Luxury Doesn't Dilute Power of 2019 Ford F-150 Limited
By Chad Kirchner
To appeal to high-end buyers who desire a full luxury-car experience, truckmakers are spending time and resources on high-end variants to appeal to them. GMC has its Sierra 1500 Denali, Ram has its 1500 Limited and Ford has the new F-150 Limited.
Related: Ford Puts Raptor Engine in 2019 F-150 Limited
Despite attempting to attract the same type of customer, each manufacturer has a different approach to reaching torque-loving buyers. The GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 that shares many components with the Chevrolet Corvette's powerful V-8; the Denali V-8 makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.
Ram takes its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and attaches a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to the setup, making 395 hp and 410 pounds-feet of torque; it's boosted by 130 pounds-feet in some scenarios.
For Ford, differentiating its top-end model involves taking the powertrain from its halo-performance truck, the F-150 Raptor, and slotting it into a top-tier mainstream F-150. Power and torque remain unchanged in the transplant, giving the 2019 F-150 Limited a best-in-class 450 hp and 510 pounds-feet of torque.
To accommodate the Raptor engine's extra grunt, the F-150 Limited also receives a less restrictive exhaust with a dual-pipe setup that's also straight from the Raptor. The relatively new 10-speed automatic is standard, though you lose the paddle shifters from the Raptor if you go Limited.
How It Drives
The results, as you might expect, are intoxicating. Though our drive time was restricted to a single afternoon and torrential rain didn't help traffic, on the highway the F-150 Limited builds speed unlike any truck — outside of the Raptor — we've ever driven. Push the pedal to hit 50 mph and you're in go-to-jail territory in seconds. The truck seems to accelerate even quicker at speed when you hit the meat of the power and torque curve at around 70 mph.
Yes, of course, there's an appeal to a V-8-powered pickup, especially when considering outside sound. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost in the F-150 Limited doesn't sound like a V-8 when you hear it pass by. There's sound augmentation in the cabin to make it sound good, but it's not the same. In fact, for some, it may be downright dishonest.
Another criticism worth noting, when speaking of the competitive set, is that when unladen, the Ford F-150 Limited cannot match the ride quality of the Ram 1500 Limited's air suspension. Poor road surfaces around the test-drive location demonstrated that; while the F-150 is a fancy truck, it's still all truck. Of course, we know that the air-suspension Rams trade payload capacity for ride quality, while Ford's strategy is biased toward those who want or need to use their pickups like trucks, even when dressed for the opera.
All that being said, if you're looking for a hot-rod pickup truck, the F-150 Limited's power is what you want.
Inside the Limited
The interior of the new 2019 Ford F-150 Limited also receives a slew of updates. Trim pieces are made of real wood and real aluminum. The dash is wrapped in leather, and nearly all surfaces have soft-touch material. The Camel Back leather interior is the nicest interior we've ever experienced in a Ford vehicle.
Other nice touches include a suede headliner, heated and ventilated massaging seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The rear outboard seats are heated but aren't cooled and don't recline like in the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims.
It's hard to argue that Ram interiors are not the best in the business; the new ones are quite impressive. While Ford interiors are good, they aren't necessarily best in class anymore; although we will say the Limited's upgrades put the truck within striking distance of Ram's best interior. The Ford F-150 Limited definitely feels like a $70,000 pickup truck.
Related: What's the Best Half-Ton Truck for 2018?
Like with the previous Limited model, the new version comes with nearly all the features standard. The Limited SuperCrew we drove had a base MSRP of $70,560. Options on the truck included the towing package ($995), tailgate step ($375) and a hard tonneau cover ($995). Add the $1,495 destination free and the truck we drove rang up at $74,420.
While it's hard to argue that that's not a lot of money, the power update, nicer interior and Ford-exclusive features make the truck feel like it's worth the price. And compared to the other luxury trucks, the pricing is in the ballpark with a lot more grunt. More importantly, the F-150 Limited has character. It's not an off-road machine like the Raptor, but the transition to a suit and tie didn't dilute the character of that powertrain. You'll want to mash the accelerator to the floor every time you drive.
That's fine by us.
Cars.com photos by Chad Kirchner
Comments
I hope Limited customers get an AGM battery for good measure, unless Ford lays one on you "for free." Since the truck lists above 70k the "for free" remark is a bit tongue in cheek.
Still cannot grasp the decision at Ford to forgo those customers who insist on V8 power, sound and performance.
I just returned from a short trip and there's nothing like a V8 for Interstate cruising. I'll have to take Mr Williams' word for it regarding the Limited's interior. The photos don't do it justice.
It's amazing we consider the sound of an engine as much as how it performs. We've been conditioned, much like dogs, that a tough sound equals more power, while any sound less than that must mean less power and performance. Think about that. Who cares what a truck sounds like as long as it out powers, out pulls, out performs all others. Why do we still want it to SOUND impressive? Just to impress others as we pass them? Superficial and vain snobs we've become. The California way.
If I had my preference, it would be power and a smooth quiet engine.
@morepower
we don't disagree. Ask anybody who just finished a 12 hour trip on the Interstate and they'll say that quiet power is great.
However in daily boulevard driving, the V8 sound is pleasant---and the six cylinder sound wears-out my ears pretty quickly.
I am happy with the sounds that my 2016 Ecoboost make but I like the turbo whine and/or silence. If mine is augmented I wish that I could turn that off and make it quieter. Even with my older model with less horsepower, only six speeds and longer bed that adds a couple of hundred pounds I have never left it on the floor for more than a second or two. This one will have an amazing amount of power but I believe that it does require higher octane fuel. That is a no-go for me, especially in a truck. It will need all wheel drive to get that much power to the ground and I think it has that. It should be mentioned in the write up one way or the other.
I don't understand why the air bags limit the capacity of the Ram, my Freightliner doesn't seem to be limited by its air bags. That is one feature that I wish that Ford would offer.
lets see a test/race, 420 strong horses vs 450 weak ponies
HO 3.5 only in Limited and Craptor
Gorgeous truck with a terrific powertrain!
The need for sound of a v8 is for those compensating for small privates....
The electric hybrid 2020 F-150 is going to be a hoot... especially if they pair it with the 3.5 ho ecoboost.... electric on the front wheels and Petrov power to the rear wheels please.... shut up ford and take my money!!!
Papa is drinking again. GM ain't everything. The 5.slow just beat the 6.2 at TFL. This would murder it. Educate yourself.
Ram wants their tail pipes back!!
Do you think Ram was the first to do exhaust like that?
TFL
The 5L was a 2wd, unfair comparison
The 5.0 is more than 20% smaller. The advantage should have been the larger engine.
FAIL: Ford has been marketing this thing as the most luxurious pick-up only to discover the RAM has actually claimed that title. HAHAHA!
The fail is Chevy truck falling to third place behind Ram.
Educate yourself.
Posted by: TNTONLINE | Nov 21, 2018
Please review those videos. Every obvious hole-shot was in favor of the Ford. Every muffed start was the GM 6.2
Their contest would have been more meaningful with professional drivers, not writers.
In case this discussion is over your head, just watch the front bumper of the Ford in those videos and it's easy to see.
This truck will be hot, then it will pop.
Its a throw away truck.
It will be powerful, but then it will break down.
The 5.0 is more than 20% smaller. The advantage should have been the larger engine.
Posted by: Just the truth | Nov 21, 2018 9:47:57 AM
The smaller V8 has twice as many intake and exhaust valve, 4 times as many cams and cam phasers, two sets of 8 fuel injectors, and a variable length intake manifold. The "larger" engine is at a major disadvantage regardless of its displacement.
I'll take a reliable small block by GM thank you!
We all know Ford has to twin turbo everything in order to try and keep up with GM! They can't beat them naturally aspirated
And no the TFL comparison of the 2wd 5.0 vs 4x4 isn't a true comparison. If "IT"/multiple personalities drove a truck instead of a car he and his other clowns would know this.
The console shifter looks in the way for cup holders and temp settings,
Ram wants their tail pipes back!!
Posted by: water | Nov 21, 2018 9:35:42 AM
Do you think Ram was the first to do exhaust like that?
Posted by: Just the truth | Nov 21, 2018 9:42:22 AM
All that exhaust on the front of my trailer...Oh No...they bitched about it on the Ram..then the GM's...now Ford...oh my.
Ford's interiors have really gone downhill. I can't believe they want 70 grand for that cheap looking sea of plastic. Ram wins again.
@vincent
So what’s your point? Your argument is heading down the path of a volumetric efficiency debate - finsh it.
I agree Ford does have an unfair advantage. That advantage is using engines with modern technology.
There is hope for GM. The 2.7 shows some experimentation with modern technology.
I'd get around 7 mpg with this truck, and I wouldn't care at all.
@ tntOnline (one of the three stooges) The 5.0 does not have a turbo. The 5.0 did out run the 6.2. And yes it was a true comparison. Just remember the 2.7 Ecoboost is faster than the 5.0.
@ Grnzel Your mention of volumetric efficiency has confused many on this site.
The smaller V8 has twice as many intake and exhaust valve, 4 times as many cams and cam phasers, two sets of 8 fuel injectors, and a variable length intake manifold. The "larger" engine is at a major disadvantage regardless of its displacement.
Posted by: Vincent | Nov 21, 2018 11:14:35 AM
Thanks for admitting how superior and advanced ford’s engine tech is compared to the competition.
I've always said the 5L can beat the GM 6.2L. TFL is proof.
GM is garbage!
@ "it"
Please state your case. Show facts instead of spewing nonsense. Thatd all u ever do.
Many have proven u wrong on the 2.7L EcoBoost time and time again. Your stupidity runs so deep, even beyond your 20 usernames/personalities!! "Full of $h!t is your 21st name!
Who wants to start taking bets on the first regular production truck to MSRP at $100,000?
@ frank
I can see u don't drive a truck either like your buddy it!
Yes, 2wd has huge advantage over 4x4. Your an absolute clown if u think otherwise in a drag race to 60
Your incompetence runs truly deep by that comment.
Looks like tntOnline is going in to another multi-posting hissy fit.
Looks like "it" can't handle the truth!!!
@ frank
I can see u don't drive a truck either like your buddy it!
Yes, 2wd has huge advantage over 4x4. Your an absolute clown if u think otherwise in a drag race to 60
Your incompetence runs truly deep by that comment.
Posted by: TNTGMC | Nov 21, 2018 12:29:54 PM
You need to work on being a man and know when to shut your mouth and take a loss like a man
Get over it, the 5L beat the 6.2L, actually according to you.....IT OBLITERATED the 6.2L.
Looks like tntOnline is going in to another multi-posting hissy fit.
Posted by: Just the truth | Nov 21, 2018 12:33:31 PM
She'll have a field day today, that's for sure.
TNTGMC You need to remember your Ethics & Boundaries Workshops.
@ tntOnline Like has been said before. You almost told the truth one time but you lied your way out of it.
2.7 vs 6.2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gDQSgctlY4
sorry buddy
Man look at you "it" sabotaging the forum again with your multiple personalities. You poor soul! Get called out to show facts, but then "it" can never ever prove anything. Your so full of $h!t
I'll prove it for u
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.caranddriver.com/amp/reviews/2018-ford-f-150-50l-v-8-4x2-supercrew-test-review
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.caranddriver.com/amp/reviews/2018-ford-f-150-27l-ecoboost-v-6-4x2-supercrew-test-review
Now u have been put into your place. Now shut your face and go to a car forum. Your an idiot
Btw...this is an apples to apples bc they both 2wd
Frank, your an absolute neanderthal! 2wd vs 4x4. Lmfao. Please don't comment anymore.
Class dismissed
Did u notice the 2.7L was tuned and the 6.2 stock. Lmfao.
@ tntOnline You talk your @ss a lot.
Man u never know when to just move on and shut it!! You were put in your place. Get a life. U don't know trucks, bc u don't own one.
You talk nonsense and when someone shows you FACTS!! U dont know what to do
Please move on. Your stupidity shows ALL the time, multiple usernames!! Full of $h!t is your 21st. Use that when u go to a car forum
Go day to u!
@ tntOnline The stupidest stuff I ever heard comes out of your month. Are you ret@rded.
Boy snappy comeback full of $h!t
Those 2 articles left a bad taste in your mouth, and that taste was your own @$$ bc after reading them, that's where your head went. Facts really make you look like a dumb@$$!!
Take care multiple personalities!
@ tntOnline You want to see a dumb@ss just look in a mirror.
Again, your comebacks are so priceless!!! NOT
I love me some facts!! And the facts show you talk out of your @$$ a lot. So u look into the mirror, while doing it pick one of those multiple personalities and go with it
@ tntOnline Have you noticed when you start your ranting everybody leaves this site. You should think about that.
@ tntOnline You want to see a dumb@ss just look in a mirror.
Posted by: Just the truth | Nov 21, 2018 4:18:22 PM
Is that how you discovered dumb@ss?
'll take a reliable small block by GM thank you!
We all know Ford has to twin turbo everything in order to try and keep up with GM! They can't beat them naturally aspirated
And no the TFL comparison of the 2wd 5.0 vs 4x4 isn't a true comparison. If "IT"/multiple personalities drove a truck instead of a car he and his other clowns would know this.
Posted by: TNTGMC | Nov 21, 2018 11:15:22 AM
Ford had sent a truck for a fuel economy run. 2wd with 3:15 gears. Put a 5.0 with 3:73 and 4x4 and the results would have been worse for the slow GM. Sad....
@TNTGAY
How It Drives
"The results, as you might expect, are intoxicating. Though our drive time was restricted to a single afternoon and torrential rain didn't help traffic, on the highway the F-150 Limited builds speed unlike any truck — outside of the Raptor — we've ever driven."
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