2012 Ford F-150

The 2012 Ford F-150 full-size truck gets significant updates this year. New to the Ford F-150 lineup for 2012 are changes to the Harley-Davidson special edition. The Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson edition brings the biker gang attitude to the F-150 with its 6.2-liter 411-hp V-8, Tuxedo Black or White Platinum Tri-Coat paint, and stylish 22-inch wheels. The desert-running SVT Raptor is also updated for 2012, getting a new Torsen front axle, and the first-of-its-kind off-road front camera system. The regular 2012 F-150 lineup gains an FX appearance package, neutral tow capability for four-wheel-drive vehicles, and an electronic locking rear axle on most 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, and 5.0-liter V-8 models.

Choice is the name of the game for the F-150. The 2012 F-150 can be had with four engines, three cab configurations, and three bed lengths. Engine options for the F-150 include a 3.7-liter V-6 producing 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 producing 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0-liter V-8 producing 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, plus a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

The F-150's cab configurations consist of a regular cab, a SuperCab (a crew cab with rear-hinged doors), and a SuperCrew (a traditional four-door). The three available bed lengths are 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.0 feet. 2012 Ford F-150 towing capacity ranges from 5500 lbs on Regular Cab 4x2 3.7-liter V-6 models, to 11,300 on SuperCrew 4x2 6.2-liter V-8 models and 4x4 SuperCab EcoBoost models.

Body style: Pickup

Engines: 3.7L V-6, 3.5L twin-turbo V-6, 5.0L V-8, 6.2L V-8

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Models: Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab, Ford F-150 XL SuperCab, Ford F-150 XL SuperCrew, Ford F-150 STX Regular Cab, Ford F-150 STX SuperCab, Ford F-150 XLT Regular Cab, Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab, Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew, Ford F-150 FX2 SuperCab, Ford F-150 FX2 SuperCrew, Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCab, Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, Ford F-150 FX4 SuperCab, Ford F-150 FX4 SuperCrew, Ford F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew, Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew, Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition SuperCrew

New for 2012 on the basic F-150 is the addition of the FX appearance package on FX2 and FX4 F-150s. The FX appearance package adds flat black accents on the fenders and tailgate. The FX appearance package also adds red stitching and lettering throughout the interior. Ford now includes a neutral tow capability to F-150 4x4s, allowing them to be flat-towed behind an RV. Ford has fitted most EcoBoost and 5.0-liter equipped F-150s with an electronic locking rear axle for 2012, replacing the old limited-slip differential. 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptors become even more off-road capable this year with the addition of a new Torsen Front axle, and an off-road front camera system to allow the driver to properly place each tire during rock crawling. The Raptor also gets new wheels, colors, and available body side graphics for 2012. The Harley-Davidson edition is has been updated for 2012 as well.

The exterior of the 2012 Ford F-150 is as varied as its 20 models. While all share the same basic look, they're all different. The base F-150 XL gets black bumpers and a black grille, along with 17-inch steel wheels. The F-150 STX keeps the black grille, but gets body colored bumpers and 17-inch alloys. The F-150 XLT gains a chrome grille and a chrome bumper. The true standouts exterior-wise are the SVT Raptor, and the Harley-Davidson edition. The Harley-Davidson model comes in Harley-Davidson approved colors (black or white) and is the first F-150 to feature 22-inch wheels. The SVT Raptor is notable for its raised suspension, knobby pre-runner tires, and black wheels and grille, giving it a mean off-road-ready look.

The interior of the F-150 can vary from that of a Spartan work truck (XL), to a plush luxury pickup (King Ranch and Platinum) depending on the trim. We found the interior of the base F-150 XL plain, but still comfortable. Move up through the trim levels and buyers are rewarded with a richly appointed cabin that wouldn't be out of place in a Lincoln, let alone an F-150 pickup truck. Seats are comfortable and supportive, and the truck comes loaded with techno goodies (like apps!) that allow you to do anything from stream music, to checking your incline and tire placement while off-roading.

As with any vehicle, the 2012 Ford F-150's performance varies based on engine, cab, and drivetrain configuration. In our testing a F-150 SXT Regular Cab 4x2 with the base 3.7-liter 302-hp V-6 took 7.4 seconds to hit 60 mph from a stop. A 5.0-liter V-8 equipped F-150 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 took 6.9 seconds to hit 60 mph, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew took 6.2 seconds to hit 60, while a 6.2-liter Harley-Davidson Edition F-150 took 6.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. The SVT Raptor can hit 60 mph in around 8.0 seconds, and continue on to an electronically limited 100 mph top speed all while tackling the desert dunes easily.

Like many modern vehicles, the F-150 is loaded with safety features. All F-150s come with six airbags (including dual-stage front airbags and side air curtains), AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and ABS. Many F-150s also come standard with Trailer Sway Control to allow drivers to keep their loads in check. Also standard is Ford's SOS Post-Crash Alert System, which will sound the horn and flash the hazards, as well as notify authorities in the event of an accident.

F-150 XL Regular Cab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 XL SuperCab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 XL SuperCrew: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 STX Regular Cab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 STX SuperCab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 XLT Regular Cab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 XLT SuperCab: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 XLT SuperCrew: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x2); 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.7L V-6, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 FX2 SuperCab: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4)

F-150 FX2 SuperCrew: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4)

F-150 Lariat SuperCab: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x2); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 Lariat SuperCrew: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x2); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x4)

F-150 FX4 SuperCab: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4)

F-150 FX4 SuperCrew: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4)

F-150 King Ranch SuperCrew: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4)

F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCab: 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway

F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew: 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway

F-150 Platinum SuperCrew: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x2); 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway (5.0L V-8, 4x4); 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x2); 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway (3.5L TT V-6, 4x4); 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x2); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x4)

150 Harley-Davidson Edition SuperCrew: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x2); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (6.2L V-8, 4x4)

• Something for everyone variety
• SVT Raptor's mind-boggling off-road performance
• EcoBoost's economy and capability

Can get pricey when loaded up with options

• 6.2-liter fuel economy leaves much to be desired

Segment sales leader waits for a response from Chevy, Ram

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• GMC Sierra 1500
• Nissan Titan
• Ram 1500
• Toyota Tundra