The Ford F-150 Shines with Luxury, Convenience, Tech, and Capability
Or is that the Ford F-150 Tremor Rocks and the Platinum Kicks Butt? It’s really hard to say.
I had more of a hard time deciding what the title of this story should be compared to the magical experience I had driving a few versions of the 2024 Ford F-150. First, there was the Platinum series, which starts at $73,735, and then came the F-150 Tremor series, which starts at $64,150.
The location was perfect too, in the beautiful Southern California desert. Forest, desert, and lots and lots of highway. What I discovered was that it’s all about the balance. Not just when testing the capabilities of trucks, but with the pickup itself. The Ford F-150 offers a gorgeous array of choices, ones that can easily take you over rocks and into a new adventure you never even imagined, while sitting in a luxurious position.
I’m not sure that there is a more versatile and capable truck out there that could surpass this one. Every luxury you enjoy in your car can be found in these trucks, and then some. And some luxuries you may not have even experienced yet.
Ford has made some key improvements in the 2024 F-150 to elevate the artful combination of driving and pursuit of off-road adventure, and I’m so pleased to tell you all about it.
Related: The 2024 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck Got a Makeover — and a Bevy of New Benefits
That F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Engine
Let’s refresh our memory and talk about what’s under the hood of the 2024 Ford F–150 Platinum that I tested. It’s a 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid engine with 430 hp, and it cranks the torque up to 570 lb.-ft. The hybrid engine has proven to be quite popular, to the point that Ford is dedicated to an uptick in production of this engine for the 2024 model year – from 10% of all trucks to 21%. And this engine is fully capable. In other words, this engine provides a responsive and smooth acceleration on entrance ramps, while saving you a bit more on gas too. It can also outhaul most everything else, with a max towing capacity of 11,200 lbs.
If you’re dead serious about towing, choosing this truck with the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6 ups your maximum available towing to 13,500 lbs, so bring all the things. Ford makes it easier too, with the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist. This is one of the things I find extremely convenient about this truck. It uses AI to automatically back up and align the hitch and trailer. And it all happens with one knob on the dashboard. No more “a little to the left, a little to the right” when it comes time to add your precious cargo.
Related: The 2025 Ford Explorer Just Got a Subtle, Modern Makeover
The Art of the Tailgate
I wasn’t planning to lead with this feature. I had planned to work up to my favorite feature on the truck, but I can’t hold back. The Pro Access Tailgate is my favorite new feature on the Ford F-150, and here’s why: increased inclusivity.
The swing gate can open as little as 37° or as wide as 100°, and you can open it with one hand. If you open the gate for quick access at the first angle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how much reach you have deeper into the truck bed.
This is a wondrous feature for those of us with shorter limbs or limited range of mobility. It’s nice to know that you can open the tailgate and grab something you might need without disturbing the trailer hitch.
At the presentation, I was told that 75% of Ford owners tow something, so it’s pretty clear to me that Ford listens to their customers and focuses on human-centered design improvements when it comes time to upgrade. As a potential new buyer, I appreciate that.
Related: Ford Maverick Tremor Pickup Truck: The Billy Goat of Small Pickup Trucks
The Proof is in the Tech
Ford has upped the ante regarding update and connectivity facilitation, so they’ve put a 5G LTE modem on board. Along with that, there’s ProPower available onboard, which consists of a 2.4kW or 7.2kW battery that will provide exportable power. Enough power to operate a shop for 85 hours. For many F-150 owners, this means being able to run your shop remotely, but for some of us without those requirements, having an extraordinary tailgate party sounds like fun.
As we previously reported, the 2024 Ford F-150 will also be connected to Ford Stolen Vehicle Services, which can help locate your truck if you need help recovering it.
This truck has never been safer either, as there are 10 standard driver-assist features in the F-150 now. These include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System
- Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Rear View Camera
- Auto High Beams
- Reverse Sensing System
- Reverse Brake Assist
- Post-Collision Braking
- Auto On/Off Headlamps
Finally, the 12” multimedia touchscreen is now standard on all models, complementing the 12” driver info panel. A bright and clear head-up display is available that gives information for all modes, including BlueCruise 1.2, which I tried firsthand.
Related: The 2024 Ford Ranger Reminds Me That Editing Is Good
No Hands and No Crashes on the Freeway
My driving partner and I had a delightful stretch of the California interstate to drive on to test the Ford BlueCruise 1.2. This current Level 2 version of their hands-free highway driving assistant is the most up-to-date, and it includes new features like lane change assist and in-lane repositioning when the truck senses that somebody’s right on the line next to you.
I did enjoy watching the truck show off that feature when a big 18-wheeler appeared to drift over toward me. It wasn’t easy to keep my hands off the wheel, but I did. And I’m old-school. This type of option did not exist when I learned to drive back when the dinosaurs still roamed the earth, so I’m pretty proud of myself.
Sitting behind the wheel, letting the car work its way down the highway, I marveled at the ease of modern-day driving. It seems like more and more niceties are contributing to a more relaxing experience, even if it’s at rush hour on a Monday.
Related: The Ford Maverick Lobo Brings Street Style to Pickup Trucks
The Ford F-150 Tremor Made Me Forget the Highway
After marveling at all the new technology on the highway, Ford wanted us to experience their trucks on the Burns Canyon Trail. This trail took us on a lush journey through the San Bernardino National Forest. We were treated to a dense trail filled with pine and Joshua trees as we climbed and then descended over a variety of terrain, which was technically moderate. We ventured through loose rocks, deep ruts, hairpin turns, tight spaces bookended by big boulders, and a lot of dust.
The Ford F–150 Tremor was our sturdy companion. And sturdy is an understatement. It has presence. It’s a beefy ride which almost makes it seem like this truck is too easy to drive. Sitting on 33” all-terrain tires gave us additional ground clearance and a wider stance made it easy to keep a grip on the assorted terrain.
How Did The Ford F-150 Tremor Do on the Trail?
The Ford F-150 Tremor I drove had a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with 400 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. We had multiple steep hills to climb, and I had no doubt that this truck would reach the destination summit, which it did easily.
This truck makes it easy to go off-roading too. It has a plethora of technical features, including:
- Trail Control with One-Pedal Drive
- Trail Turn Assist
- Tremor-specific front and rear springs and shocks
- An electronic locking rear differential
- Special control arms and front knuckles uniquely designed for the Tremor
Additionally, some beautiful hot orange graphics on the Tremor exterior carry over into the interior, which has tactile surface materials that remind me of dark denim, with happy orange stitching, dashboard accents and embroidered badging on the seats. There is an available modular bumper that aftermarket accessories can easily be added to as well. An adventurous tone is set with the distinctive Tremor grille, with orange accents that play right into the turn signal lights, and very cool patterned running boards that are unique to this truck.
How much does the Ford F-150 Cost?
Ford is making it easy to order a truck by making certain features standard. This includes:
- 36-gallon fuel tank (non 8-ft. box and PowerBoost Hybrid)
- Class IV Hitch
- 12-inch Touch Screen
There are multiple series and plenty of choices for everyone with a variety of budgets, with prices starting at:
- XL $36,770
- STX $43,895
- XLT $47,620
- Lariat $65,195
- King Ranch $73,735
- Platinum $73,735
- Tremor $64,150
- Raptor $78,330
- Raptor R $110,225
Plus a $1,995 destination and delivery fee
You’ll start to see more unique features as your budget increases, of course; things like wood trim on the interior, special running boards, or leather and Alcantara seating. Options like the panoramic moonroof or axle upgrades can also be added at the time of purchase.
Who is the Ford F-150 Tremor For?
The Ford F-150 certainly has a wide appeal since it’s the only full-size pickup truck to offer gas, full hybrid, and all-electric powertrain options to customers. The Ford F-150 Tremor is the perfect truck for people who wish to incorporate off-roading as part of their lifestyle. Outdoor aficionados and petite people might be thrilled with the Pro Access Tailgate because the truck bed just got a whole lot easier to access. And, tech-oriented folks will appreciate the enhanced connectivity and precision of the Trail Control one-pedal driving, the thrill of circling a campfire using the Trail Turn Assist, or the excellent camera system to see how close they are to the edge of the path.
The Platinum series I drove on pavement made me feel so elegant, and the Tremor series I drove off-road was so easy to drive. I really do believe the value you get for the dollar will translate into a smile on your face every time you take this thing out, whether going for a fabulous dinner in the city or heading deep into the forest for some much-needed alignment with nature. Smiles are valuable currency.
I cannot emphasize how much fun I had driving, feeling relaxed and secure in every aspect in these trucks. We live in an era of modern, comprehensive technology. Isn’t it nice to know your truck behaves like a guardian and keeps you and your passengers comfortable on any adventure, no matter the details? I’d say a truck like that kicks some serious butt.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Ford for this test drive. Travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.
