2016 Ford F-150 XLT Package (Eco Boost)

The redesigned 2015 Ford F-150 may not look all that different, but those familiar lines disguise what is unquestionably the most sophisticated and capable version of this best-selling pickup ever to hit the road. Notably, we picked the 2015 Ford F-150 as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars. In the face of brand-new full-size pickup models from its major competitors, Ford figured it needed to do some truly radical rethinking for its 13th generation of America's best-selling line of full-size trucks. And, from early indications, it looks like the company has managed to do just that with the 2015 Ford F-150. You won't know how radical the new F-150 is just by looking at it. In a nod to the conservative tastes of many pickup buyers, Ford kept the styling changes fairly subtle. The restyled grille and distinctively shaped headlights are the most obvious visual clues that you're looking at an all-new truck. Instead, the really big changes are largely hidden from view. Ford engineers have made extensive use of lightweight aluminum in everything from the hood and body panels to the pickup bed to help shave off as much as 700 pounds of weight in the process. Lest you think aluminum is synonymous with flimsy beer cans, Ford says that the military-grade alloys used on the F-150 come in a wide variety of different thicknesses, many of which can be tougher than steel at a fraction of the weight. Underpinning it all is a full ladder-reinforced frame that uses significantly more high-strength steel than the outgoing model. Advantages to shedding weight are multifold. For a given GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), a lighter truck can handle more payload. The same relationship applies to GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and towing capacity. And a significantly lighter truck will accelerate more quickly and burn less fuel. Efficiency is so good with the truck's new 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that the two-wheel-drive F-150's combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg just misses the combined 23 mpg delivered by the more expensive diesel six-cylinder powering the class-leading Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. Of course, Ford is looking to keep traditional truck bragging rights as well, and it says a properly equipped F-150 will be able to tow up to 12,200 pounds with the 2.7-liter's bigger counterpart, the 3.5-liter turbo V6. Ford has also packed the latest F-150 with even more advanced technology. There are video cameras galore, including a trailer hitch assist version that features a dynamic guide line to make lining up the hitch ball and trailer coupling a quick one-person job, as well as an available top-down 360-degree camera view system to help with navigating parking lots and job sites. Other highlights include a new 8-inch "productivity" screen in the gauge cluster and a host of new safety features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. With the seemingly endless number of permutations, there's probably a 2015 F-150 model to suit every person who has ever even thought of buying a pickup. Just the same, there are other trucks you'd be well advised to check out. We're also very fond of the 2015 Ram 1500, which will impress you with its smooth ride, quiet interior and available diesel engine. You can't discount the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 either, considering its well-rounded nature. Both are great trucks, but we think the redesigned 2015 Ford F-150 has enough meaningful improvements to make it a very attractive choice for shoppers. Bottom line: If you're looking for a thoroughly modern full-size pickup in 2015, Ford has just made your decision that much harder.