2024 Ford F-150 Review and Test Drive

Fresh styling, innovative new features, and class-leading towing and hauling highlight Ford's updated full-size pickup.

Perry Stern | 

May 23, 2024 | 8 min read

Perry Stern

The Ford F Series is by far the bestselling vehicle in the United States, a position this full-size pickup truck has held for more than 40 years. So when the company makes significant changes to the F-150, that's a big deal.

There's good reason for this truck's popularity. The 2024 Ford F-150 stands out from the competition, boasting a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a best-in-class maximum payload capacity of 2,445 pounds. It is also the only full-size pickup to offer gasoline, hybrid, and fully electric variants in the 2024 model year.

With a lineup that varies from basic work trucks to ultra-luxury pickups and extreme off-roaders, there is a 2024 F-150 for nearly every type of truck driver. Prices span a wide range, from the high $30,000s for the base-level F-150 XL regular cab and climbing to the low $110,000s for the extreme off-road Raptor R.

For the 2024 model year, the F-150 receives minor styling updates, including a new modular front bumper and freshened grilles that better differentiate trim levels. It also gets added standard equipment, improved high-tech features, the innovative Pro Access Tailgate, and more power for the Raptor R. In addition, a new Platinum Plus trim replaces the Limited as the most luxurious F-150 available.

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PowerBoost Hybrid Brings Power and Great Efficiency

Ford invited me to Palm Springs, California, to take a closer look at the updated 2024 F-150. I drove three trucks, including an F-150 Tremor with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $80,035, a Lariat PowerBoost Hybrid with an MSRP of $82,610, and a Raptor R with an MSRP of $114,495. All prices include a $1,995 destination charge.

It was warm in Palm Springs, with temperatures closing in on 100 degrees Fahrenheit. But the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid helped to beat the heat, serving as a power generator for an outdoor tent. The truck powered four air-conditioning units, multiple fans, and as a bonus, an electric freezer stocked with frozen treats.

Thanks to the PowerBoost Hybrid's Pro Power OnBoard generator, that chilly treat trick is possible. The standard version delivers 2.4 kilowatts of exportable power, while the upgraded system puts out 7.2 kW. Ford says the 7.2 kW system can power a mobile welding shop for more than 30 hours, so cooling a large tent in the desert wasn't much of a challenge.

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Ford offers the PowerBoost Hybrid powertrain with XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels. PowerBoost Hybrids employ an EcoBoost 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with an electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Total output measures 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque, enough to tow up to 11,200 pounds or haul 1,755 pounds of cargo. Four-wheel drive is standard with the hybrid powertrain.

Ford put me in a 2024 F-150 Lariat PowerBoost Hybrid for a drive west of Palm Springs on Interstate 10. The big truck feels quick — effortlessly accelerating to highway speed — and proves quiet while cruising at 70 mph. With its spacious, comfortable cabin, a long road trip in this truck would be nice, especially when equipped with Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system.

The EPA rates the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid at 22/24/23 mpg city/highway/combined. Unfortunately, my observed gas mileage was lower than expected, with the trip computer indicating 18.7 mpg. That's still good for a powerful full-size pickup truck.

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BlueCruise 1.2 and Other Tech Update Interior Tech

While driving the Lariat PowerBoost Hybrid, I used the F-150's updated BlueCruise 1.2 system. BlueCruise is available starting with XLT trim and includes a 90-day free trial subscription. After that, F-150 owners can activate a monthly or annual subscription.

BlueCruise functions on limited-access highways such as the I-10 in Palm Springs. Once I merged onto the freeway, I activated the F-150's adaptive cruise control system and set the speed to 70 mph. Instantly, the newly standard 12.0-inch digital instrumentation panel adopted a blue theme and depicted a hands-free graphic showing that BlueCruise was active and I could let go of the steering wheel.

The BlueCruise 1.2 update improves overall system operation and adds an automatic lane-change feature. When the car ahead was slower than my pace, I activated the left turn signal, and the F-150 waited for an open spot, changed lanes by itself, and passed the slower vehicle. After passing, activating the right turn signal put the truck back in the original travel lane.

Another enhancement is adjacent vehicle detection. For example, when a semi truck is in the next lane over, BlueCruise 1.2 can move the F-150 slightly off-center to the middle of your travel lane to provide a bit more breathing room.

BlueCruise operated seamlessly, even when I had to grab the wheel to swerve around debris on the road. The system allowed me to do this and continued to operate when I let go of the wheel again. BlueCruise does require the driver's attention, however. After just a few seconds of looking away, I was alerted by the system to pay attention to the road.

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A 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display is now standard in the F-150, enhancing the high-tech vibe. Running Ford's Sync 4 software, the system felt intuitive and easy to use and features a new 5G LTE modem for quicker mapping and faster over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 F-150 will also be the first model to offer Ford Stolen Vehicle Services (SVS), which can help locate and recover a stolen vehicle. The SVS will alert the customer of any attempt to tamper with or tow the truck, and if the owner confirms the truck has been stolen, the system will work with authorities to recover the vehicle.

New Pro Access Tailgate Adds Functionality

Ford has a history of tailgate innovation. Current F-150 tailgates feature an available fold-out step and grab handle with integrated rulers and cupholders on the surface. For 2024, Ford is adding the Pro Access Tailgate, significantly improving access to the truck bed.

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While the Pro Access Tailgate features traditional up/down operation, the cool trick is that the center of the tailgate can open as a swing gate. With the gate open, cargo in the bed is easily accessible without reaching over the tailgate. A wider step bumper and the option of a lower fold-down step make it easy to climb into the bed through the open gate.

Another advantage of the Pro Access Tailgate is that it provides better access when towing a trailer. You can't open a typical tailgate when a trailer is connected because there might not be enough space, and you could damage the tailgate if it hits the top of the trailer jack.

The Pro Access tailgate can swing open to a detent at 37 degrees, providing enough space to get to the cargo bed without hitting the trailer. There's also a detent at 70 degrees for opening in a tight space, or the swing gate can open fully to 100 degrees.

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Two Off-Road-Ready F-150s Are Available

For customers serious about going off-road, Ford offers two F-150s primed for adventure: the Tremor and Raptor.

The F-150 Tremor has a unique look that gets an update for the 2024 model year. It stands out from the rest of the F-150 lineup with raised ground clearance, a wider stance, unique running boards, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Tremors also get a new modular front bumper for installing accessories such as a light bar or winch.

With features such as front and rear springs and an electronic locking rear differential, the Tremor delivers excellent off-road capability in a pickup that still provides everyday truck functionality. It proved quite capable during our trek through a challenging, rocky course. The ride is somewhat jarring, however, especially at higher speeds on rough terrain.

Enter the F-150 Raptor, which offers the ultimate in capability. Tuned for traveling over land at high speed, the Raptor keeps the ride surprisingly comfortable.

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For the 2024 model year, the top-level Raptor R is more powerful than before, now providing 720 horsepower from its 5.2-liter supercharged V8. That's a bump of 20 horsepower over last year. In addition, the Raptor gets updated Fox Live Valve shocks with continuously variable compression and rebound control, which creates a more comfortable, controlled ride.

With multiple powertrains, a wide range of trim levels, and capabilities that can fit just about any full-size truck buyer's needs, the 2024 Ford F-150 has a lot to offer. The updates for the new model year make this truck better and should ensure that the bestselling title remains with Ford.

Ford provided the vehicles for this 2024 F-150 review and paid for airfare, lodging, meals, and experiences during the evaluation period.