The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Ford Motor Company, and has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for over four decades. The thirteenth generation, produced from 2015 to 2017, represented a significant shift in F-150 construction, utilizing a high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body on a fully boxed steel frame. This particular variant, the Regular Cab configuration paired with the 5.0-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, occupied a middle ground in the F-150 lineup, offering a balance of capability, affordability, and traditional truck characteristics. It catered to buyers who prioritized a robust powertrain and work-oriented functionality over the added space and luxury of SuperCab or SuperCrew models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-100/F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XIII Regular Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V8 (385 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.7 l/100 km (15 US mpg, 18 UK mpg, 6.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5 kg/Hp, 199.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 272.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 385 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 525 Nm @ 3850 rpm (387.22 lb.-ft. @ 3850 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 4949 cm3 (302.01 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.2 mm (3.63 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.7 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 15 l (15.85 US qt | 13.2 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1929-1978 kg (4252.72 – 4360.74 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1495 l (52.8 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2200 l (77.69 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87 l (22.98 US gal | 19.14 UK gal) |
| Length | 5316-5789 mm (209.29 – 227.91 in.) |
| Width | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2121 mm (83.5 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2459 mm (96.81 in.) |
| Height | 1908-1918 mm (75.12 – 75.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3109-3584 mm (122.4 – 141.1 in.) |
| Front track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Front overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1247 mm (49.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218-224 mm (8.58 – 8.82 in.) |
| Approach angle | 24.1-24.8° |
| Departure angle | 24.6-24.7° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 19.3-22.1° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-150 variant is the 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 engine. This engine, part of Ford’s Modular engine family, is a naturally aspirated, three-valve-per-cylinder powerplant. It utilizes a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, and a forged steel crankshaft. The engine employs multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The 5.0L Coyote is known for its relatively high-revving nature and robust power delivery. The engine’s 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque are managed by a six-speed automatic transmission (6R80E). This transmission is a workhorse unit, known for its durability and smooth shifting characteristics. The 6R80E features a wide gear ratio spread, providing both strong acceleration and efficient highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 5.0L V8 and the six-speed automatic delivers a confident and capable driving experience. While not as fuel-efficient as the turbocharged EcoBoost engines offered in the F-150 lineup, the V8 provides a more traditional truck feel with its linear power delivery and satisfying exhaust note. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responsively, making it well-suited for both daily driving and towing. Compared to the manual transmission equipped F-150s, the automatic offers greater convenience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, it does sacrifice some driver engagement and control. The Regular Cab configuration, with its shorter wheelbase, provides a more nimble feel than the extended cab or crew cab models, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 5.0L V8 engine was typically offered on mid-range trim levels such as the XLT and Lariat. Standard equipment on these trims included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and steel wheels. The XLT trim added features like cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and an upgraded interior. The Lariat trim further enhanced the interior with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. Optional extras included a trailer tow package, a navigation system, and various appearance packages. The Regular Cab configuration generally featured a vinyl or cloth bench seat, accommodating three passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150’s chassis features a fully boxed steel frame, providing a solid foundation for the truck’s capabilities. The front suspension utilizes an independent double-wishbone design, while the rear suspension employs a traditional leaf spring setup. This combination provides a good balance of ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, assisted by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The braking system is adequately sized for the truck’s weight and provides confident stopping power. The rear leaf spring suspension is tuned for hauling and towing, and can sometimes result in a slightly firmer ride when the truck is unloaded.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 5.0L V8-equipped F-150 was well-received by critics and consumers alike. It offered a compelling alternative to the turbocharged EcoBoost engines, appealing to buyers who preferred the simplicity and reliability of a naturally aspirated V8. Fuel economy was a common criticism, as the V8 consumed more fuel than the EcoBoost options. However, the V8’s lower initial cost and proven track record made it an attractive choice for many. Compared to the 3.5L EcoBoost, the 5.0L offered less peak horsepower and torque, but provided a more linear power delivery and a more traditional truck driving experience. The 5.0L also generally required less frequent maintenance than the more complex EcoBoost engines.
Legacy
The 5.0L Coyote V8 has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable engine. The 6R80E automatic transmission is also known for its longevity. In the used car market, these F-150s are generally well-regarded and command reasonable prices. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and fluid checks, is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the powertrain. The 2015-2017 F-150 with the 5.0L V8 and automatic transmission represents a sweet spot in the F-150 lineage, offering a blend of capability, reliability, and affordability that continues to appeal to truck buyers today.
