Refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 Summed Up in Three Highlights

As we explained earlier this week, Detroit’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), once the largest and most prestigious auto show in North America, has become just a shell of its former self as most automakers prefer to host their own separate events to introduce new vehicles.

Media Days have shrunk to basically just a half-day of unveilings, with only three highlighting the 2023 edition that took place from September 13-24. The refreshed 2024 Ford F-150 did show up, but it had already been revealed on the eve of the NAIAS, at a venue just a block away from Huntington Place.

Since this is the best-selling vehicle in Canada we’re talking about, we need to take a closer look at the changes that are in store three years removed from the launch of the current generation. Here are the top three highlights of Ford’s updated full-size truck:

1. EcoBoost Becomes Standard

For 2024, the naturally aspirated 3.3-litre V6 is gone. That makes sense as few customers chose this particular engine. The 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 is the standard unit under the hood of the F-150 going forward, producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. Performance will be improved, although reliability can be a problem. The turbocharged mill is currently being investigated by U.S. authorities for alleged “catastrophic engine failures” apparently resulting from faulty intake valves.

Meanwhile, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, 3.5-litre PowerBoost V6 (hybrid) and naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 are all unchanged. Ford has hinted at some extra muscle on the way for the supercharged 5.2-litre V8 in the F-150 Raptor R (now rated at 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft.), though how much remains unclear at this point. Still, expect the almighty off-road pickup to top its closest rival, the Ram 1500 TRX.

2. Innovative New Tailgate

Ford designers have made subtle revisions to the exterior including an updated grille and two available sets of headlight clusters. That being said, the most interesting addition is arguably the new optional Pro Access tailgate.

You can have it with each of the three bed sizes and it includes a sideward-swinging door offering multiple angles (37 degrees, 70 degrees and 100 degrees). According to Ford, this makes it easier to load the bed and provides better access to its contents when a trailer is hitched to the truck.

3. New Gear for Off-Road Models

In order to satisfy off-road driving enthusiasts, Ford came up with some upgrades for 2024. For example, the F-150 Tremor gets a new model-specific front end that can accommodate more off-road equipment, including a 12,000-lb. Warn winch available through Ford Performance.

The F-150 Raptor, meanwhile, inherits the latest generation of FOX Dual Live Valve shock absorbers that improve low- and high-speed trail performance. It also rocks a new model-specific Shelter Green body colour.

Reservations for the 2024 F-150 are now open, but the official on-sale date is scheduled for early 2024. Pricing ranges from $49,655 for a base XL 4×2 regular cab model all the way to $100,750 for the top-line Platinum model. That’s obviously not counting the much more expensive Raptor R, which will have a separate announcement at a later date.

Nothing suggests the F-150 will lose its sales crown anytime soon. And remember that Ford aims to triple production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning in 2023. Long live the king!