Ford Australia has opened the order books for its locally reengineered F-150 pickup, with the top-of-the-line Lariat model retailing for an eye-watering $140,945.

The F-150 will be offered in XLT and Lariat trim levels, in 4x4 crew cab configuration only and with both short and long-wheelbase body styles.

Both models offer a generous list of standard features with the entry-level short-wheelbase (SWB) XLT retailing for $106,950 plus on-road costs and the range-topping long-wheelbase (LWB) Lariat setting the price bar for Ford workhorses in this country at a heady $140,945.

In between are the F-150 XLT LWB with a manufacturer recommended list price (MRLP) of $107,945 and the F-150 Lariat SWB priced at $139,950 (MRLP).

The SWB models feature a 3,683mm wheelbase and 1,676mm styleside box, while LWB models boast an extended 3,987mm wheelbase with the styleside box stretched to a more generous 1,981mm length.

While pickup enthusiasts may be expecting V8 power beneath the F-150’s over-sized bonnet, instead they will find Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo petrol V6, coupled with 10-speed automatic transmission.

With outputs of 298kW and 678Nm, the petrol V6 delivers comparable outputs to the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series 3.3-litre twin-turbodiesel V6 (227kW/700Nm).

Ford claims the engine blends effortless torque across its rev range via technology including port-fuel and direct-injection (PFDI) system, which uses a pair of injectors per cylinder along with twin-intercooled turbochargers that offer on-demand power while minimising lag.

All F-150s are capable of a healthy 4.5-tonne braked towing capacity, which will put the big Ford towards the top of passenger vehicle tow ratings in this country. The LandCruiser 300 Series has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.  

Ford Australia confirmed the F-150 would be sold and serviced through its nationwide dealer network and would come with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Standard features of the F-150 XLT include 20-inch six-spoke machined-aluminium wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers, black running boards, tailgate with flexible step and work surface, and a spray-in bedliner.

Other standard XLT inclusions are powered driver and passenger seats in cloth trim, eight-inch centre touchscreen, eight-inch digital instrument cluster, dual zone climate control, power adjustable foot pedals, sat nav, seven-speaker sound system and a foldout office workspace.

Safety features include six airbags, rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, trailer reverse assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, BLIS with cross-traffic alert and trailer tow coverage and a lane-keeping aid and driver alert system.

Over and above the XLT, the F-150 Lariat features a premium mesh insert grille with chrome surround, chrome appearance package including mirror scalps, door handles, belt mouldings, tow hooks and running boards, plus a powered twin-panel moonroof and LED headlights, fog lights and taillamps.

Other standard features of the Lariat include a powered tailgate and sliding rear window, leather-accented seats with front seat heating and cooling, heated rear seats, 12-inch centre touchscreen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster, 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless phone charging.

The Lariat’s enhanced safety features include a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centring, speed sign recognition, evasive steering assist and intersection assist^.

The F-150 has been the biggest selling model in the US for decades but until now has only been available here through a small number of specialist importers who convert the pickup from left to right-hand drive.

That all changed in March 2022 when Ford Australia announced a factory-sanctioned remanufacturing program for the F-150, confirming engineering specialist RMA Automotive as its conversion partner ahead of the scheduled mid-2023 right-hand drive launch.

“As an iconic full-size American pickup, the F-150 is joining Australian showrooms thanks to an extensive and meticulous local re-engineering program,” F-150 Assistant Chief Program Engineer Tom Dohrmann said.

“Together with RMA Automotive, Ford Australia earned the privilege of developing a world-first right-hand drive program for the F-150.

“We set ourselves the target of equivalency without compromise and are incredibly proud to have achieved this to our exacting standards, while offering our customers compelling value and generous standard specification.”

The full-size pickup market is booming in Australia and last year accounted for some 8,763 vehicles at prices significantly higher than even the top-grade Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger.

Some pundits have predicted the category, which is currently dominated by the RAM and to a lesser extent the Chevrolet Silverado, will soon exceed 20,000 units.

The strong sales growth has also attracted the attention of Toyota which is currently developing a locally reengineered version of its US-market Tundra pickup.

Toyota’s engineering partner on the Tundra project is the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which also handles local reengineering of RAM and Silverado pickups.

Prototype testing of Tundras on public roads began in September 2022 with Toyota stating an estimated 300 vehicles would be deployed around Australia by the final quarter of this year as part of the final validation stage of the RHD program.

The Tundras will be equipped with a new hybrid system featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-litre petrol V6 coupled with a motor generator and 10-speed automatic transmission.

The range-topping hybrid powertrain takes the place of a V8 in the US range and develops a healthy 320kW/790Nm, while sipping a reasonably frugal 10.7L/100km.

Find out why RACQ Car Insurance is made for Queenslanders