2017 Ford F-150: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2017 Ford F-150 continued its reign as America's best-selling truck, offering a potent blend of capability, technology, and refinement. Ford focused on enhancing its already successful platform with a new, more powerful engine option, significant safety upgrades, and a refreshed interior across many of its popular trims.
Highlights
The 2017 F-150 stood out with a number of key advancements:
-
Engine Options:
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (New): This all-new engine was a major highlight, delivering a substantial increase in power and torque (375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque) over its predecessor, along with improved fuel efficiency. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smoother shifts and better performance.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: This smaller, turbocharged V6 offered a great balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for those who didn't need the absolute highest towing capacity but still desired strong performance.
- 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: The legendary Coyote V8 returned, offering robust naturally aspirated power and a satisfying exhaust note for traditionalists.
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Naturally Aspirated): The base engine provided adequate power for most daily driving and light-duty tasks.
- 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6 (Raptor Only): Exclusively for the F-150 Raptor, this specialized version of the 3.5L EcoBoost offered even more power (450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque) and was tuned for extreme off-road performance.
-
Advanced Safety Features:
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist: This innovative system allowed drivers to easily back up a trailer using a simple knob on the dashboard, eliminating much of the guesswork and stress.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: The F-150 could maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed and even coming to a complete stop if necessary, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
- Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow Monitoring: This system not only alerted drivers to vehicles in their blind spots but also factored in the length of a trailer, providing a more comprehensive safety net.
- Lane-Keeping System: Helps drivers stay within their lane by providing steering assistance if the vehicle begins to drift.
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection: Utilizes sensors to detect potential frontal collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, providing audible and visual warnings and automatically applying the brakes if a collision is imminent.
-
Trim Level Summary: The 2017 F-150 offered a wide range of trims to suit various needs and budgets:
- XL: The workhorse, offering essential features for job sites and basic utility.
- XLT: A popular mid-range option, adding more creature comforts and convenience features over the XL.
- Lariat: A step up in luxury and technology, featuring premium interior materials and more advanced infotainment.
- King Ranch: Known for its Western-inspired luxury and distinctive styling cues.
- Platinum: Positioned as a more upscale and refined option, with premium leather and advanced tech.
- Limited: The pinnacle of F-150 luxury, offering the highest level of features, materials, and exclusive styling.
- Raptor: The performance-oriented off-road icon, featuring a unique suspension, specialized powertrain, and aggressive styling.
-
Other Notable Aspects:
- Military-Grade Aluminum Alloy Body: The F-150's revolutionary aluminum construction continued, offering significant weight savings for improved fuel efficiency and performance without sacrificing strength.
- Sync 3 Infotainment System: Available on higher trims, this user-friendly system offered responsive touch controls, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
- Pro Power Onboard (Limited availability in 2017): While more prominent in later model years, some configurations of the 2017 F-150 offered integrated power outlets in the bed, allowing users to power tools or equipment directly from the truck.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Ford F-150 generally means experiencing a capable and versatile vehicle that excels at both work and daily driving.
-
Typical Ownership Experience: Buyers can expect a comfortable ride for a truck, especially in higher trims with more sophisticated suspension. The cabin is generally quiet and well-appointed, making it suitable for long commutes or family trips. The various engine options provide a good range of performance, from fuel-efficient cruising to serious towing and hauling. The truck's user-friendly controls and advanced infotainment systems, particularly the Sync 3, contribute to a positive daily interaction.
-
Maintenance: Routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, which are standard for most vehicles. Given its popularity, parts and service for the F-150 are widely available. However, the turbocharged EcoBoost engines, particularly the newer 3.5L EcoBoost with the 10-speed automatic, may require specific fluid types and more specialized attention compared to older, simpler powertrains. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of these advanced systems.
-
Insurance: Insurance costs for a 2017 Ford F-150 will vary significantly based on factors such as the specific trim level, engine, optional features, driver's age and record, and geographic location. Trucks, in general, can sometimes have higher insurance premiums due to their higher purchase price and potential for damage in accidents, especially when used for heavy-duty work. High-performance trims like the Raptor may also incur higher insurance costs. It is always recommended to get personalized quotes from multiple insurance providers.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 F-150 is a highly competent truck, there are a few things potential buyers should be aware of:
- Transmission Longevity (Early 10-Speed Models): While the 10-speed automatic was a significant improvement, some early models with this transmission experienced occasional shifting quirks or exhibited a learning curve for optimal performance. Ford did issue software updates to address some of these behaviors.
- Fuel Economy with V8 and High-Output EcoBoost: While the EcoBoost engines offer excellent efficiency for their power output, the 5.0L V8 and the High-Output EcoBoost in the Raptor will naturally consume more fuel, especially when towing or under heavy load.
- Aluminum Body Repairs: While the aluminum body is lighter and stronger, it requires specialized repair techniques and equipment. This can sometimes lead to higher repair costs if involved in an accident, and not all body shops are equipped to handle aluminum repairs.
- Interior Noise in Lower Trims: While higher trims are very refined, some of the more basic trims (XL, XLT) might exhibit more road and wind noise compared to luxury SUVs or sedans.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Ford F-150 represented a significant step forward for the F-Series, offering an impressive array of technological advancements, powerful and efficient engine options (especially the new 3.5L EcoBoost), and a strong emphasis on safety. Its durable aluminum construction, comfortable and feature-rich interior (particularly in higher trims), and its continued reputation for capability make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a full-size pickup truck. Whether for demanding work tasks, family hauling, or adventurous weekends, the 2017 F-150 proved to be a highly versatile and capable machine that solidified its position as a segment leader.