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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW The white band mystery: Did volcanic ash cause turbidity in Emigrant Lake? ... Bernie Sanders draws 19,000 to Portland's Moda Center ... Medford gamer wins $6.6 million in e-sports competition ... The white band mystery: Did volcanic ash cause turbidity in Emigrant Lake? ... Bernie Sanders draws 19,000 to Portland's Moda Center ... Medford gamer wins $6.6 million in e-sports competition ... Ride & Drive: 2015 Ford F-150 Comment By Neal White More Content Now MailTribune.com By Neal White More Content Now Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM By Neal White More Content Now Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM » Social News This week I had the opportunity to evaluate the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 pickup. It is without question the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever produced. Instead of calling it an “all-new” model, Ford is calling it a “reinvention of America’s favorite pickup.” After spending a week behind the wheel, I can say that’s not just a marketing slogan. It can tow up to 12,200 pounds (1,100 more pounds than the previous model) and haul up to 3,300 pounds (530 more pounds than the previous generation). It also weights up to 700 pounds less, thanks to the use of high-strength steel in the frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy in the body. And, (and this is a big “and”), with four available powertrains 2015 F-150 models achieve up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy. It’s also one smart truck incorporating several new features and 11 available class-exclusives such as: • 360-degree camera view to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots and navigate narrow roads and trails • Integrated loading ramps for easy loading of ATVs, motorcycles and mowers • BoxLink to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box • LED headlamps and taillamps for better night visibility • Trailer hitch assist rearview camera that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help drivers line up the truck and trailer • Remote tailgate allows for the tailgate to be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob. The 2015 model is available in five trim levels — XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum and King Ranch, with the choice of two appearance packages. As always, buyers have the choice of rear- or four-wheel drive; Regular, SuperCab or SuperCrew body styles; and 5-feet, 5-inch, 6-feet, 5-inch or 8-feet bed lengths. Engine choices include: • 3.5-liter V-6 (282 horsepower/253 lbs.-ft. torque) with an EPA rating of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway (4X2). • 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 (325 horsepower/375 lbs.-ft. torque) with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (4X2). • 5.0-liter V-8 (385 horsepower/387 lbs.-ft. torque) with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway (4X2). • 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 (365 horsepower/420 lbs.-ft. torque) with an EPA rating of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway (4X2). The new F-150 is also very nicely equipped. The F-150 Platinum test vehicle included heated and cooled seats with a massage feature that rivals any luxury vehicle I’ve been in. For those in the market for a pickup, the new F-150 is a must for a test drive. Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association. THE NUTS AND BOLTS MODEL: 2015 Ford F-150 3-, 5-, or 6-seat fullsize pickup Rear-, or four-wheel drive Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew body styles 5.5, 6.5 or 8-feet bed length Trim packages: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum PRICE RANGE: $26,000-$65,000 ENGINE: 3.5L V6 (282 hp/253T*) 2.7L EB V6 (325 hp/375 T) 5.0L V8 385 hp/387 T*) 3.5L EB V6 365 hp/420 T) TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic EPA: 18/19/15/17 mpg city, 25/26/22/24 mpg highway (3.5/2.7 EB/5.0/3.5 EB RWD) FUEL: Regular unleaded (*E85 capable) STABILITY CONTROL: AdvanceTrac with roll stability control BRAKES: ABS LENGTH: 209.3-250.5 inches WIDTH: 79.9 inches TOWING: Up to 11,110 pounds PAYLOAD: To 3,300 pounds By Neal White More Content Now MailTribune.com By Neal White More Content Now Posted Apr. 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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