Ford ’s new F-150 pickups, which go on sale in October, will be joined by a version that emphasizes fuel efficiency in what is traditionally one of the least-efficiency-conscious market segments. Ford dubs the new line SFE, shorthand for “superior fuel economy,” taking a page from General Motors’ XFE (xtra fuel economy) handbook. A few tweaks here and there to the SuperCrew 4×2 trucks with Ford’s 4.6 liter V8 and 5.5 foot bed give the F-150 15 mpg around town and 21 on the highway, identical to the GM XFE pickup trucks.
Ford says that the six-speed automatic transmission, 3.15:1 rear axle, chrome 18 inch wheels with low rolling resistance P265/60R-16 tires bump fuel economy up from 14/19 in the 2008 model. The package runs $1,095 on base XL models equipped with the available chrome package and is a no-cost option on more upmarket XLTs built with the chrome package. F-150 SFEs will be capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds.
The F-150 sees a line-wide boost in fuel economy, up an average of 8 percent in all V8 models, thanks to aerodynamic modifications, use of lightweight steel and the six-speed automatic, which replaces a four-speed.
Ford hasn’t announced if it will spread the SFE package to other vehicles. GM offers XFE versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe and Cobalt, the GMC Sierra and Yukon and the Pontiac G5.
