New ’09 Ford F-150 Boasts Best-in-Class Fuel Economy

Ford Motor Co. says its new ’09 Ford F-150 boasts an average 8% fuel-economy improvement across its entire lineup compared with the outgoing model.

Set to launch next month, the new fullsize pickup benefits from a bevy of enhancements, including increased usage of lightweight ultra-high-strength steel, which slices up to 100 lbs. (45 kg) from the ’08 model’s weight total. Other improvements enhancing fuel economy include a new 6-speed automatic transmission and aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off, Ford says.

The truck also benefits from best-in-class aerodynamics. For example, the new F-150 SuperCrew with 2-wheel drive has a coefficient of drag of 0.0403, which Ford says is best in the segment.

The truck also maintains best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 lbs. (5,126 kg) and a payload rating of 3,030 lbs. (1,374 kg) when equipped with the 5.4L 3-valve V-8. In addition, the truck is available with 4.6L 3-valve V-8 and a 4.6L 2-valve V-8.

Ford also unveils a trim line dubbed the F-150 SFE, for “Superior Fuel-Economy.” It delivers up to 15 mpg (16 L/100 km) in the city and 21 mpg (11 L/100 km) on the highway, while still able to tow 7,500 lbs. (3,402 kg).

The SFE package will be available on F-150 SuperCrew XL and XLT 2-wheel-drive models with 4.6L 3-valve engines and 5.5-ft. (1.7-m) beds. The package will be a no-cost option on XLT SuperCrews with the chrome package and cost $1,500 when ordered on XL SuperCrew models with the decor package.