Ford has opened orders for the eagerly awaited 2023 F-150 pickup, touted as a challenger for the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado. With first deliveries expected in Q3 2023, prices commence from $106,950 excluding on-road costs for the XLT SWB model, scaling up to $140,945 for the Lariat LWB version.

The initial set of F-150 vehicles, primed for left- to right-hand drive conversion, are en route to Australia from their birthplace in Dearborn, Michigan. The conversion will be conducted by RMA Automotive in Mickleham, Victoria, setting it apart from the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado conversions undertaken by Walkinshaw in Clayton, Victoria.

Two distinct trim levels, available in short- (3683mm) or long-wheelbase (3987mm) configurations, will grace Australian shores, featuring a two-row crew cab layout in both. Unlike its V8 competitors, the F-150 sports a potent 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, dubbed EcoBoost, delivering 298kW of power and 678Nm of torque through a four-wheel-drive system.

The F-150 showcases impressive towing capabilities, matching the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500 with a 4500kg braked towing capacity. As part of the package, buyers receive a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and support from the Ford Australia dealer network.

The powertrain lineup for the 2023 Ford F-150 exclusively features the 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, rendering a solid balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Though the exact fuel economy figures for Australia are yet to be disclosed, the U.S. variants are said to deliver 20 miles per gallon (mpg) on the EPA combined cycle test, equating to 11.8L/100km.

Featuring either a short-wheelbase (SWB) or long-wheelbase (LWB) crew cab format, the F-150 offers versatility in dimensions, allowing buyers to choose a model that suits their needs.

While safety ratings from ANCAP are still awaited, the F-150 comes equipped with a suite of safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

Ford Australia has four F-150 variants lined up for right-hand drive conversion by RMA Group in Melbourne. All powered by the same 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the F-150 models will cater to various needs and price points.

Beginning at $106,950 plus on-road costs, the F-150 XLT SWB starts the lineup, with the LWB model bearing a marginal price increase. The more generously appointed F-150 Lariat editions command a $33,000 premium over their XLT counterparts, promising a more luxurious experience.

Regardless of the trim level chosen, each F-150 is outfitted with Ford's 'Sync 4' 8.0-inch infotainment system, along with a host of standard and optional features, making it a compelling proposition in the Australian market.

The first batch of these American-made pickups, slated for Australian showrooms, was manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan, and are due to arrive between July and September 2023.

2023 Ford F-150 Pricing (estimated drive away prices)

2023 Ford F-150 XLT SWB – $116,942

2023 Ford F-150 XLT LWB – $117,986

2023 Ford F-150 Lariat SWB – $151,592

2023 Ford F-150 Lariat LWB – $152,636

2023 Ford F-150 XLT standard features:

Two-bar style grille with chrome surround and black accents

20-inch six-spoke machined-face alloy wheels

Chrome front and rear bumpers

Halogen headlights

Black platform running boards

Tailgate with flexible step and work surface

Tough Bed spray-in bedliner

Boxlink cargo management locking cleats

Underbody skidplates

Cloth upholstery

12-way power driver seat (with lumbar support)

10-way power front passenger seat (with lumbar support)

Column-mounted gear shifter

8.0-inch centre touchscreen

Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay

Wired Android Auto

Satellite navigation system

Seven-speaker sound system

8.0-inch multi-view digital instrument cluster

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Power adjustable foot pedals

Fold-out office workspace

Six airbags

Rear view camera

Rear parking sensors

Ford ‘Pro-Trailer’ back-up assist

Cruise control

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage

Lane-keeping assist 

Driver alert system

Five available colours on the 2023 F-150 XLT: 

Oxford White (no-cost option)

Agate Black (prestige, price TBC)

Iconic Silver (prestige, price TBC)

Antimatter Blue (prestige, price TBC)

Carbonised Grey (prestige, price TBC)

2023 Ford F-150 Lariat adds (over XLT):

Premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround

Chrome appearance package (mirror caps, door handles, belt mouldings, tow hooks and running boards)

Powered twin-panel moonroof

LED headlights, fog lights and tail-lamps

Power release and close tailgate

Power sliding rear window

Leather-accented seats

12-way power front seats with heating and cooling (plus memory for driver)Heated and cooled front seats

Heated rear seats (excluding middle seat)

Floor console-mounted shifter

12-inch centre touchscreen

12-inch digital instrument cluster

18-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system

Wireless phone charging

Power adjustable foot pedals with memory settings

Front parking sensors

360-degree camera

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go

Lane centering

Speed sign recognition

Evasive steering assist

Intersection assist

Six available colours on the 2023 F-150 Lariat: 

Oxford White (no-cost option)

Agate Black (prestige, price TBC)

Iconic Silver (prestige, price TBC)

Antimatter Blue (prestige, price TBC)

Carbonised Grey (prestige, price TBC)

Rapid Red (prestige, price TBC)