2023 Ford F-150: Australian pricing, updated arrival timing and local spec confirmed

The highly anticipated 2023 Ford F-150 will undercut its key rivals on price by a substantial margin when it arrives in Australia in the third quarter of this year.

Now set to arrive slightly later than predicted, Ford will offer two trim levels of the F-150 in Australia with prices set to start at $106,950 for the entry-level F-150 XLT SWB and stretch to $139,950 for the flagship F-150 Lariat SWB.

Both models will be available in short- and long-wheelbase forms, with LWB models offering an additional 303 millimetres of length between the axles for an extra $995 over the asking price of SWB versions.

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2023 Ford F-150 pricing

Exact dimensions for SWB versions are a 3683mm wheelbase with a tray which measures 1676mm deep, while the LWB rides on a 3987mm wheelbase and offers a 1981mm tray.

Today’s pricing confirmation also sees order books open officially for the first time, with the initial shipment of 2023 F-150s now en route to Australia where they will be converted to right-hand-drive by Melbourne company RMA Automotive in a process that takes 36 hours.

Ford Australia wouldn't confirm how many F-150s were being sent to Australia in the initial shipment, however it's understood to be in the hundreds of units.

"We are incredibly excited that the first batch of F-150s will be landing soon," a Ford Australia spokesperson told Wheels. "We have strong supply to meet what we anticipate will be high customer demand ahead of F-150 deliveries beginning in Q3.

Set to be a rival for the RAM 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Ford F-150 will soon offer Aussie buyers a less expensive alternative. The F-150’s starting price of $106,950 easily undercuts the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium which costs $121,000 before on-road costs, while the fifth-generation Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab is more expensive again at $127,950.

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Engine, transmission and fuel economy

The Ford also outguns its competitors for engine performance. While down slightly on power compared to the Silverado, the Ford’s smaller capacity 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo has more torque than both of its key rivals – which use naturally-aspirated V8 engines.

Towing heavy loads is a high priority for buyers of large utes and the Ford F-150 matches it rivals with a braked towing capacity of 4500 kilograms. Ford is yet to confirm a payload figure for Australian examples.

"The specific payload capacity for F-150 in Australia is not yet finalised," said a Ford Australia spokesperson. "We are conducting further testing and validation ahead of the vehicle's official launch, and will be able to confirm an exact figure closer to that time. However, we are confident the F-150 will deliver a payload consistent with the full-size pick-up segment."

As you’d hope at this price point, every F-150 is fitted with a high level of standard equipment and comes armed with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior styling touches, Ford's SYNC4 infotainment software, and a spray-in tubliner.

Six exterior colours are offered across the range, with Oxford white being a no-cost option. The other colours command a $700 additional charge and are Agate black, iconic silver, antimatter blue, carbonised grey and rapid red.

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Features

XLT

Standard equipment on XLT models includes:

Lariat

Flagship Lariat versions have a stronger focus on comfort and luxury and offer the following as standard, in addition to the XLT’s base specification.

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Safety

Standard safety equipment levels are also high across the range, with the XLT offering six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot detection with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage, and lane-keep assist/alert.

Lariat versions build on that with a host of additional advanced safety systems including: intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop and go, a 360 surround-view monitor, lane-centering, speed-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist.

Ford Australia will not crash test the F-150 locally and it will not carry an ANCAP safety star rating.

"F-150 will not be locally ANCAP tested, however it will be fully ADR compliant and contain all of the safety systems expected of a brand-new Ford vehicle," Ford told Wheels. "Ford F-150 has received a five-star rating in the United States’ Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing."

Warranty

All versions of the F-150 will carry a factory-backed five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Ford has also run an extensive local engineering program for the F-150 to ensure the popular American truck will be well-suited to Aussie roads.

Availability

The 2023 Ford F-150 will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of this year.

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