Pros:
- Strong EcoBoost powertrains, with the 10-speed automatic improving responsiveness and towing confidence.
- Refined road manners, thanks to the aluminum body construction and well-sorted suspension.
- Spacious SuperCrew cabin, making it practical for family use as well as work.
Cons:
- Interior space isn’t class-leading in every seating position.
- Best towing requires specific configurations, limiting flexibility across trims.
- Rear seats don’t fold flat, reducing cargo versatility.
Along with its main segment competitor, Ram, the Ford F-150 has dominated the North American pickup market in the last decade. The sheer power, chassis strength, and towing capability have made the two undeniable kings of the countryside. The 2017 update of the Ford F-150 brings a revised engine capable of towing more weight and a slightly changed exterior.
2017 F-150 Sheds Weight
As before, the F-150 has an aluminum cabin over a steel frame. Ford states that this construction style reduces weight by about 700 pounds. The actual results are expected to be felt in acceleration, agility, and fuel economy. The previous F-150 configuration, with an aluminum chassis, was the first pickup to earn a 5-star rating in EuroNCAP crash and safety tests. The new chassis frame and cabin should, at least by the numbers, be even tougher and safer.
Performance and Driving Impressions
Four engine options
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 (Naturally Aspirated) | 282 hp | 253 lb-ft | ~7,600 lbs |
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | 325 hp | 375 lb-ft | 8,500 lbs |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 | 385 hp | 387 lb-ft | ~11,600 lbs |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (10-speed auto) | 375 hp | 470 lb-ft | 12,200 lbs |
The 2017 Ford F-150 is available with four engine options. The entry-level model features a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with the standard 6-speed automatic gearbox. Towing capacity in this configuration is limited to 8,500 lbs. It is also fitted with start-stop technology to save fuel when waiting at a stoplight or in heavy traffic. For heavy hauling, Ford recommends the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, which produces 385hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. The Ti-VCT technology optimizes torque over all rpm ranges. According to Ford, the V8 is compatible with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
With a new, revised EcoBoost engine and 10-speed gearbox, the 2017 Ford F-150 can tow more and consume less fuel.
The only unit that can currently be paired with the new 10-speed transmission is the 3.5L EcoBoost. Using twin turbochargers, the F-150 can tow a maximum of 12,200 lbs. in this engine-gearbox configuration.
The 10-speed, 6-clutch gearbox is new to the Ford line-up. The ratios are spread fairly widely across the 10-speed intervals. The higher number of ratios reduces rpm drop when shifting to 20%, compared with the 25% achieved with an 8-speed automatic. The automatic gearbox is specifically paired with the 3.5-litre 2nd-generation EcoBoost to match its low-rpm torque.
On the road with the new 10-speed auto transmission
On the road, the 2017 Ford F-150 SuperCrew feels far more refined than its size suggests. The aluminum body construction pays dividends immediately, making the truck feel lighter on its feet during city driving and highway merging. Steering is predictable and confidence-inspiring for a full-size pickup, while the suspension strikes a good balance between load-ready firmness and everyday comfort. In SuperCrew form, it’s easy to forget you’re piloting a work truck—road noise is well managed, and the cabin feels composed even at highway speeds.
The standout mechanical update is the available 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. In real-world driving, the gearbox fades into the background in the best possible way, keeping the engine in its torque sweet spot with minimal effort. Shifts are quick and unobtrusive, and the wide ratio spread helps both low-speed pulling power and relaxed cruising. Whether towing, accelerating onto the freeway, or simply rolling through traffic, the drivetrain feels polished and responsive—less like a traditional pickup and more like a well-sorted modern SUV with serious muscle.
F-150 SuperCrew Interior
Passengers will have to fit within 40.8 inches of headroom and 43.9 inches of legroom for front seats. To put it in perspective, these numbers put the F-150 in 3rd place behind the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra. On the other hand, the F-150 SuperCrew configuration (as seen here) leads the pack in rear-seat space.
It may not lead the class in every interior dimension, but in SuperCrew form the F-150 strikes an excellent balance between work-ready capability and family-friendly comfort.
A leather trim is available for front and rear seats, extending to the steering wheel. Front seats also come with massage, heating, and cooling. Optionally, buyers can choose power driver and passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, and a driver’s seat memory.
The SuperCrew’s cabin levels it up
The SuperCrew Cab trim enhances interior space, putting the F-150 back in the running for the top spot among the competition. While it offers the most space in almost all areas, it doesn’t get a top score on the second row. This happens because the seats are not flat-folding. Overall, the 2017 F-150 SuperCrew offers enough space even to be used as a family vehicle rather than a work truck.
Technology
Ford provides a wide range of optional safety features on the 2017 F-150. Among them, it’s worth mentioning blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane assist, backup camera, and 360-degree camera.
The SYNC 3 upgrade is available, enabling Siri integration. When equipped with SYNC Connect, the driver can use FordPass to check the location of the car, and remote access features such as start, lock, and unlock. Also, FordPass displays information regarding fuel level and mileage. Scheduled start-up is also possible.
Takeaway
The 2017 Ford F-150 SuperCrew builds on an already strong foundation with meaningful mechanical upgrades rather than surface-level changes. The revised EcoBoost engines and available 10-speed automatic deliver smoother power, improved towing confidence, and better everyday drivability, while the aluminum-intensive construction continues to pay dividends in refinement and efficiency. It may not lead the class in every interior dimension, but in SuperCrew form, the F-150 strikes an excellent balance between work-ready capability and family-friendly comfort. As a do-everything half-ton, it remains one of the most well-rounded trucks on the market.
