One year after Ford unveiled its all-new, aluminum-body 2015 F-150 pickup truck, the company has just announced a new F-150 Limited for 2016, a vehicle it boldly claims is “its most advanced and luxurious truck ever.”
Ford’s new F-150 Limited looks to one-up other well equipped trim levels of its F-150, including the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum to provide a new level of exclusivity and features.
“The F-150 Limited sets a new bar for what discerning customers should expect in a high-end truck,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re adding segment-exclusive technology, and features that improve productivity, convenience and capability with distinctive style.”
The 2016 Ford F-150 Limited is adorned with a number of unique features inside and out, though it’s the exterior features that will make the first impression. The Limited is fitted with 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, raised “LIMITED” lettering on the hood, a unique grille compared to other trims, a chrome front bumper with body-color end caps and a body-color rear bumper. The Limited also features a satin-finished chrome badge on the tailgate, satin-chrome door handles and a chrome exhaust tip.
The unique styling doesn’t stop at the exterior. To offer a level of limited exclusivity, the interior is accented with a laser-engraved VIN plate on the center console lid that includes the actual production number of the vehicle. The Limited further separates itself from the other trims by featuring unique front and rear floor mats, a unique “Limited” instrument cluster face, wood-grain accents from genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, and Limited scuff plates with ice blue backlighting.
One of the most notable additions to the Limited is Ford’s all-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The new segment-first system is designed to allow drivers to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park it in a driveway via by simply twisting a knob to the left or right to control the direction of the truck while the computer controls the steering and limits the speed of the truck.
The Limited features standard features that include BLIS with cross-traffic alert, chrome front tow hooks on 4×4 models, panoramic vista roof, power-deployable running boards, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote start, tailgate release, and an integrated trailer brake controller. Available options include the technology package that includes a lane-keeping system, 360-degree camera system and dynamic trailer hitch assist.
The front seat on the Limited features heated and cooled black and Mojave leather seats accented with Limited badging, and they feature 10-way adjustment and multi-contour massaging, because seriously, who doesn’t need a massage while driving? SYNC 3, Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, is included, along with AppLink and heated rear seats. The Limited also includes a 10-speark Sony steror that include a subwoofer and single CD player, and it also included a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic.
Powering the 2016 F-150 Limited is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which is rated to produce 365 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The Limited can tow up to 10,100 pounds when properly equipped. Ford mates the 3.5L EcoBoost with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul and sport modes, and it features SelectShift with progressive range select.
We expect the 2016 Ford F-150 Limited to be available later this year, though Ford has yet to release an official time frame. Colors available for the 2016 Limited include Shadow Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans and White Platinum Metallic tri-coat. We’ll have a chance to check out the new Limited first-hand soon, as well as get the chance to try the new Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature. Check back shortly for our impression of the new truck.