Zac Quinn 
Though it doesn’t feel like it was very long ago that we got the latest generation of America’s best-selling truck, time flies, and now it’s time for a refresh. On the eve of the 2023 North American Auto Show in Detroit, Ford has made some significant changes to the F-150, including new technology and design. The mighty 5.0L Coyote V8 is the standard engine is on the F-150 XL, and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost is now the standard engine for both the STX and XLT trims. The popular pickup now has a max payload of 2,455 pounds with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds.
What’s New For The 2024 Ford F-150?
Starting with the overall design of the 2024 Ford F-150, the classic grille and front-end design featured in premium F-150 models such as Lariat and Platinum has been re-designed for a sophisticated, modern appearance while still being recognizable as a Ford F-Series vehicle. The F-150 now has more distinct appearance packages designed to help meet every customer’s need and use case. The Black Appearance Package, one of the most popular choices, is now offered on models from STX through Lariat. Meanwhile, the Platinum series will feature blacked-out interior and exterior accents from the factory.
Technology Upgrades
Ford has changed the game significantly with Pro Power Onboard, helping dealers and customers through past winter storms, saving a wedding, and, most commonly, powering tools on a worksite. For 2024, the handy feature is getting an updated digital interface that will help customers keep track of available power, either through the SYNC 4 screen or the FordPass app. A 2.0kW Pro Power Onboard is available for the gas truck, which can comfortably power a football tailgate with a television, speaker, blender, mini fridge, and electric heater. The 2.4kW system is available on all PowerBoost-equipped trucks and gives vehicles a maximum of 85 hours of runtime with a full gas tank. Finally, a 7.2kW option can comfortably supply power to a framing crew, mobile metal/welding shop, or dirt-bike mobile shop for 32 hours straight.
As for other tech for the 2024 Ford F-150, the refresh will help customers enhance their productivity with advanced driver-assist features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. The Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses the rear camera and corner radars to align the hitch with the trailer coupler while simultaneously controlling the truck’s speed, steering, and braking to stop it at just the right place, all at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist allows the camera to track the trailer position while the driver backs up and guides the trailer. This is done by rotating the knob left or right in the direction the trailer needs to go, and the system controls the steering wheel.
A class-exclusive for the 2024 Ford F-150, an available Smart Hitch measures tongue weight to help customers properly hitch up and reduce the possibility of trailer sway when towing. Combined with Onboard Scales, it helps estimate appropriate payload weight in real-time. Weight can be viewed through the Ford SYNC 4 touchscreen or LED visual display in the taillamps. Finally, an available Exit Warning is designed to help alert occupants exiting the vehicle to approaching detected traffic from behind, including cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Customers can also access more available driver assist technology across the lineup, including in-demand features like Ford BlueCruise and a 360-degree camera.
Customers for the 2024 F-150 will experience Ford BlueCruise 1.2, which allows for new capabilities like Lane Change Assist – which can perform a hands-free lane change at the top of the turn signal – and In-Lane Repositioning to help adjust the vehicle’s position by subtly shifting away from cars in adjacent lanes, such as large semi-trucks.
As for the improved Digital Experience, SYNC 4 with a 12-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen is now standard across the lineup and complements a standard 12-inch cluster screen behind the steering wheel. What’s more? An even easier information delivery method is an available Head-Up Display offered on the F-150 for the first time. Included in both the Heads-Up Display and the cluster are custom views for Ford BlueCruise, tow/haul, and off-road drive modes. Additionally, Ford is now offering a Stolen Vehicle Service, which helps locate and aid recovery of a Ford owner’s stolen vehicle if activated.
Finally, Ford is adding a 5G LTE modem that enables even “faster” connectivity and over-the-air updates. Though, if you have a 5G phone, you know that in the current state of technology, 5G can be frustrating. If you are interested in purchasing a 2024 F-150, Ford has reduced ordering complexity by 90% compared to the 2023 model, meaning the extended range fuel tank and Class IV trailer hitch are now standard. The new F-150 XL starts at $35,570, while the F-150 Raptor R continues to top the range at $111,550. Yes, the build and price configurator is already live.
