The full-size pickup segment remains a niche in Australia, but the Ford F-150 builds a compelling case for itself for 2026, thanks to updates and tweaks across the range.
It includes the introduction of a new flagship Platinum variant, adding more luxury and exclusivity above the otherwise old flagship Lariat. We recently attended the official Australian media launch event to see how it all shapes up.
2026 Ford F-150 XLT SWB: Specifications
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol
Output: 298kW@6000rpm / 678Nm@3100rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 275/60
ANCAP: Not testedKerb weight: 2462kg
Power-to-weight: 8.26:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 13.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 136L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 22.23kW:L/100km
0-100km/h: 6.18 seconds (Platinum SWB)*
Starting price: $114,950
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2026 Ford F-150: How much does it cost?
With three variants making up the range (XLT, Lariat, Platinum), and all powered by the same 298kW/678Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with four-wheel drive (2H RWD is the default setting), it’s a simple and moderately diverse lineup. All three are available in short and long wheelbase forms (SWB and LWB).
Prices start from $114,950 for the XLT. And the XLT is perhaps the most important one as it receives the most updates compared with the old model. The mid-spec Lariat starts from $143,950, and then the new Platinum kicks off from $163,950 (all excluding on-road costs). Prices are the same for either SWB and LWB.
Those prices spread far and wide, more so than some rivals. And, unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between some of them. We think it would be nice to see an off-road variant to fight the likes of the RAM 1500 Rebel and Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, such as the F-150 Tremor offered overseas.
Even so, the F-150 remains as the most accessible of the big American pickup trucks in Australia, in terms of price. The cheapest Silverado is the LTZ (from $134,500); the entry RAM 1500 is the Laramie Sport and Rebel (from $141,950); while the most affordable Toyota Tundra is the Limited (from $155,990).
For reference, the XLT is shown here in red, the Lariat is in silver, and the Platinum is in white.
2026 Ford F-150: Interior & packaging
The F-150 offers outstanding in-car practicality, with a layer of clever innovation that makes it feel more than just a workhorse. Storage is abundant (almost excessive), with eight cup holders perfect for double-parkers, large door bins, and a centre console that feels more like a small storage locker. USB ports are scattered throughout the cabin, making it easy to keep devices charged no matter where you’re sitting.
One of the more thoughtful touches is the fold-over centre console, which transforms into a flat work surface. It’s a genuinely useful feature if you’re using the vehicle as a mobile office. In the XLT the lid flips straight over thanks to a column-mounted gear shifter, while the Lariat and Platinum use an electric-folding T-bar style shifter.
The updated XLT grade now benefits from the larger 12-inch infotainment touch-screen and matching digital instrument cluster, which helps lift the baseline experience. It’s also arguably the sweet spot in the range now as it offers a good balance between price and equipment – it adds LED lights and more USB ports for 2026.
Move up to the new Platinum and the tone shifts noticeably. It introduces a more premium, almost SUV-like ambience with its black-onyx trim, massage front seats, and a near-flat reclining function that’s clearly aimed at long-haul comfort. It’s a niche within a niche, but it is going to appeal to buyers wanting something more upmarket than the Lariat. It’ll be the one to pick for those wanting to win in a game of caravan park top trumps.
Now obviously one of the main attractions to these big machines is the towing and hauling capabilities. All have a max braked towing rating of 4500kg, however, your leftover payload at that max varies depending on the variant grade, due to the different kerb weights.
The XLT is the best for towing 4500kg because its kerb weight is the lowest, at 2462kg for the SWB and 2482kg for the LWB. All share a GVM of 3315kg for the SWB and 3360kg for the LWB, and all share a GCM rating of 7365kg and 7410kg, respectively.
That means once you hook up a 4500kg trailer and account for 10 per cent towball download, the XLT has 403kg leftover GVM in SWB form and 428kg leftover in LWB form. Compared with the Lariat, with 319kg/344kg leftover, and the Platinum with 254kg/274kg leftover, the XLT offers more leeway for passengers and cargo. The GCM leftovers at max towing calculates out with the same results for all variants. It’s also worth noting the LWB versions don’t add any extra length in the cabin; it’s all in the cargo tub length.
One bad side about the XLT for heavy towing is that it misses out on the 4A drive mode, offered in the others. Having 4A means you can drive on dry tarmac with the safety and security of four-wheel drive, while the XLT only offers 4H four-wheel drive for loose surfaces. So, you could tow a boat on a slippery ramp with 4H engaged but once you’re out on the road you would have to switch back to 2H in the XLT. All come with a rear diff lock as standard as well.
2026 Ford F-150: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet, the familiar 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 carries over, producing 298kW and 678Nm. On paper, those are strong numbers although not as powerful as the base RAM 1500 Hurricane and Silverado, both of which produce 313kW. On the road though, the performance is more impressive than expected.
For something this large and heavy, the F-150 feels properly quick, heaving and barging off the line with a relentless and assertive thrust. We tested 0–100km/h in 6.18 seconds using a Vbox, which is not far off the performance-focused Ranger Raptor. It’s bloody quick. And that was in the heavy Platinum.
The 10-speed automatic does a solid job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot, although it does change gears a lot when getting up to speed, while the torque-rich nature of the V6 makes overtaking feel almost trivial. It steams past other vehicles like a train.
Where this update improves things further is in the steering. There’s a noticeable increase in weight and directness compared with earlier versions, thanks to a new module and revised tuning, helping the truck feel a little more settled and predictable on fidgety Australian roads. It’s still no sports car (and never pretends to be) but it inspires more confidence than before.
Ride comfort is good, partly thanks to the sheer size of the vehicle and wheelbase, so it doesn’t bobble around like a smaller-footprint vehicle. Underneath, you’ll find a conventional live axle rear end with leaf springs, so it has heavy-duty covered, with independent front for passenger comfort.
Going for the Platinum adds continuously controlled damping, bringing another layer of composure and versatility. Unfortunately, you can’t select any suspension modes individually. Instead, it’s all incorporated into the drive mode toggle. In other words, Sport mode firms things up for quicker suspension response, while the default mode is for comfort. There’s also a towing/haul mode which configures the dampers to suit.
2026 Ford F-150: First impressions
Overall, it’s the sense of effortlessness that stands out most in our opinion. Big American trucks like this have always leaned into comfort and long-distance ability, and the F-150 delivers that in spades. It feels every bit the cross-country tourer it’s marketed as, with a relaxed, commanding driving position and a sense that it could devour entire states without breaking a sweat.
The twin-turbo V6 delivers its performance with a real sense of effortlessness, with strong low-end grunt, responsive acceleration in everyday driving, and awesome top-end performance. This engine is also very capable when it comes to towing thanks to that big torque figure.
That said, its sheer size can work against it in tighter urban environments, where manoeuvrability and parking require a bit more planning. Although, it’s good to see all models now come with a surround-view camera system as standard so you can keep an eye on things in such conditions.
As for fuel consumption, it remains relatively high for a modern vehicle, with an official rate of 13.4L/100km. But, on the highway it is possible to achieve 11L/100km. And you have to keep in mind the fact this isn’t a small hatchback; it’s a 2.5 tonne working vehicle capable of towing 4500kg. In other words, it’s impossible to find another vehicle that can tow such weight while consuming hatchback levels of fuel.
2026 Ford F-150: Video
