The Ford F-150 was originally introduced to the automobile market in 1975 as a powerhouse truck with all of the performance that one would expect from a Ford. The original model looked very different from what we have come to expect from the F-150 seen on the roads today. Fast forward fifty years, and while the F-150 is still an important model for Ford, much has changed since the original design, both on the exterior and interior of the truck. You can find a used Ford F-150 for sale today with many changes and enhancements from the earliest models of the 1970s.
F-150 models on the market today still have all of the performance, horsepower, towing capacity, and reliability that have become synonymous with the Ford name. However, you can expect to see some major upgrades and advancements from the earliest models. One of the areas of the F-150 that has seen plenty of upgrades is the truck’s built-in technology and infotainment system, from driver assist features to advanced safety options and the latest in connectivity and hands-free driving.
Technology Developments Over the Years Have Kept the F-150 Modern
Like every industry, the automobile industry has seen plenty of changes over the years, with a significant focus on developing safety features and driver assistance technology. These technological advances have made a big difference in reducing the number of accidents on the road and reducing driver distraction.
In 2015, the newly released 13th-generation Ford F-150 saw some serious improvements over previous models in terms of technology. One of these advancements was the addition of a 360-degree camera in the vehicle. A back-up camera was not made mandatory in automobiles until three years later, in 2018, proving that Ford was ahead of its time and a leader in technology even then. The 2015 model also introduced revolutionary lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control to make long-distance driving easier than ever.
In 2017, Ford made some even more significant advancements to the F-150 and its onboard technology. The F-150 models from this year added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, allowing drivers more connectivity and the ability to stay in touch even when behind the wheel without their phones becoming a distraction.
An Increased Focus on Safety With the Introduction of Co-Pilot360
In 2019, Ford took the technology that already came with the F-150 a step further with the introduction of Co-Pilot360. With a focus on safety and driver assistance technology to reduce accidents, Co-Pilot360 consists of a suite of driver assistance features, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Blind Spot Information System, and a Lane-Keeping System. The focus of these new driver assistance features was to reduce accidents caused by driver distraction and negligence. The CoPilot360 suite of driver assistance features is still available in more recent F-150 models, with even more enhancements.
Electric and Hybrid Models Introduced With the Latest Technology
The 2021 model was another big year for Ford with the release of the 14th-generation truck, which included the first electric and hybrid F-150 models. With a focus on environmental consciousness and a growing need for efficiency in the automobile industry, these models featured two flavors of electrification. The F-150 PowerBoost full-hybrid combined the power of a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with electric motors to create a hybrid powertrain that didn’t sacrifice power and performance. Meanwhile, the F-150 Lightning was a fully electric truck with an incredible 580 hp and 320 miles of range. These electrified options were a big introduction to the F-150 lineup and showed that Ford was dedicated to keeping the truck current with the times, as well as reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.
Pro Power Onboard Generator for Powering Devices On the Go
Also, in 2021, the F-150 was first available with the Pro Power Onboard generator feature. Available with gas, electric, and hybrid models of the F-150, Pro Power Onboard uses the truck’s engine or battery pack (in the case of an electrified model) to power 120V and 240V outlets in the truck’s bed. This technology is able to turn your truck into a mobile generator, powering anything from electrical tools to appliances and even your house. The Pro Power Onboard self-sustained generator is able to produce up to 9.6 kW of power, depending on the model. This technology was a game-changer for those working out of their truck, with this newfound ability to power tools and other items on the go.
The SYNC Infotainment System in the F-150 Has Changed Over the Years
Ford began using the SYNC infotainment system in the 2009 F-150, which marked the start of the 12th generation. The most recent F-150 models use the SYNC 4 system, a far cry from the original technology. The earliest release of SYNC technology, which was available in the 2009 models, ran on the Microsoft Auto operating system. Later generations, including the SYNC 4 seen in today’s F-150 models, run on the QNX operating system from BlackBerry Limited.
The original SYNC included in the 2009 F-150 model offered phonebook calling using contact names. The next generation, SYNC 2, made this technology much more intuitive, allowing users to send customized messages via voice command while driving. This second-generation technology also had the capability to read messages aloud, making hands-free operation possible. SYNC 3 became available in the 2016 F-150. This was a big jump in advancing the technology available in the F-150 as drivers were now able to use voice commands to ask for directions or request a song.
The infotainment seen in today’s F-150 models is SYNC 4, which was introduced in 2021. This differentiates itself from prior generations with a more advanced voice assistant, including the ability to understand natural language commands. Drivers are now able to make requests as vague as “find the nearest gas station,” and SYNC 4 is able to show results with the on-screen navigation. In addition, SYNC 4 supports over-the-air updates for the first time, allowing older trucks to have the latest features. The interface of SYNC 4 is more intuitive than prior generations, eliminating driver distraction and the need to take your hands off the wheel. When looking at these changes to the Ford F-150’s infotainment system over the years and the generations of SYNC being used, you can get a big picture of how far this model has come.
Ford BlueCruise Revolutionizes Hands-Free Driving
Introduced in the 2021 models, Ford BlueCruise has made some big changes to how F-150 drivers handle the road. Available on higher trim levels of the F-150 since its launch, BlueCruise enables hands-free highway driving. On certain pre-mapped roads, drivers can remove their hands from the wheel and allow the F-150’s BlueCruise technology to take over. While BlueCruise technology does not make the F-150 entirely self-driving, this is a great feature for anyone who is doing a lot of monotonous highway driving.
One of the Most Technologically Advanced Trucks on the Market
A lot has changed in the Ford F-150 since its original model. Ford has done its due diligence to make sure this model has stayed modern throughout the years, featuring some of the latest technological advancements through the decades. This dedication to keeping the truck up to date with the latest in-cab technology and safety features has kept the F-150 as the leader of the truck segment. When purchasing a used F-150 today, you can expect plenty of technology and features to come with Ford’s top-selling truck model.
