Ford F-150 spec boost for Australia

The standard equipment list for the locally converted right-hand drive Ford F-150 full-size pick-up is claimed to be better than the equivalent left-hand drive donor models in the USA.

The specification boost for both the 2023 Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat is the result of product planning choice, engineering necessity and a desire to reduce complexity by almost entirely eliminating options.

Ford Australia says the only US feature missing is the Bluecruise autonomous cruise control system, which requires infrastructure not supported in Australia.

Other locally converted pick-ups have also lost equipment in their transition to RHD including the Chevrolet Silverado, which is sold here without embedded satellite-navigation.

“The Australian customer of F-150 will get everything – the hamburger with the lot,” said Peter Zikas, F-Truck product marketing manager at Ford Australia.

“These are features that are generally optional for the North American customer.”

There are four models in Ford Australia’s 2023 F-150 line-up, which rolls into Ford dealers in November. As announced in February, it starts with the $106,950 XLT short-wheelbase, then progresses through the $107,945 XLT long-wheelbase, the $139,950 Lariat short-wheelbase and the $140,945 Lariat long-wheelbase (all prices are excluding on-road costs).

The only option Ford offers for the F-150 apart from choice of wheelbase length is metallic paint for $700. Accessories will be available as well, although at least for now there is only a limited range.

Australian-spec F-150s are being ‘remanufactured’ to right-hand drive at a facility run by Ford’s partner in the project, RMA.

Features standard on both models in Australia that are optional overseas include 20-inch alloy wheels, side steps and skid plates, rear wheel-arch liners, a pop-out step and work surface for the tailgate, spray-in bedliner, stowage cleats in the tray, adjustable pedals and a flip-over centre bin lid between the front seats that converts into a small table.

Compared to the US model, the XLT also upgrades from four-way to 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seats (with two-way manual backrest adjust as well).

In an engineering-driven change, the XLT also adds push-button starting because the US model’s key start doesn’t convert easily to right-hand drive.

“As a left-hand drive a key ignition makes sense because your right hand is rotating outwards,” explained Tom Dohrmann, F-150 Assistant Chief Program Engineer, Ford Australia.

“But when you flip that instrument panel all the way over then your hand is trying to rotate outwards and it’s a really uncomfortable posture. It was clashing with the stalk.

“So we have changed the XLT to push-button start for Australia.”

Another engineering-driven upgrade to XLT was a swap to the LED tail-lights from the Lariat so the red flashing indicator is replaced by amber, as required by Australian Design Rules.

Compared to its US spec the Lariat adds a power tailgate, 360-degree lighting and cameras, a B&O 18-speaker sound system and a lockable storage compartment under the rear seat.

An important upgrade for both models – considering their intended use – is the standard fitment of the Max Tow Package and 136-litre long-range fuel tank.

As we’ve reported, the tank helps the F-150 compete against the RAM 1500 for towing honours in the full-size pick-up class.

The package includes a 4500kg braked towing capacity tow hitch with a 70mm tow ball (a 3500kg tow hitch and 50mm tow ball is a dealer accessory), unique rear suspension leaf springs, Dynamic Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer back-up assist, automated trailer light checking, sat-nav route mapping for trailers and smartphone unhitching notification.

How much does the 2023 Ford F-150 cost?
XLT SWB – $106,950
XLT LWB – $107,945
Lariat SWB – $139,950
Lariat LWB – $140,945
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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