2024 Ford F-150 Introduces Innovative Tailgate Door and Top-Tier Power Metrics for Raptor R Variant

Ford may not have been the pioneer in launching dual-action tailgates, but by analyzing its competitors, it aims to redefine the landscape of tailgate innovation and reestablish its leading position in vehicle power capabilities.

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Overview of Ford F-250 Super Duty

On a recent Tuesday, Ford revealed its 2024 F-150 series, which comes equipped with a standard new powertrain, a refreshed design, enhanced standard technology features, a dual-function tailgate incorporating a door, and an updated Raptor line boasting increased power for the R version.

Scheduled for dealer availability in the first fiscal quarter of 2024, the starting price of the 2024 Ford F-150 will be $38,565, inclusive of a $1,995 destination fee. The Raptor R is positioned as the top-tier model with a price tag of $111,550.

2024 Ford F-150: Platinum Plus and Advanced Tailgate

The restructured F-150 series witnesses the retirement of the Limited model, replaced by the Platinum Plus as the highest specification variant. The lineup continues to offer three cabin types, three bed lengths, and a myriad of configuration options.

Design updates for all F-150 vehicles include newly styled headlights and taillights, broader grilles, and novel wheel designs, while maintaining the existing sheet metal.

Pro Access Tailgate: A New Standard

The 2024 model introduces a specialized tailgate door, termed the Pro Access Tailgate, featuring detents to halt its opening at angles of 37-, 70-, or 100-degrees, thereby averting any collision with a trailer. Situated above the bumper detent—which also serves as a step—the innovative tailgate provides expedited access to the truck bed.

Additional storage compartments are carved into the passenger-side bed area, designed to accommodate items such as work gloves and tow ropes. Units lacking power outlets on the driver side will receive a secondary compartment.

Enhanced Display Features

Every 2024 F-150 model will feature a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and an equally-sized touchscreen. Standard technology will include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 5G wireless modem capable of supporting up to 10 devices. Over-the-air software updates are also part of the offering. Reclining front seats will be an optional feature on the Lariat and King Ranch models, and standard on the Platinum Plus.

Ford’s BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driving assist system will be available on select trims, with activation options following a 90-day trial period.

2024 Ford F-150 Raptor: Performance Upgrades

The Raptor will adopt the same stylistic updates as the F-150 series, but it is the internal enhancements that stand out. Fox Live Valve shocks equipped with position-sensitive compression settings and active damping remain standard, but new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks offer variable rebound damping for improved body control.

Standard Raptors will retain the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, but the Raptor R, featuring a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, will exceed 700 hp and 640 lb-ft, although the exact figures have not been disclosed.

Additional Features

Modular bumpers influenced by the Bronco design and a dealer-installed Rigid LED light bar will be available. F-150 Tremor models will offer a new 12,000-pound Warn winch as a dealer-added accessory, complete with front springs to accommodate the added weight. This winch will also integrate with the vehicle’s safety systems.

Powertrain Options

The entry-level F-150 discontinues the naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V-6, opting for the previously available 2.7-liter turbo-6 rated at 325 hp and 400 lb-ft. Other engine options, including the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, 5.0-liter V-8, and 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, will continue to be available, though power ratings for 2024 are yet to be confirmed. All models will persist with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and 4WD options will feature a range of advanced capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2024 Ford F-150 Upgrades

What are the major upgrades in the 2024 Ford F-150 lineup?

The 2024 Ford F-150 series introduces several significant upgrades, including a new standard powertrain, improved design elements, and enhanced standard technology features. The lineup also debuts a dual-action tailgate with a door and boosts power for the Raptor R variant.

When will the 2024 Ford F-150 be available in dealerships?

The 2024 Ford F-150 is expected to be available in dealerships during the first fiscal quarter of 2024.

What is the starting price of the 2024 Ford F-150?

The starting price of the 2024 Ford F-150 is $38,565, which includes a destination fee of $1,995.

What are the new features in the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R?

The 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R will feature a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, expected to exceed 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. It will also adopt various stylistic and functional enhancements aligned with the broader F-150 lineup.

What is the Pro Access Tailgate?

The Pro Access Tailgate is a new tailgate door feature that can be opened at specific angles—37, 70, or 100 degrees—to prevent collisions with trailers and to allow quick access to the truck bed.

What are the technological advancements in the 2024 Ford F-150?

The 2024 Ford F-150 models will come standard with a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.0-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 5G wireless modem capable of supporting up to 10 devices, will also be standard.

What are the engine options for the 2024 Ford F-150?

The base model of the F-150 will feature a 2.7-liter turbo-6 engine, rated at 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Other powertrains, including a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, a 5.0-liter V-8, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, will also be available, although exact power ratings for 2024 are still pending.

What is the BlueCruise 1.2 system?

The Ford BlueCruise 1.2 is a hands-free driver assist system available on select trims. After a 90-day trial period, the feature can be activated on either a monthly or annual basis.

Will there be any special features for off-road capabilities?

Yes, the F-150 Tremor will offer a new 12,000-pound Warn winch as a dealer-installed accessory. The winch will integrate with the vehicle’s safety systems and include parking sensors and a forward-facing camera for the surround-view camera system.

What are the options for customizing the 2024 Ford F-150?

The 2024 Ford F-150 lineup offers three cabin types, three bed lengths, and a myriad of other configuration options, giving buyers considerable flexibility in customizing their trucks.