamps, a locking differential, towing package, 18-inch wheels, sporty cloth split bench seat, Sirius radio, and the 5.4-liter V8/6-speed automatic powertrain. Options include infotainment and 17-inch or 20-inch wheels. F-150 Lariat is the mainstream luxury F-150 and hence is four-door only with V8 or turbo V6 engines. Chrome trim and bumpers highlight monotone paint, and the Lariat adds heated mirrors with signal repeaters and auto-dimming on the driver's and inside, dual-zone climate control, heated power leather seats with driver memory, leather wheel with redundant audio controls, tow package, SYNC, trip computer, and power adjustable pedals. Options include 20-inch wheels, heated/cooled front seats, Sony sound and navigation, trailer brake controller, rear camera and park sensors, and moonroof.

F-150 King Ranch is like a Lariat with a different attitude. It adds two-tone paint and KR badges, unique wheels, mesh chrome grille, Chaparral leather heated and cooled power captain's chairs with driver memory, running boards, and power folding, heated, signal outside mirrors with chrome caps. Options are essentially limited to a limited-slip differential, alternative axle ratios, 20-inch wheels, Sony sound and navigation systems, moonroof, chrome tube running boards and remote start.

F-150 Platinum SuperCrew gets a unique satin chrome grille, body-color bumpers and wheel lip moldings, 20-inch wheels, power-deploy/retract running boards, satin chrome tailgate trim, tuxedo-stitched leather power captain's chairs, wood grain and brushed aluminum trim, rain-sensing wipers, power folding/heated mirrors, and unique console. Options are limited but you can get 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires for luxury on the farm.

The most luxurious F-150 Lariat Limited comes only with a 6.2-liter engine, 22-inch wheels, special paint and very few options.

A special F-150 Harley-Davidson edition is also 6.2 V8 only and decked out in colors and heavy chrome trim befitting the brand it's named after.

Ford's SVT division offers the Raptor intended for serious, high-speed off-road use. It comes only with the 411-hp 6.2-liter V8. Unique long-travel high-performance suspension, wheels and tires, and aggressive bodywork set it apart from any other F-150.

The F-150 option list is comprehensive and, although it has been simplified in recent years, it can still resemble the tax code to the uninitiated; there are, for example, six codes for running boards and four for trailer towing mirrors. Most options are dependent on the model and other options, and many features are standard on more expensive models. In addition, prices of options occasionally vary by trim level.

Mechanical options include engine upgrades, alternate axle ratios, limited-slip or locking differentials, larger tires and upgraded wheels, skid plates, towing mirrors, snow plow prep (with 6.2 V8), trailer brake controller, 36-gallon long-bed fuel tank, tailgate step, heavy-duty payload package, and Ford Works systems like an in-dash computer. An engine block heater is available to fleet buyers and standard on Alaska and northern plains-state trucks. Other upgrades include captain's chairs bucket seats with center console, power sliding rear window, rear-view camera (with or without navigation) reverse parking sensors, tri-coat or two-tone paint, moonroof, Sirius radio, sound systems, remote start, and navigation.

Conclusions

The Ford F-150 delivers a strong combination of style, interior comfort, performance, ride and hauling ability. The new engine lineup moves Ford from follower to leader in power and alternatives. With multiple choices in trim, drivetrains and body styles, there's an F-150 for every type of pickup owner.  Go to the official Ford website to look up more information about the 2012 Ford F-150.

Some of the information for thisreview was ovtained through newcartestdrive.com