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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 Our View: Protect pristine headwaters from nickel mining ... Bumper crop ... Growers and Crafters Market searching for new homes ... Our View: Protect pristine headwaters from nickel mining ... Bumper crop ... Growers and Crafters Market searching for new homes ... Ride & Drive: 2015 Ford F-150 FX4 Comment By Neal White More Content Now MailTribune.com By Neal White More Content Now Posted Apr. 27, 2015 at 8:07 AM Updated Apr 27, 2015 at 8:08 AM By Neal White More Content Now Posted Apr. 27, 2015 at 8:07 AM Updated Apr 27, 2015 at 8:08 AM » Social News Last week, I had the opportunity to evaluate the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 Platinum, the top trim level in the F-150 lineup. I was impressed with the full-size pickup that could haul a building, yet had all the amenities and comfort of a luxury sedan. This week my friends at Ford asked if I would evaluate the F-150 XLT. They wanted to show me the lower trim levels were equally as impressive as the Platinum model. How could I say no? In last week’s column I detailed Ford’s “reinvention” of the best-selling pickup (and vehicle for that matter) for more than three decades. I wrote about how the new F-150 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-exclusive features. I also wrote about the four available engines. This week’s F-150 XLT 4X4 test vehicle was equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 (325 horsepower/375 lbs.-ft. torque) with an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (4X2), 18 mpg, 23 mpg respectively for four-wheel drive. There were two things I noticed immediately: 1). The EcoBoost delivered an abundance of power and capability; 2). The fuel economy is exceptional. I enjoyed checking the driver information system and monitoring the fuel economy numbers during my evaluation week. To see a full-size pickup average mid-20 mpgs while adding capability is impressive. While not as decked out and luxurious as last week’s F-150 Platinum model, this week’s F-150 XLT was a far cry from being called “Spartan.” In every aspect, it lives up to Ford’s promise of being a “tough, smart, capable” pickup. The instrument panel is one of the best in the segment with easy to use controls. Every element is designed to instill driver confidence and comfort. From the My FordTouch infotainment system that connects you to the world, to the backup camera that makes it so easy to hook up to a trailer even I can do it, to the innovative BoxLink cargo management system, the all-new Ford F-150 has reinvented the pickup. It delivers everything owners need as well as all the features pickup drivers have been wanting. For those in the market for a full-size pickup, the all-new 2015 F-150 is an absolute must for the test drive list. 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. 27, 2015 at 8:07 AM Updated Apr 27, 2015 at 8:08 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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