Meet the Ford F-150: Green Truck of the Year
If there exists somewhere in the world a pickup truck that proves it can be both powerful and eco-friendly - a durable work truck that doesn't settle for terrible fuel economy and wasteful performance - then surely that truck is a Ford F-150.
That's why among dozens other, the Ford F-150 can freshly boast its being the winner of Green Car Journal magazine's Green Truck of the Year for 2015. Thanks to its impressively fuel-efficient performance and eco-conscious construction, this incredibly popular pickup acts as a real game changer in a market so criticized for failing to be green.
If you're looking to join the green revolution and want to get yourself into a Ford F-150, the 2015 New England Motor Press Association Official Winter Vehicle of New England, then head over to your local NH Ford dealer and pick up your next, best truck today.
It's Powerfully Efficient
Part of what makes the F-150 to impressive for a truck its size is its EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 26 miles per gallon - the highest of any full-size pickup on the market. That's thanks to the available 2.7L EcoBoost engine - a powerful piece of machinery that still allows the F-150 to tow up to 8,500 pounds, and carry a maximum 2,250 pound payload.
The F-150 is also able to further reduce its fuel consumption thanks to an available gaseous fuel prep option that enables the F-150 to run on clean-burning compressed natural gas or propane.
This powerful pickup was designed with sustainability in mind, with sustainably-sourced materials used in its construction throughout. This includes REPREVE fiber made from recycled plastic bottles available for F-150’s cloth seats, which Ford estimates will divert more than 5 million plastic bottles from landfills this year.
The F-150 also utilized sustainably recycled materials like rice hulls to reinforce plastic used in an electrical harness, fuel lines made from castor bean oil, and seats made of soybeans and post-industrial recycled cotton.
Ford was able to reduce the F-150's curb weight by over 700 pounds over the preceding generation thanks to extensive use of lightweight steel in the 2016 model's architecture as well as high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloys in the cab and box. And since it's military grade, the aluminum will never rust.
The F-150 has three other options for engines. First is the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, which boasts a five percent better power-to-weight ratio than the previous 3.7L V6 and a best-in-class standard V6 EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for a light-duty pickup at 18 city/25 highway/20 combined.
Next is the renowned 3.5L EcoBoost engine, found currently in over half a million F-150s on the road. This engine features a better power-to-weight ratio and higher city and combined EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings than its 2014 predecessor, with this model capable of an impressive 17 city/24 highway/20 combined mpg. This powerful engine also allows for up to 12,000 pounds of maximum towing weight, the best in its class.
Finally is the ultra powerful 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, capable of an impressive 435 horsepower and offering the best-in-class payload available at 3,270 lbs.
The Pinnacle of Safety
This truck is incredibly safe as well, offering not only the protection of its high-strength steel and aluminum frame but also premium safety features like an advanced restraint system with dual-stage airbags, Curve Control to help drivers stay on their intended path, and available inflatable rear safety belts in the SuperCrew models.
Seat belts designed with pretensioners on the anchor side further tighten the lap belt around front-seat passengers in the event of a crash, keeping the passengers in a safe spot from the very moment of collision. Plus, with standard sway control and standard AdvanceTrac technology, you know even your cargo will be safe in the hands of this impressive vehicle.
The F-150 even features an available Pro Trailer Backup Assist and advanced rear view camera technology to make negotiating a trailer in reverse as easy as turning a knob. It's no wonder the F-150 received a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program.
And to top it all off, this is an undeniably modern truck. With a power rear window and power moonroof to let in fresh air along with 170-degree swing-out rear doors on the Supercab, this is definitely a work-ready truck suitable for any 21st-century work site.
That comes along with a class-exclusive remote operated tailgate, stowable ramps to make loading and unloading a breeze, an available tailgate step, and deployable side box steps make this model truly versatile for just about any job imaginable.
Tech-Friendly
Safety and productivity seem extremely apparent in this truck, with an available 110-volt outlet, driver assistance technology like a 360-degree camera with Split-View display, a Lane-Keeping System, a Blind Spot Information System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, Curve Control, Active Park Assist, and crisp LED lighting, this gorgeous truck certainly doesn't disappoint the modern audience.
The eight-inch productivity screen included in the instrument cluster puts information like fuel economy, a trip computer, and average speeds right at the driver's fingertips for maximized efficiency on the road with clear, easy-to-read computer generated graphics.
Plus, you and your guests will never be disconnected, with available SiriusXM satellite radio and Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link.
This is combined with Ford's voice-activated Sync technology, with which passengers can make hands-free calls, look up numbers, search and play music, and contact help in an emergency. Or, you could upgrade to the high-performance Sync 3, which features enhanced voice recognition, a touch screen display, available navigation and seamless Siri integration.
If you're ready to make the switch to the highly-decorated Ford F-150, we wouldn't be surprised. Maybe it was us that convinced you, or maybe you're just tired of hearing everyone else rave about this truck and want to see it for yourself. Either way, head over to your local NH Ford dealer and see if they've got the F-150 that's been waiting for you.