Updates to the upcoming model-year F-150 pickup will go well beyond a typical midcycle “refresh.” Among other things, the 2024 Ford F-150 brings a more off-road-capable Raptor package, a new Pro Access tailgate, improved performance, and a range of new tech features — including upgrades to the hands-free BlueCruise system.
The brand has a lot riding on its F-Series pickup family, considering it’s been the country’s bestselling vehicle line for 41 years running, and the top-selling truck for 46. Ford looks determined to stretch that lead out for at least another year with this substantial update of the F-150 lineup in 2024.
Here are all the details we have from the blue oval on the newest F-150 pickup.
2024 Ford F-150: Details, Specs, Price
Array of Updates
While not as complete a makeover as the mainstream truck got in 2021, the upcoming model year brings a series of notable changes, starting with the new “Coast-to-Coast” grille that picks up on design cues from the 1970s and ’80s.
But the updates are far more than cosmetic, covering everything from a new base engine delivering 50% more torque, to the suspension upgrades on the rugged Raptor and Raptor R models.
There are enhancements to the Power Onboard system, improvements to the truck’s towing capabilities, and a new swinging Pro Access tailgate. It also has an optional new “modular bumper” that allows off-roaders to add features like lightbars or a WARN winch without sacrificing forward-facing safety technologies.
Among tech upgrades, the hands-free BlueCruise system adds several new capabilities.
Model Lineup Shakeup
The F-150 lineup itself shakes up, with Ford adding a new off-road-oriented STX FX4 model, along with the Platinum Plus. That ultrapremium package replaces the old Limited trim.
“There’s a truck for everybody,” John Emmert, Ford’s general manager of trucks, said ahead of the 2024 F-150’s debut at the North American International Auto Show Tuesday night.
“We believe it has the brains and brawn to extend the leadership even further,” he added, speaking of the 2024 upgrades.
Taking Aim at Off-Roaders
While the F-Series has a strong presence in the work truck market in general, it gained traction in a variety of other categories as well — including among serious off-roaders. And Ford aims to increase its appeal with a number of 2024 updates.
For one thing, it will launch the new STX FX4 package, which serves as an “affordable” entry point for those who want to head off pavement.
Modular Bumper, Dual Live Shocks
Stepping up to the F-150 Tremor, off-roaders can order their truck with the new modular bumper. It’s essentially a plug-n-play extension of the truck’s stock bumper and can be used as a mount for a variety of accessories, like a lightba, or 12,000-pound-capacity WARN Performance Winch Kit.
The modular bumper also will be available on the 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor and newer Raptor R models.
Those rugged models already had Fox Live Valve shocks. Now, however, they go a big step further with the new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks.
According to Ford engineer Tony Greco, these add rebound control that helps keep things under control, whether racing along the Baja, crawling rocks on the Rubicon Trail, or simply cruising down the potholed roads of Michigan.
“They benefit ride and handling both on road and off, reducing body roll and improving cornering while limiting the amount you might have to reposition the vehicle as you swerve around obstacles,” Greco said.
Powertrain Updates
Ford has yet to finalize specs on the 2024 Raptor models but said it expects the V6 model to punch out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It hints we could see a boost in the numbers for the supercharged V8 motivating the V8-powered Raptor R.
The biggest punch-up comes with the base powertrain package available with the 2024 F-150. It goes from a 3.3L naturally aspirated V6 to a 2.7L EcoBoost turbo package.
Hard specs aren’t yet available, but F-Series chief engineer Milton Wong claimed the new package will yield a 12% horsepower bump and a full 50% — yes, five-oh — increase in torque.
Top Tow Trimmed
If there’s one big surprise for the 2024 model year, Ford confirmed that it’s actually lowered the maximum tow rating of the new F-150 by 400 pounds, to 13,500 pounds. Payload now comes in at a maximum of 2,445 pounds.
The reason, said Wong, is that all F-150 models now come standard with a 36-gallon fuel tank.
Pro Access Tailgate
Ford has added a variety of tech features, such as its Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, to assist the two-thirds of F-150 buyers who tow, at least occasionally.
For 2024, it also adds another useful hardware feature: the Pro Access tailgate.
It allows a portion of the tailgate to swing out from the driver’s side by up to 100 degrees — though there’s a detent at 37 degrees to reduce the risk of slamming into a hitch or trailer.
This should make it a lot easier to get into the truck’s bed, as it can be difficult or impossible to lower a conventional tailgate while hitched up. But even without a trailer, said Ford, it is useful for quick access to the bed.
Pro Power Now Standard on Hybrids
The launch of Ford’s hybrid drivetrain package several years ago resonated with buyers, particularly those who found it a way to power up camp and worksites with the Pro Power Onboard system.
The option has been ordered by about 10% of F-150 customers since its introduction, though demand is up a full 33% this year.
Hybrid models now will come standard with the Pro Power package, though buyers will have the chance to choose either the base system offering 2.4 kW of power or upgrade to a 7.2kW inverter.
Even on non-hybrid models, buyers now can opt for a 2.0kW Pro Power package.
Twin Screens and Other New Tech
Ford standardized a number of features for 2024, including a twin-screen instrument panel, with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
The screens will have different levels of customization for different F-150 trim packages. The Raptor models, for example, offer customized screens useful for off-roading. There’s also a new head-up display available on select 2024 F-150 trims.
Two new tech features deserve a shoutout, starting with Stolen Vehicle Services. This system is designed to detect if your F-150 is being broken into, tampered with, or towed.
If so, it will send an alert to the registered owner, who can decide to ignore the message or have Ford call the authorities.
BlueCruise Updates
Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise, available on most trims but the Raptor twins, also gets an upgrade for 2024.
The new Auto Lane Change function activates when you tap the turn signal on roads where BlueCruise can operate hands-free. However, it isn’t quite as sophisticated as the auto lane change feature added last year to GM’s Super Cruise. With that, your vehicle can automatically pass a slower vehicle without any driver intervention.
The new BlueCruise update also adds In-Lane Repositioning, which moves your pickup over a wee bit when passing a semi or other large truck.
Pricing and Availability
Ford has yet to announce pricing on the 2024 F-150 lineup.
Expect to see the numbers released closer to the truck’s on-sale date during the fourth quarter of this year.
