The Ford F-150, a cornerstone of the American automotive landscape, saw a significant refresh in 2018 as part of its thirteenth generation (2015-2020). This facelift brought updated styling, enhanced technology, and continued powertrain refinement. Among the engine options offered, the 3.3-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive represented a compelling blend of capability and affordability, particularly in the Regular Cab configuration. Production of this specific variant ran from 2018 through October 2020, serving as a popular choice for buyers prioritizing a work-focused truck without the premium cost of higher trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | F-Series F-150 |
| Generation | F-Series F-150 XIII Regular Cab (facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.3 V6 (290 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | October, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 290 Hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 359 Nm @ 4000 rpm (264.78 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3300 cm3 (201.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12.86 l (13.59 US qt | 11.32 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 1495 l (52.8 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 | 1953 mm (76.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3109-3584 mm (122.4 – 141.1 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 239 mm (9.41 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| 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 | 265/70 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this F-150 variant is Ford’s 3.3-liter “Ti-VCT” V6 engine. This engine, internally designated as the third generation of the Cyclone family, utilizes port fuel injection combined with direct injection, a configuration designed to balance power, efficiency, and emissions. The Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing) system allows for precise control of valve timing, optimizing performance across the engine’s operating range. The engine produces 290 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 264.78 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, a widely used unit within the Ford lineup, is calibrated for smooth shifts and reliable operation. It’s a traditional torque-converter automatic, prioritizing durability and ease of use over the more complex continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in some competitors.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.3L V6 and six-speed automatic combination in the F-150 Regular Cab delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience, though it doesn’t offer the outright performance of the larger engine options like the 5.0L V8 or the 3.5L EcoBoost. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving and moderate towing duties. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios are tuned for a balance between fuel economy and responsiveness. While not as quick to downshift as some newer transmissions, it provides smooth and predictable shifts. Compared to the manual transmission options available on other F-150 trims, the automatic prioritizes convenience over driver engagement. The 4×4 system provides enhanced traction in inclement weather and off-road conditions, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2018-2020 F-150 Regular Cab with the 3.3L V6 and 4×4 typically served as the entry point to the F-150 lineup, often designated as the XL or XLT trim. Standard features generally included air conditioning, a basic infotainment system with a small display screen, vinyl upholstery, and steel wheels. The XLT trim added features like alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and additional convenience items. Optional extras included Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a trailer tow package, and various driver-assistance technologies. The Regular Cab configuration offered a simple, no-frills interior focused on functionality and durability.
Chassis & Braking
The F-150’s chassis utilizes a fully boxed frame constructed from high-strength steel, providing a solid foundation for both payload and towing capacity. The front suspension features independent coil springs, while the rear suspension employs leaf springs, a traditional setup for pickup trucks. This configuration balances ride comfort with load-carrying capability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at all four corners, providing adequate stopping power for the truck’s weight class. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard equipment. The 4×4 system utilizes an electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, allowing the driver to easily switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive modes.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 3.3L V6 F-150 was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable option. It offered a good balance of power and fuel economy for buyers who didn’t require the higher performance of the more expensive engine options. Fuel economy figures averaged around 19.9 US mpg combined, which was competitive for a full-size pickup truck at the time. Compared to the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the 3.3L offered slightly less power but a simpler, potentially more reliable powertrain. Against the 5.0L V8, the 3.3L sacrificed performance for improved fuel efficiency and a lower price point. The 3.3L engine was often seen as a good choice for fleet buyers and individuals who primarily used their trucks for light-duty tasks.
Legacy
The 3.3L V6 engine, while not as celebrated as some of Ford’s more iconic powertrains, has proven to be a reliable and durable unit. The six-speed automatic transmission is also known for its robustness. In the used car market, these F-150 variants represent a good value proposition, offering a capable and dependable truck at a relatively affordable price. While newer F-150 models have introduced more advanced technologies and more powerful engine options, the 2018-2020 3.3L V6 4×4 Regular Cab remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a straightforward, work-ready pickup truck.
