2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB review (video)

What’s the 2024 Ford F-150 SWB XLT like to drive and live with, and is it too big for Australian roads? We’ll uncover the answers in this review.

This is a vehicle I was not prepared to love. Thinking it would be too big for Australian roads, unwieldy and a blunt, unsophisticated instrument. I could not have been more wrong.

Imported from the United States but re-manufactured in Australia by RMA Automotive in north Melbourne, the F-150 competes with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tundra and RAM 1500 – all of which are also converted to right-hand-drive locally.

We’ve reviewed the long wheelbase (LWB) model in fancy Lariat trim, so this time around we’re testing the entry level SWB XLT model, with its more purposeful and work-oriented setup.

Despite its recent entry into the market, the F-150 is already making its presence felt. By the end of July, 1132 F-150s had been delivered in Australia, compared with 1959 RAM 1500s and 1384 Silverados (according to VFACTS). This rapid uptake is indicative of the strong interest and hype Australian consumers have for big ‘utes’.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: 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
Kerb weight: 2451kg
Power-to-weight: 8.22:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 12.5L/100km
Our consumption: 11.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 136L/91 RON

Power efficiency: 23.84kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.85 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.64 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.66 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.93 seconds at 164.2km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.806g*
100-0km/h braking: 44.37m in 3.77 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.004g*
Decibel at idle: 39*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $106,950

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: How much does it cost?

The 2024 Ford F-150 XLT comes with a starting price of $106,950 (before on-road costs). This places it at an advantage to the entry versions of the RAM 1500 Big Horn ($119,950) and Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Premium with Tech pack ($130,500), let alone the $145,990 Toyota Tundra.

Ford provides a capped-price servicing plan that offers predictability and affordability. Over the plan’s duration, the total cost is $3099, with each service visit costing between $370 and $540. The plan covers the vehicle for the first eight years or 1200,000 km, with intervals set at 15,000km or 1 year – whichever occurs first. It’s also covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance.

Fuel consumption is rated at 12.5L/100km, and it’s happy to accept 91 RON unleaded. This compares to 12.2L/100km for the Silverado and base RAM and 11.7L for the mild-hybrid Toyota Tundra. With Sydney’s median fuel price at the time of writing set at $2.04/L, it would cost $277.44 to fill the gargantuan 136-litre fuel tank.

Happily, the effortless nature of the engine and ten-speed gearbox meant that we saw fuel consumption around the 11.1L/100km mark in the real world – an astounding achievement for such a large vehicle.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Interior & packaging

In terms of size, the F-150 XLT is a substantial vehicle. It measures 5890 mm in length, 2029 mm in width, and 1961 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3683 mm. This considerable size translates to a commanding road presence and a high driving position, giving drivers excellent visibility and a sense of authority on the road.

There is room to swing a cat in here, but the décor is very much that of a base Ranger – austere and workmanlike. This is not necessarily a bad thing when you consider the level of standard equipment it also offers.

The dashboard is centred around an 8.0-inch SYNC4 touch-screen, which includes a seven-speaker sound system and satellite navigation, and tethered Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. For such a hefty price, this is a pretty small screen but the audio quality is surprisingly decent, with powerful bass.

The foldout office workspace is a brilliant addition, with a wide surface area to accommodate laptops and clipboards. Additionally, the column-mounted gear shifter, positioned to the right of the steering column, automatically shifts to Park when the engine is turned off, which was a nifty party trick.

Seat comfort is impressive too with the driver enjoying a 12-way power-adjustable seat and the front passenger a 10-way power-adjustable seat, both with lumbar adjustment. Legroom and headroom is not going to be an issue for most popular.

Rear-seat accommodation is outstanding, with limo-like legroom, three big seats, cup and bottle holders, and plenty of storage in the chunky (and large) door cards. It is massive in here.

It has a 4500kg towing capacity (braked) with integrated trailer brake switch to the left of the steering column. The 769kg payload is less than some mid-size utes such as the Toyota HiLux, so ensure it will meet your cargo needs before singing the dotted line. The GCM is set at 7720kg.

The F-150 has a range of features in the tray to make work easier. These include an integrated pop-out step so you can easily walk into the bed area, measuring numbers built into the tailgate, and a spray-in bedliner as well as tie-down points.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Powertrain & handling

Open the large bonnet of the aluminium-bodied truck and you’re greeted by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers a robust 298kW and 678Nm. Paired with a 10-speed Ford 10R80 automatic transmission, this powertrain is an absolute gem, providing the kind of response you have no right to expect from something weighing 2451kg (kerb).

This is also one of the best gearboxes in the business, telepathically staying in the right gear at the right time, faithfully obeying manual shift commands and providing either lazy cruising by locking up the torque converter or instant grunt. Best of all, it can jump from high gears to low without having to sequence through all the gears.

It kind of feels like a big Falcon XR6 Turbo, with our Vbox showing a solid 0-100km/h time of 5.64 second – on par with a factory BF XR6T from back in the day. It shows how far powertrain technology has come since then, considering the weight of this thing.

In spite of the soft suspension tune and leaf-sprung rear end, the F-150 alway feels sure-footed and user friendly in all but the tightest of suburban roads.

A 360-degree camera would come in handy but we made do with the rear camera and front parking sensors. The length does limit its parking ability, especially if there is no room for rear overhang.

The brakes, while adequate, could be improved, as there is a bit of squat under braking due to the soft suspension and the vehicle’s length, as indicated by our 3.77-second time to stop across 100-0km/h. The distance of 44.37m is okay for something with all-terrain tyres. Despite having the aerodynamic profile of a cinderblock, it returned fuel efficiency figures in the low 11s for us and even dipped into the 10s, thanks to the effortless motor.

How safe is the 2024 Ford F-150? While it is yet to be tested by ANCAP, it should score five stars thanks to AEB with collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, trailer tow coverage, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitor and six airbags.

In terms of off-road capability, it has a selectable four-wheel drive system with high and low range, 24.3-degree approach angle, 25.3-degree departure angle and 20-degree breakover. Ground clearance is rated at 239mm. This example also features dirt-ready 275/60 all-terrain tyres.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Commanding driving position: The high seating position provides excellent road visibility and a sense of authority.
• Smooth and powerful engine: The EcoBoost V6 engine delivers exceptional performance with minimal effort, and does effortless burnouts thanks to 678Nm.
• Practical features: The foldout office workspace, lots of cabin storage, power-adjustable front seats, and pop-out cargo bed step make this the perfect daily companion.
• Spacious: It is one of the most spacious dual-cab pickups/utes you’ll find on the market. Easily accommodates three adults in the back.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Key considerations before you buy

• Soft suspension under braking: The vehicle exhibits noticeable squat and dive under heavy braking due to its soft suspension.
• Left-oriented switchgear: HVAC and temperature controls remain on the left, which may be inconvenient for some right-hand drive users. The quality of materials leaves a bit to be desired, too.
• Premium price tag: The starting price of $106,950 may be prohibitive for some potential buyers, despite its comprehensive features and the fact it undercuts the competition.

2024 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Video