TOP-FLIGHT TRUCK
Ford slathers on the luxury, upgrades the performance of the big ‘n’ burly, line-topping 2017 F-150 Limited 4x4 SuperCrew
Ever notice how many luxo-trucks there are plying New Mexico’s streets and highways these days? Particularly those four-door, top-ofthe-line, four-wheeldrive versions?
And frequently, there is only a driver on board, suggesting these pickup behemoths are often functioning as commuter vehicles.
Perhaps this trend is partially a logical outcome of cheap gasoline prices. Or maybe there are high-end buyers shifting from sedans to trucks as the once utilitarian pickup continues its ascent up the luxury ladder.
These babies don’t come cheap. Our test vehicle this week — a 2017 Ford F-150 Limited SuperCrew 4x4 — rang up at $67,000.
There’s a stunning amount of content in this White Gold beauty, from its potent, redesigned-for-2017 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, to its leather-lined interior with every conceivable luxury and convenience feature. Heating/cooling/ massaging front bucket seats! Real wood trim! Even a remote tailgate release!
With its elevated view of the surroundings, the expansive cabin provides a most pleasant place to pass the miles.
But despite all the frou-frou accouterments, don’t assume that this baby can’t get some work done. It’s capable of towing up to 10,500 pounds with an optional trailering package. That’s some serious grunt.
Ford boasts that its EcoBoost V-6 provides V-8 power with six-cylinder economy. A direct comparison to a GMC Sierra Denali 1500 4x4 Crew Cab, powered by a 6.2-liter Ecotec3 V-8, suggests Ford may be on to something. The F-150 scores 17 mpg city/23 highway; the Sierra comes in at 15/20.
Once up in the saddle, the F-150 SuperCrew is pretty easy to maneuver despite its size. The steering is rather numb but accurate; on rough roads, particularly around corners, the ride tends to display familiar pickup-truck rear-axle skitters.
Overall, this top-of-the-line truck is comfortable, handsome, seemingly well-built, and five-star-rated safe. It’s an intriguing combination of luxury, technology and utility, all wrapped in an all-American package: the pickup truck. And after 38 years of being America’s bestselling trucks, Ford’s F-150 must be doing something right.