2016 Ford F-150

The 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab is offered in two trims namely the XL and XLT. Both trims share amongst them a single-engine and transmission option. However, they can be channeled as a 2WD or 4WD variant with either a short-bed or long-bed configuration. It falls in a price range the starts a little over $26,500 and goes all the way up to $42,425 for the top-tier trim. It comes equipped with functions like an SYNC3 infotainment system, electric power steering, and bed ramps.

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The 2016 Ford F-150 XLT trim ranges from $31,905 to $42,425 and mixes the creature comforts of a daily driver along with the utility of a work truck without sacrificing fuel economy. While the base trim is immensely useful, at a diminutive price difference, the XLT adds more value for money. While the 4WD setup is the preferred choice, the bed length will depend on the individual needs of the buyer.

The 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab offers a single engine option. The base engine available with both the XL and XLT trims is a 3.5L V6 which puts out 282 horsepower along with 253 pounds foot of torque. It gets mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission unit which features tow and haul mode for improved performance. The truck can either be channeled to transfer power to the rear or all four wheels.

The 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and complete a quarter-mile run in 14.5 seconds, making it the quickest and fastest in the segment. It is agile in its drive and is versatile enough to devour even the roughest patches of the road. However, its ride does feel underwhelming when the cargo bed is empty. It can tow a maximum weight of 12,000 lbs, which is the best in the segment and gives it an edge over its competitors.

In terms of powertrain setup, each truck in the segment makes use of a V6 engine alongside a 6-speed automatic transmission and an RWD setup, with the exception of the 2016 RAM 1500 that gets married to an 8-speed automatic unit. When compared to the competition, the Ford produces lowest outputs in the segment. While the RAM manages to produce the highest power of 305hp, the Chevrolet and GMC have higher torque outputs and are rated at 305lb.-ft.

While the 2016 F-150 is the quickest in the segment, the 2016 Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 are slower but rank second in the segment taking 6.9 seconds each. Though the RAM assumes the last position in the acceleration test, it is better than most of its competitors when towing capacity is concerned and can tow about 9,370 lbs.

According to the EPA, the 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab with the 3.5L V6 engine does 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway. Combined, it averages 20 miles per gallon of fuel, which is also the segment standard. It sports a 23-gallon fuel tank, which may be the least voluminous, but when equated with the truck’s frugality allows it to an average best-in-class range of 468 and 650 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

When compared to the competitors, it is difficult to declare a certain winner amongst the pack. All three trucks, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and RAM 1500 manage a combined efficiency of 20 MPG and have a fuel tank of 26-gallons. They manage an almost similar range that is above the 400 miles mark in the city and above the 600 miles mark on the highway.

The cabin of the 2016 F-150 is built to last longer than your usual vehicles, the layout of the dash and other interior components is quite simple and user-friendly as well. It features centrally-placed infotainment and digital-cluster embedded screens and has ample storage space available on the inside. However, it is no luxury vehicle and it lacks the refinement in its build that the competitors vaunt.

Irrespective, the 2016 Ford F-150 sports extremely comfortable seats that do not compromise on passenger pleasure even a bit. With the redesign in the previous year, space is better than before and the seats provide a commanding view of the road ahead. Ingress and egress into the cabin are through the two dedicated doors and is easily accessible. While space is comparable with competitors, it ranks second when cargo capacity is concerned with its box holding almost 62.3 cubic feet of items.

When compared to the competitors, all Regular Cab configurations can seat 3 passengers only. While the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 have maximum legroom up front, the 2016 RAM 1500 has best in class cargo capacity of 74.7 inches. Each contemporary truck in the segment makes use of better-quality materials in its build, which does give them an unsaid advantage over the competitors.

Some salient interior features include:

• Electric Power Steering
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Front Cupholders
• Vinyl Flooring
• Cloth Upholstery
• Manual driver and passenger lumbar support adjustments

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab?

The latest SYNC3 infotainment system that replaces the MyFord software is an essential upgrade to improve the in-car experience. It is easy-to-use and intuitive and features a slew of specifications including voice recognition, a 4.3-inch touchscreen system, and a 4-speaker sound system. Some of its other infotainment features include:

• Applink and 911 Assist
• AM/FM Stereo
• Single CD Player
• HD Radio
• Auxiliary Audio Input

The F-150 for 2016 MY looks like an amalgam of rectangles and squares put together to make it look more rugged and mean. It looks purpose-built to tackle any task or terrain one can throw at it. While the base trim lacks a premium and upscale aura, the use of chrome with the higher-level trims gives it a more appealing look. The head and taillamps look completely modern and extend the muscular look already available on the truck.

The 2016 Ford F-150 is the lightest truck in the segment weighing 4,051 lbs. It is the longest both in terms of overall length and wheelbase measuring 209.3 and 122 inches, respectively. At a total height of 75.2 inches and width of 79.9 inches, it is also the widest and tallest vehicle in the segment that sports a wheelbase of 8.8 inches.

The 2016 RAM 1500 is the heaviest vehicle in the segment weighing 4,702 lbs. It is one of the larger trucks available in the market. The Regular cab configuration of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are the widest trucks measuring 80 inches.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Cargo Bed
• Fog Lamps
• All-season tires
• Running Boards
• Black/Chrome Claddings

The 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab is the safest proposition in the segment. Its capabilities are backed by the top-notch ratings it receives in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and IIHS. It also gets recognized as the ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. It comes equipped with basic features like electronic stability control, roll stability control, and MyKey system.

Some of the other safety features include:

• Airbags Front-seat side
• Airbags Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor
• AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and Curve Control
• Alert chimes for headlamps-on, key-in-ignition, and front safety belts
• Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder
• Brake/shift interlock
• Fuel pump inertia shutoff
• Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System (excludes spare)
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• Trailer Sway Control

The 2016 Ford F-150 Regular Cab is one of the most versatile vehicles especially in the States as it is capable of completing any task one can throw at it. The F-150 is known to be highly reliable as well, combine that with the best-in-class fuel efficiency becomes more than just a pickup truck.