2024 Ford F-150 Revealed With New Tailgate Tricks
It’s the tailgate to end the tailgate wars.
So says Ford F-150 chief engineer Milton Wong of his team’s latest creation.
The updated 2024 Ford F-150 revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will be available with a new Pro Access Tailgate that’s meant to compete with GM’s MultiPro Tailgate and Ram’s Multi-Function Tailgate.
Along with the ability to open traditionally, with optional power up and down functionality, the Pro Access Tailgate is split 20/60/20 with a center section that can swing out like a door.
Ford says it makes it easier to reach things easier to reach in the bed makes it possible to get into it while a trailer is attached.
It has several stops that hold it open at 37, 70 and 100 degrees and can be combined with a bumper that has a bed step built into the center of it.
The Pro Access Tailgate will initially be standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trims and an option for the Lariat and Tremor.
Ford also added a storage compartment into the right side of the bed just beyond the tailgate, and trucks that don’t have the Pro Power Onboard electric source get a second compartment on the left side.
All of the F-150s have been face-lifted, with the XLT, STX and Tremor getting variations on a black egg crate theme that encompasses the headlamps in what Ford calls a “coast to coast” style.
The Tremor’s entire front end ahead of the doors has been restyled to make it more unique and a modular bumper with provisions for a 12,000-pound warn winch is a new accessory.
The biggest mechanical change to the lineup is the elimination of the naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6, which makes the EcoBoost 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 the new entry level motor on several trims, although 5.0-liter V8 is the only one available on the entry-level XL Regular Cab and XL Super Crew with the 6.5-foot bed.
The 5.0-liter V8 continues to be offered alongside the standard EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 and PowerBoost Hybrid version, which will now be priced nearly the same.
The F-150 Raptor and Raptor R carry over their 450 hp 3.5-liter EcoBoost and 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engines, but models with 37-inch tires get new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks that add variable rebound damping to the standard position sensitive damping for improved control. The 5.2-liter will also be getting a yet to be confirmed power boost above its current 700 hp.
Aside from a variety of trim and appearance changes, the F-150’s list of functional equipment remains largely the same and still includes features like MaxRecline lie-flat seats, the Pro Trailer Backup and Hitch Assist systems and the Blue Cruise hands-free lane-centering adaptive cruise control.
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Deliveries of the 2024 F-150 are scheduled to begin early next year at starting prices ranging from $38,565 for a base two-door XL to $111,550 for a Raptor R.
This story has been updated with additional information