Ford F -150 STX 5.0 liters 2024: Ros of the Passover – Road test

The price of vans has swelled in recent years. I said it in the test of the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 2024, or in a photo gallery on the price evolution that I carried out some time ago. Some models have increased a price increase of around 20 % in just 2 years, enough to undermine the buyers’ portfolio.

So I perceived the test of the essay of Ford F-150 STX 2024. Finally, a full -size van which is not intended to impress the gallery with endless options. His goal? Offer a more refined style than the basic XL model, while keeping a low enough equipment level to keep the bill at a digestible level. Alas, I quickly realized that my expectations were too high, at least, in terms of price.

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

Let’s pay the price of the price now, since I have been talking about it from the start. The Ford F-150 range starts at a price of $ 50,700 with a single cabin, a 8-foot box, a 2.7-liter V6 engine and a propulsion cog. At the other extreme, we find the F-150 Raptor whose price starts at $ 109,470, even before the options are added.

Closer to the first than the second is the F-150 STX on the test. This is the second level of equipment, located between the XL and XLT versions, and it emphasizes style. It is only available with the double cabin and the 6 and a half feet box or the Supercrew cabin and the 5 and a half feet box. In this last configuration, its price begins at $ 62,185.

For the test version, you must add the 4×4 cog, the 5.0-liter V8 engine, the STX black decoration set (20 inch rims, 6-inch steps and various badges), the engine heating, the tablet between the two front seats, the towing set and the tray lining. The whole thing increased the invoice to $ 71,825, before applying taxes and including all costs. It’s high.

Style to resell

If there is a thin consolation for the price of almost $ 72,000, it is good that the STX has a nice mouth. The copy to the test, all dressed in black, put on 20 inch wheels from the most beautiful effect, 6 -inch wide steps. Its storefront, retouched for 2024 with headlights integrated into the grille gate, goes well with the more sporty approach to the truck.

Moreover, the style evolves little with the 4 -door cabin which occupies the majority of the profile, and the short box of 5 and a half feet at the back rolled up. The 20 -inch wheels, whose design is new for 2024, have a matte shade for a more sought -after appearance, and it is successful. At the rear, the position lights are incandescent and, taking into account the relatively affordable price (!), There is no restraint in the box of the box to facilitate the opening or closing. Fortunately, there are anchor hooks in the box to secure the loading, a 120 volts socket and a small storage box on the right.

As for the quality of finish, it is coarse outside. The body panels are fairly well aligned, but the gap is wide, mainly at the front.

At least, screens

As with all full -size truck models, access on board is easy. This is all the more the case with this version fitted with steps. From the first glance, it is the stampede: the non -heated seats, are with manual adjustment, we have a regular key and fully manual air conditioning. For nearly $ 72,000, there is not much.

The only frivolities found on board are on the seats, garnished with a special fabric which seems durable even if it is poorly assembled. The seats are comfortable and they allow you to have a good driving position and reach all controls easily.

In front of the driver, there is a digital instrumentation almost identical to that found in all the other trucks in the F series. It is easy to read and concentrates information well, but unfortunately allows few customization possibilities.

In the center, the screen is 12 inch, placed in height to be easy to access, retains the old Ford logic, with the keys present at the bottom. It remains easy to use, even if it dates. Fortunately, we find Apple Carplay and Android Auto wireless for a higher conviviality. Physical air conditioning orders are also very large, for rapid use in all circumstances.

No full seat at the front, the central square is replaced by a complete console which gives a lot of storage spaces due to the absence of a gear lever, rather located rather at the steering column. The armrest can be easily transformed into a tablet, while a gaping hole is in front of the passenger, the cover which normally covers it having been eliminated for economy purposes.

At the back, we find the same space as the other F-150s with Supercrew cabin, with fairly easy access. The bench can be noted in the 60/40 manner to reveal an almost flat floor.

In general, the assembly of this version leaves something to be desired. The seams of the seats are hooks, the plastics are made of very rigid material, clumsily cut. The assembly is nevertheless tight.

The old choice

While we have gone to the era of turbocharged mechanics for more than 10 years at Ford, there is still the choice of an atmospheric engine, as in the test model. It is a Coyote V8 of a 5.0-liter displacement whose power reaches 400 horsepower and the torque reaches 410 LB-PI.

Even if it is downgraded in terms of torque by the 3.5 liter Ecoboost, the 5.0-Litres gives him the currency of his play in terms of sound. He roared forcefully at the slightest accelerator, giving an outset of the available power. Unsurprisingly, like all atmospheric engines, it delivers its power at higher diet. Good news, it is comfortable high in the towers and its power is good, despite its age.

The presence of the 10 -speed automatic means that it always remains in an optimal range. This, better calibrated than in the past, strives to always select the right report for the desired level of acceleration. She is less jerky than before and she reacts more promptly, good news. However, I continue to prefer the 8 -speed automatic that equips the RAM 1500; It hunts relationships less and seems to have more natural functioning.

The disadvantage of the V8 is however a higher consumption than the turbo engines of the F-150. I obtained 12.0 liters/100 km, while my colleague Luc-Olivier Chamberland rather obtained 11.3 liters/100 km with the engine 2.7-liters certainly less powerful, but just as full of torque. I have also already obtained better with the PowerBoost hybrid engine, more powerful and more economical, but which costs slightly more expensive to purchase.

A truck is a truck

There are no surprises by taking the road with the F-150. First, the doors whose front portion is lowered and the large windshield give good visibility despite the fairly wide pillars. The handling emphasizes the capacities with a firm and hopping suspension, which suggests that the truck will be comfortable with its maximum towing load of 4672 kg (10,300 lb). The management remains precise, even if it is not very communicative. We feel in control, a good thing when you pass the dilation joints or a few puff nests that soon destabilized the vehicle. In this chapter, only the RAM 1500 retains a certain handling with its rear suspension with a helical springs and I continue to dream of it each time the steering wheel of a Ford or a GM with petrol engine.

Still at the top

Even if I find that the price is clearly too high for the level of on-board equipment, I have no choice but to note that the Ford F-150 STX 2024 retains the same qualities as all the other trucks of series F. We feel ready to work, robust and well designed for work. However, buyers looking for comfort will have to disburse a little more money, because the mission of this version is certainly not to pamper them.

The relative simplicity of this version could prove to be a long -term advantage, because we know that the reliability of the F is rather average, as the rest of the category elsewhere. That said, the Ford F-150 is at the top of the recommended full-size vans category, according to our team of experts, in particular because of its various configuration possibilities and its powerful mechanics and the STX version is no exception, despite its high price.