Vehicle safety data is provided by IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries on the nation's highways.
The 2012 Ford F-150 is the latest incarnation of the most popular truck in America (by sales).
In 2011, the F-150 got a trio of new engines which carry over into 2012. Changes for the new model year include an upgrade to the four-wheel drive system, performance upgrades for the off-road specialist SVT Raptor edition, and a larger 36-gallon gas tank for EcoBoost equipped models that bumps the range of that truck to 750 miles.
Any discussion of a truck begins under the hood and the 2012 F-150 delivers with a mix of engines that will fit your needs. The base engine is a 302-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 that is flex-fuel capable. Up next is the efficient EcoBoost engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that outputs 365-horsepower and an astonishing 420 pounds-feet of torque. A pair of V-8s are also available: a 360-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 and the most powerful engine of the bunch, a 411-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission option, while four-wheel drive is optional.
Fuel economy ratings range from 11-17 mpg in the city to 16-23 mpg on the highway depending on your drivetrain choices.
Highly customizable, the 2012 F-150 can be configured just right to get the job done. The Regular Cab seats up to three passengers, while the SuperCab and SuperCrew both seat six. If you opt for the Regular or SuperCab, choose between a 6.5-foot and an elongated 8-foot cargo bed, while the SuperCrew is available with the 6.5-foot or a 5.5-foot bed. Ford claims best in class towing (up to 11,300 pounds) and payload (up to 3,030 pounds) capacity for the F-150, a big plus for those who will be using the truck for bigger jobs.
Though the F-150 looks plenty rugged on the outside, the interior is well-outfitted and comfortable. There are plenty of different trim levels available, from the base XL up to the luxurious Harley Davidson. Returning is the revised instrument cluster that’s easier to read and displays more relevant information, along with enlarged interior controls. Available features include leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, backup camera, Sync, and a navigation system with an eight-inch touch-screen.
Safety features on the 2012 F-150 include front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, an anti-theft system, and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.
The 2012 Ford F-150 sells more than any other pickup and it’s easy to see why, with an upscale interior and unmatched capability.