Ford is not letting its
2012 Truck of the Year award get to its head. Although it gave the F-150 line an all-new power train lineup from top to bottom in 2011, it's taking the opportunity for the 2013 model year of making some noteworthy updates to the truck's cabin tech features. And not just on the top-of-the-line models. All models from XLT up get updates to the center stack controls.
On the outside, the biggest changes are newly-optional and class-exclusive HID headlights, new grille designs, optional power towing mirrors, and three new color choices. Several trim levels get some new interior color choices, and there's even an all-new Limited trim level.
As noted above, most models in the F-150 line will benefit from the upgraded tech, with XLT trims upward getting 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report functions. Models not equipped with the available MyFord Touch system get a 4.2-inch LCD center stack display integrating audio and climate control displays. The revised center stack display is in addition to the 4.2-inch LCD display in the gauge cluster providing access to information such as trip computer, fuel economy, tow settings, and gauge setup.
Premium-trim models such as the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and newly-introduced Limited model get an 8-inch LCD touchscreen display adding voice control functionality, and a media hub with two USB inputs, an SD card reader, and audio/video output jacks. The interface was specifically designed to work with work gloves. The 8-inch touchscreen system offers an optional voice-activated navigation system, an SD map-card reader, point of interest storage and SiriusXM Travel Link.
Engines carry over for 2013, and that's fine with us. Our only hope was the possibility of the EcoBoost being offered as an option on the Raptor model, but the 6.2-liter 411-hp V-8 remains the only choice on the desert off-road-oriented model.
Selected models add HID headlights as a new option, and like Ford's Super Duty models, the 2013 F-150 offers optional power telescoping and folding outside rearview mirrors for increased visibility and added convenience when towing.
The new Limited model is the first trim to offer the option of either the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the 6.2-liter V-8 engine. The new FX Appearance Package, offered on the FX2 two-wheel drive and FX4 four-wheel drive models, adds Alcantara seat inserts for added sporty interior style. Other interior trim and color changes include the addition of the Steel Gray interior on Lariat models and a new black interior for the King Ranch model. The Platinum trim adds Black or Pecan leather color options. The 2013 F-150 adds three new color options: Blue Jeans Metallic, Kodiak Brown Metallic, and Ruby Red Clearcoat Metallic.
The easiest way to spot the 2013 models are by the grille. XLT models get a new "bracket" grille resembling that on the Super Duty model, and Lariat and other higher-trim models getting a new three-bar mesh design.