2012 Ford F-150

The 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab version comes in three trim levels. The base XL trim starts at $24,495 for standard RWD configuration. It equips a potent 3.7-Liter V6, post-collision safety systems, a vinyl upholstery cabin, and 17-inch steel wheels. The mid-tier STX model offers additional features like a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, and cloth upholstery seats. Moreover, alloy wheels replace steel wheels. The top-end XLT version is charming with dusk-sensing auto delay off headlamps, front fog lights, a 4-speaker audio system, and 17-inch painted alloy wheels. All models can have an optional 4WD setup.

We Recommend

The STX trim is a good deal with a high feature to price ratio. The mid-tier level option gets additional TPMS, cruise control, and alloy wheels. The cabin is more comfortable with cloth upholstery. It adds power mirrors and remote keyless power door locks for absolute convenience. Steering mounted controls are a plus—a better music experience from a 4-speaker audio system replacing the basic 2-speaker stereo of XL trim. For the STX version, the added 4WD costs around $3,500.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab comes equipped with a 3.7-Liter V 6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission generating 302 hp and 278 pound-feet of torque. If you are looking for a more powerful engine option, upgrade to HD Towing Package that equips the vehicle with a 5.0-Liter V8 engine. The bigger engine generates 360 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque output. The Regular Cab gets a standard rear-wheel-drive setup. At the same time, you can upgrade to a 4WD setup if required. 

Towing and payload capacity are impressive, with 11,300 pounds towing capacity and 1,765 pounds of payload capacity. The acceleration capability of the F-150 Regular Cab is one of the best-in-class, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds with the 3.7-Liter V6 block underneath. The top speed is around 112 mph. Handling capability is impressive with firmer suspension tuning and an athletic steering setup.

The towing capacity of the F-150 is the best-in-class, with numbers touching 11,300 pounds with the base engine. The bigger 5.0-Liter V8 delivers a whopping 14,400 pounds towing capacity and 3,117 pounds payload capacity. The acceleration capability of the truck is also impressive. Competitors like the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 also deliver potent lower-end torque but they are slow; at least 2 seconds slower than the Ford in the 0-60 mph run.

Do not expect excellent fuel economy for these humongous towing monsters but a better economy can give an edge over the competition. The 2012 Ford F-150 returns 17 MPG in the city and highway figures stand at around 23 MPG. A large 26-gallon fuel tank takes care of a long driving range; an essential feature for pick-up trucks. The new F-150 is a good companion for cross country travel or a long weekend getaway with the family. The bigger 5.0-Liter V8 is a gas guzzler with a combined EPA rating of 17 MPG.

The best-in-class MPG figures are offered by the new F-150 Regular Cab. Two engine options vary the range, but both get a standard 26-gallon fuel tank. Competitors like Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 deliver a combined efficiency of 17 MPG but their driving ranges are quite low. Despite coming with an underpowered engine, the RAM 1500 is not as fuel-efficient as the Ford F-150 and it lags even behind the GM twins.

The interior space of the base model of the Ford F-150 is subtle with standard amenities. The cabin is spacious for three passengers and comes with multiple small-item storage options. The XL trim features vinyl upholstery seats, a basic 2-speaker audio system, and steering-mounted controls. Moving up to the mid-level STX model adds a 4-speaker audio setup, cloth upholstery seats, and convenience features. 

The top-end XLT version offers a similar cabin outlook with ample space and comfortable seating. Major changes for the top-end model focus on exterior and safety features. The utilities are at the epicenter of design philosophy. The 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab features a spacious cargo deck area for hand-held items. Talking of numbers, it has the best-in-class 65.5 cubic feet cargo volume.

There is not much interior difference among pickup trucks of this domain. The cabin space is similar, and higher trims get comfortable upholstery options and additional convenience features. Being a Regular Cab, passenger space is limited to three. However, it is spacious with good legroom and headroom. 

Competitors like the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 offers slightly better legroom. Cargo space is the best in Ford F-150, followed by Sierra 1500. The Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 being twin offerings from the GM brand offer similar cargo volumes. They also get small-item storage spaces inside the cabin for a more comfortable and organized ride. Standout interior features include:

• Vinyl/Cloth upholstered seats w/ manual driver lumbar
• Color-coordinated urethane steering wheel
• Cruise Control for STX and XLT trims
• Remote keyless entry
• Driver and passenger door scuff plates
• Air conditioning

How intuitive is the 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab’s infotainment system?

The base model of the 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab gets basic features like a 2-speaker audio system and fundamental inputs. Mid-tier and top-end trims get you a better 4-speaker audio system and connectivity features. It adds a CD Player and AM/FM Stereo. When it comes to Regular Cab pick-up trucks, infotainment features are limited. Standout infotainment features include:

• AM/ FM Stereo
• CD/ MP3 Player
• 4-speaker audio system
• USB input
• AUX audio input jack

The new Ford F-150 Regular Cab presents a rugged statement with a straightforward design and intuitive headlights. The top-end XLT trim offers Dusk Sensing Auto Delay Off Headlamps. The vehicle also gets a side assist step, fog lights, power mirrors, and massive 17-inch painted alloy wheels. The difference between trim levels are 17-inch steel wheels for the XL model, 17-inch alloy wheels for the STX version, and painted alloy wheels for top-end trim. 

The rear of the truck features unique taillights. There are no dimensional changes for the 2012 MY. The truck is on the heavier side of the segment. The body structure is taller and offers a long wheelbase. Ground clearance offered by the 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab is one of the best in the segment.

The new 2012 Ford F-150 Regular Cab is the heaviest but is also dimensionally bigger. The height, wheelbase, and ground clearance are better than competitors. The new GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are lighter and feature a shorter wheelbase and lower body height. Standout exterior features include:

• Dusk Sensing Auto on/off headlamps
• Cargo Area Lighting
• Black power side mirrors
• Chrome grille with chrome surround
• 17-inch alloy wheels

The 2012 F-150 handsomely equips standard as well as advanced safety features. Top testing agencies like NHTSA and IIHS highly acclaim the body structure of the Ford F-150 lineup. It comes equipped with a handful of safety features like a post-collision safety system, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, and AdvanceTrac stability control system. The keyless entry and MyKey system offer good security. However, the Regular Cab misses out on the most advanced driver assistance technologies present in Crew Cab. Standout safety features include:

• AdvanceTrac stability control w/ roll stability
• Hill-start assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• MyKey system
• Dual-stage airbags for driver and passenger
• Safety canopy front side curtain airbags
• Post-collision safety system

The new Ford F-150 Regular Cab does not have many changes over its outgoing model. The design and powertrain are similar. If you are looking for a heavy-duty pick-up truck with remarkable towing and payload capacity and a decent cabin, the 2012 F-150 Regular Cab is a good choice. There are three trim levels and two engine options to choose from. Also, an optimum fuel efficiency gives it an edge over competitors.