2012 Ford F-150 - Features Review

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Shopping for a new Ford F-150? MSRP: $23,500 - $52,305

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Between its ten different models and trim levels, the Ford F-150 lets drivers try on a whole range of truck personalities. Prices range from workhorse levels of about $24,000 to luxury-car highs of more than $50,000.

In basic versions, Ford's full-size trucks have only the essentials needed for fleet duty and utility work. The XL doesn't get much more than air conditioning and a radio. From there, marching through the STX, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum editions add more and more features, with the Harley-Davidson edition appealing to a specific niche, and with FX4 and FX2 trucks setting their sights on the off-roading crowd.

Among those mainstream trims--the ones with the capital letters--Ford is flexible on body styles, bed lengths, and drivetrains. The equipment gets progressively more luxurious: the STX adds a CD player, while the mass-market XLT adds on power windows/locks/mirrors and cruise control.

Lariat trucks add on an LCD screen that displays vehicle settings; steering-wheel controls for audio and phone; 18-inch wheels; leather seats; power-adjustable pedals; satellite radio; a towing package; and SYNC, the Bluetooth-driven voice controller. Lariats also have an option for an off-road package that bundles skid plates, tougher shocks, and a locking rear differential. Lariat Limited and Platinum models add even more, like remote starting, larger wheels, and heated rear seats.

For the jacked-up, energy-drink-and-dirt-sandwich crowd, there are FX2/FX4 models and the F-150 Raptor, all with a macho look highlighted by exaggerated fenders and blacked-out trim. The Raptor's the hardcore thrasher of the group, with its 6.2-liter, 411-hp V-8, skid plates, and Baja-ready add-ons.

At the top of the lineup are the luxury trucks, like the King Ranch edition and its special untreated-leather interior, and the Harley-Davidson edition, which includes a power moonroof, rear view camera, second-row heated seats, ambient lighting and a remote start system. The Harley exterior gets a unique six-bar billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson chrome badging. The truck also has a lowered appearance due to a fully integrated deployable running board. Also standard are 22 inch Euroflange forged wheels with a polished center wheel cap and low-profile performance tires. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson—Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver.