Her + His Car Reviews
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew
Our car reviews are innovative and interesting as we provide insightful and expert reviews from both Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $66,020 with discount | $66,520 |
| Performance | |
| The 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew is at the top of the class. It is an absolute terrific buy all the way around. This dominant V8 5.0-liter tuck has more towing power than any of its competitors - it has six engines and can tow over 12,000 pounds. But with all this power, the ride is smooth as silk no matter what ride your driving over. Acceleration is easy and this truck handles with impeccability. | Power for this stallion on wheels comes from a 5.0-liter V-8, backed by Ford's new 10 speed automatic transmission which. I have nothing but praise for the F-150's power, acceleration, and passing ability. But even more impressive, at least for me --a non-truck driver--- is how smooth, tomb quiet, and remarkably stable the F-150 is on the road. Inside the F-150 you really do not hear a thing, and it is just a joy to pilot. Brakes are quite good, too, adding yet another reason to buy the F-150. I had a feeling of stability and security with this truck, and none of the sway and bounciness I usually experience with trucks. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| The 2019 4X4 F-150 gets 19 city miles and 25 highway miles with the V6 engine. This is pretty terrific for a full-sized truck and is tops in the market with the Ram 1500. Bravo, Ford! | Here's another big surprise: Fuel economy! The Feds rate it at 18 miles per gallon overall, 16 city and 22 highway, but I got about 20 miles per gallon overall. Heck my old 2009 minivan gets that! The F-150 uses 5.6 miles of gas for every 100 miles driven, and you'll spend about $3,500 more in fuel over five years, compared with the average new vehicle, according to the Feds. |
| The Truck | |
| Ford created the F series some 42 years ago and has been top of the charts with its reputation, reliability and design. This 2019 Ford F-150 series resides in the Platinum series. That means that on top of all, with all the bells and whistles that already come with the truck, there is an advanced technology feature 'add-on'. This nets out to one pricey truck. Like most trucks, you can get the bare bones, but many who use these as their transportation of choice, need or want the various amenities. And, that can be costly. Hence, the over, sixty-five thousand, plus tax sticker.
Now this model is roomy. The front seats are cloth, comfy and big -- supportive too, with the lumbar feature. They are power-adjustable for easy movement and are heated and ventilated, as well as have a messaging function. The rear seats, which are heated, have enough space for 3 adults. They also can support 2 sets of LATCH car seats, which is good for younger families. An upper tether can go in the middle seat. Leg room is abundant for all passengers. Underneath the easy, flip-up back seats are organizational places for storage, too. Also, to fasten cargo and make it easier to load gear, there are stow able loading ramps and moveable tie-downs. Pretty great. |
The F-150, America's best-selling vehicle, has dominated this segment for years, based on its reliability luxurious appointments and comfort, and of course, its practicality for those who need a large truck. The tables have turned, however, in the market. Although I haven't driven one, I'm told by both auto writers and various car publications that the Ram pickup is the one to beat these days, thanks to its beautiful interior and exterior designs, and a host of high technology features that come with it.
There's a big problem for those of who live in the city: Parking. I don't think it's an accident that all the F-150s I see are in rural areas. Pittsburgh has narrow streets and parking is at a premium for cars on city streets, never mind trying to locate a space in which you can park, but also be able to maneuver gracefully. However, if you have the patience, and are an experienced driver of something as large as the F-150, then you simply have to consider this truck. You won't be disappointed. Chevy? Well, let's just say that, although it's a totally redone product with a faster engine, the styling of the truck and the lackluster interior is causing a lot of truck buyers to look elsewhere--including switching to the GMC truck line. Just sayin'! |
| Safety | |
| Plenty to go on here: Post-Crash Alert System Anti-lock brakes. Stability Control. Security System has an ignition Disabled Device. Front and Side impact Airbags. Overhead Airbags. Advanced Security Pack. LED Lights Seatbelt Pretensioners. Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Roadside Assistance for 5 years. | Among the safety features other than the usual belts and air bags, are the Advanced Security Pack, AdvanceTrac with RSC; Safety Canopy Air bags, SOS Post-Crash Alert System. |
| Technology | |
| Technology is what jettisons the 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew Platinum Series to the top.
So of course, there is the Push-button start, My-Key, and more features in the F-150 include automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera with Dynamic Hitch Assist. It also has a radio and manual climate control. It's typical for trucks to have few standard comfort and convenience features, as the lowest trim is usually intended to be a work vehicle. Available features include a twin-panel moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, the voice-activated SYNC connectivity system, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available driver assistance features include a 360-degree camera system, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and active park assist. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is easy to use, and the touch screen responds well to inputs. The intuitive interface doesn't take much time to master, and it provides plenty of connectivity options for your smartphone. SYNC 3 also updates automatically once connected to Wi-Fi. |
It goes without saying that there are a ton of choices you will have to make if you buy the F-150. Let's start with the cab styles. Ford gives you a choice of three styles-- Regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab.) You will have to pick one of three different lengths for the truck bed itself. There are a number of engine options, too. There's a 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It provides a six-speed automatic transmission. Want to go faster? Take a look at the turbocharged 2.7-liter, 325 horsepower, V6, or a 395 horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, which powered our test truck. Or you can get one of two versions of a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, which put our 375 horsepower or 450 horsepower. If you are a diesel fan, Ford has a new turbocharged 3.0-liter, 250 horsepower diesel-powered V6. All but the base 3.3-liter engine pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Now let's talk about the model lineup. First up is the Ford F-150 XL, with a rather lengthy list of standard features, including 17" steel wheels, automatic headlights with auto high beams, trailer sway control, pre-wired trailer connections, manual mirrors and windows, a cloth-upholstered 40/20/40-split front bench, a manual tilt-n-telescoping steering wheel, a driver information display, air,, a 4.2" display screen, 4-speaker radio, rearview camera, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. SuperCab and SuperCrew models come with 60/40-split folding rear seats and two additional speakers. If you are looking for a more features, consider Ford's 101A package, which gets you power windows and locks (including the tailgate), power mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, cruise control, Ford's MyKey, a larger driver information screen, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, a USB port and a CD player. Other XL options include chrome and sport appearance packages, the FX4 Off-Road package, side steps, a tailgate assist step, drop-in or spray-in bedliners, remote vehicle tracking, and trailer tow packages with Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. The next step up the F-150 model ladder is the F-150 XLT. Standard features include the aforementioned 101A package, along with alloy wheels, chrome bumpers, and exterior trim, foglights, a keypad entry system, rear privacy glass, carpeting, driver and passenger seat lumbar adjustments, additional interior storage bins and pocket, an 8" touchscreen, which has Sync3, AppleCarPlay, and Android Auto, FordPass Wi-Fi connectivity, and an additional USB port. Some of the available options for the XLT include a regular or panoramic sunroof choice, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, inflatable rear seat belts, a navigation system, power adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming driver side and rearview mirror, power adjustable driver's seat, rear underseat storage and a number of other options. The top of the heap is the F-150 Limited, which comes with the high-output version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter engine, an extended-range 36-gallon fuel tank (the standard tank is 23 or 26 gallons, depending on cab size), 22-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery in front, unique styling details and many of the F-150's optional features as standard. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| The Ford F-150 remains a leader and with little imagination why. All aspects of this model have it be out in front and a top choice. It's safety, technology, towing and comfort creatures are a wonderful combination for full size trucks. But we do notice that are not a lot of changes over the 2018. The exterior is super-muscular and rugged. Aluminum Body covers the Steel heavy-duty frame. Boxlink and Box Lighting and LED. Full moonroof for optimum viewing. Very utilitarian dash and knobs. Lots of use of plastic, no wood - for a $67 thousand-dollar truck, that's a lot of plastic. Power deploy running boards help with getting in and out of vehicle. And high-attractive grill. Polished Aluminum Wheels. Trailer Tow Package and Off-Road Package. Skid Plates. Bedliner. |
I look at the current F-150 as an understated classic, always fashionable truck. It projects strength, dignity, security and practicality, and will never go out of style. I especially like the dip on the doors that provides a feeling of expansiveness and airiness, as well as giving you an even better sense of security as you drive the truck. There were a few niggles with the interior. One was smallishness of the climate control tabs on the dash, although you can certainly access the same features via the touchscreen if you wish. Either way, there is the issue of taking your eyes away from driving in order to make adjustments. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 Years/36,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty. 5 Years/60,000 Powertrain Warranty. 5 Years/60,000 Roadside Assist. | Three-year, 36,000-mile warranty bumper to bumper and five years/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. |
