The Ford F-150 has long been the single best-selling vehicle in America, and is the most popular full-size pickup truck in its segment. Now, Ford Australia officially offers the big rig. So, what’s it like?
We’re checking out the 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat long wheelbase (LWB) for this review. This model has been crafted to meet the needs of both work and play, featuring a 2-metre-long tray bed (6.5 foot), some advanced technology, and a spacious and somewhat luxurious interior.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Specifications
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
Output: 298kW@6000rpm / 678Nm@3100rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Part-time RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 20in, 275/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2461kg
Power-to-weight: 8.25:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.5L/100km
Our consumption: 11.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 136L/91 RONPower efficiency: 23.84kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.32 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.13 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.91 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.78 seconds at 163.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.706g*
100-0km/h braking: 44.73m in 3.73 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.153g*
Decibel at idle: 39*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $140,945
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: How much does it cost?
Well, firstly let’s provide some background. All F-150s officially sold in Australia are first shipped in as factory left-hand drive models from the USA. They are then converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by a company called RMA Automotive. Obviously, this process would incur some costs – something to keep in mind when reading below.
Four main variants are on sale, including the XLT and Lariat, and then SWB and LWB versions of both. Prices start from $106,950 for the XLT SWB and top out at $140,945 for this top-spec Lariat in LWB form (excluding on-roads). In the USA, this equivalent top-spec model retails from US$69,425 with the 6.5-foot tub.
At today’s exchange rate, that’s AU$103,914. So that means the conversion process absorbs about $37,000, which would be divided up into paying wages at RMA and Ford Australia, parts and shipping costs, and local engineering and tuning to make sure it is right for Aussie conditions. Even so, it seems a bit steep to us.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Interior & packaging
Stepping into the cabin, you’re immediately greeted by an overwhelming sense of spaciousness. The seats, upholstered in leather for the Lariat, offer great comfort thanks to their big armchair-like size and soft cushioning. These are heated and cooled in the front and power-adjustable.
The centre console is about as wide as a Toyota Corolla, with a huge centre storage box complete with a reverse-flipping arm rest to provide a picnic table working space – the gear shifter can be electronically folded down to clear space.
There are plenty of features and gadgets to play around with, including drive modes, power-adjustable pedals, a power rear window panel, and lots of physical buttons, while most of the on-board functions are available through the 12-inch touch-screen, running Ford’s SYNC 4 operating system.
It comes with digital radio, surround-view parking cameras (a necessity for a vehicle this size), FordPass Connect (remote vehicle communication via a smartphone), and the Lariat adds a kicking 18-speaker B&O sound system, and a twin-panel sunroof.
You’ve got USB ports and cup holders everywhere, bottle holders, and multiple large pockets in the front and rear doors. Seriously, pack this thing with everything you own and there’d still be empty storage spots in here. It is so big.
Rear seat space is just ridiculous. Even for the centre passenger thanks to a completely flat floor. You couldn’t possibly need more room. Climate vents, charging ports, and heated outer seats are also standard on the Lariat.
The cargo bed, with the long wheelbase, provides substantial hauling capacity with the bed floor measuring 2005mm long and 1656mm wide, making it ideal for transporting large items; you can fit two dirt bikes on board with room to spare. Ford has also included pop-out step, bed lights and hooks, and a soft-opening tailgate, adding to the truck’s practicality and ready-for-work usability.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet, all 2024 Ford F-150s sold officially in Australia are powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that delivers an impressive 298kW and 678Nm – Australia misses out on the V8 offered elsewhere. Nonetheless, the V6 offers heaps of power, even considering its kerb weight of 2555kg. We did some performance testing on a private road and it returned 0-100km/h in a Vbox-verified 6.13 seconds, and the quarter mile in 14.78 seconds at 163.2km/h.
These are some very impressive times, let alone for a massive, 6.2m-long truck like this. To give that some perspective, looking at our Vbox results database table, similar results from other vehicles include the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE P400 (6.15s), the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor (6.09s), and the 2022 Porsche Macan 2.0T (6.06s).
The V6 probably doesn’t have the same appeal as the V8 offered in America, but it does produce a throaty burble in the mid-range, like a V8. With twin turbochargers and peak power coming in at 6000rpm, the top-end pull is awesome. Overtaking is really easy, and effortless; you don’t need to strain the hell out of it to get passed.
All of that grunt is sent through a dual-range transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 2L low-range driving settings. There is no sport mode or anything like that. Instead, the standard mapping provides an ideal tune for throttle sensitivity; it’s punchy and responsive without being too busy or tiring.
Fuel efficiency is commendable for a vehicle of this size, weight and power, rated at 12.5L/100km. We saw 9.9L/100km with extended highway use, and then it jumped back up to 12L/100km after performance testing. It eventually fell back down to 11.6L/100km for our average for the week, which is excellent in our books. But we did not do any towing or carrying heavy loads, which would impact real-world results.
On the road, the F-150 Lariat LWB demonstrates relaxed and dominating road manners. It is wide, so you do have be mindful in tighter streets, but out in the country, where this vehicle belongs, it is beautiful. The long wheelbase contributes to a stable and composed ride, with not much of that jiggling attitude you get from traditional dual-cab utes.
Part of that is thanks to the length as well, as the cabin mostly relies on the front suspension to provide comfort, with the tray bed using a more heavy-duty leaf-spring setup for loads; but it’s too far away to impact the cabin. It actually feels like a really nice vehicle to drive.
There isn’t much body lean despite the tall-ish 275/60 Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-terrain tyres, and the front end points in with poise and confidence. Honestly, I was not expecting this to be quite so pleasurable to drive on country roads with bends. It is a bit like the Ford Ranger in that sense, only this has been run through the printer at x2 size.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the F-150’s capabilities. Its size doesn’t help in more technical conditions, but as long as you have room, this thing barges its way through. Ground clearance is measured at 225mm, with a 24-degree approach angle and 26.3-degree departure angle. A break-over angle of 19 degrees isn’t great, so if you’re more serious about off-roading it’s probably best to go for the SWB model (239mm ground clearance, 20 degrees break-over).
With a 7765kg gross combination mass, and a 4500kg braked towing capacity, this is an ideal vehicle for those looking to haul heavy stuff. Even when you subtract the 2555kg kerb weight and towing max from that GCM, you’re still left with 710kg of payload capacity. It is a beast.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Massive interior: The Lariat boasts a huge and well-appointed cabin. This vehicle would be perfect to take around Australia.
- Very impressive performance: The twin-turbo V6 really hauls, and not just for a big pickup. We timed 0-100km/h in just 6.13 seconds – proper hot hatch territory.
- Practical-minded features: Power-folding gear shifter, multiple and large door pockets, more cup holders than passengers, surround-view cameras, pop-out tailgate step.
- 4500kg towing: If you need to haul heavy stuff, this is perfect. The gross combination mass is 7765kg, minus the 2555kg kerb weight and peak towing, leaves 710kg payload.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Key considerations before you buy
- Price: Considering this model retails from around US$70,000 in the USA, that converts to about AU$103k today, which leaves around $37k in what? Profits, paying employees, parts? It seems a bit much.
- Size: If you live in the city or dense suburbs, this is not ideal. It’s too long for normal car parks and too wide for narrow streets. But if you’re in the market for one of these, you’re probably not going to use it just to pop down to the cafe.
2024 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It is the best-selling vehicle in America. That’s saying something. And after a test drive, you’ll quickly understand the appeal. This is big and comfortable yet surprisingly fun to drive in the bends, and very quick. Load-hauling capability is also well ahead of any traditional dual-cab ute on the Aussie market. The price and its size are the main considerations, but the latter is probably a non-issue for those looking in this market segment.
