2018 Ford F-150: What to Expect from the Facelift and Update?

2017 ford f150 ecoboost 10 speed automatic review first drive
2017 Ford F-150

The 2017 NAIAS show (aka. Detroit Auto Show) is just five days away. One of the rumored reveals at the show is the face-lifted and updated 2018 Ford F-150. Yes, paint is barely dry on the 2017 F-150s with the 10-speed as they leave the factory, and we are already talking about the 2018 facelift. However, the current generation of the aluminum-bodied F-150 has been in production since the 2015 model year. It is time for a facelift, as the automotive lifecycle goes. So what can we expect?

First, lets be clear that Ford has not officially announced the 2018 F-150 debut for the 2017 NAIAS debut. Ford likes to surprise us all at the Detroit show. This information is based on the prototypes we have seen and credible information from other sources, such as Ford Authority.

3.0L Turbo-Diesel V8

We have seen a plethora of turbo-diesel F-150 test mules (see video below). There is the diesel clatter and the larger exhaust tip with cooling slots. All information points to a 3.0L turbo-diesel V6, an engine similar to what you can find in current Land Rover / Range Rover SUVs. This is a torquey and efficient motor that will be able to take the fight directly to the Ram EcoDiesel. Will Ford actually do this? We need to wait a little longer to find out for sure.

4.8L Gas V8

Several sources have reported that a new 4.8L gasoline V8 will be replaced the beloved 5.0L “Five-Oh Coyote” V8. The 4.8L engine is reported to have dual fuel injection system (direct and port injection) similar to the system on the 2nd generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the 2017 F-150. Ford is not alone in going to dual gasoline injection. Toyota has done this with the 2016 Tacoma and is rumored to do the same with the all-new 2018 Toyota Tundra. Dual injection is meant to deliver improved power and improved efficiency. The face-lifted 2018 Ford Mustang is also rumored to get the 4.8L V8. It may not have the cool name such as the “Five-Oh HO” or the “Coyote”. Perhaps, Ford will use another cool nickname? Let’s see what Ford does.

10-Speed Transmission

There is a good likelihood that the 10-Speed automatic transmission to find its way into more Ford trucks and SUVs. It could go along with the 4.8L V8, the 2.7L EcoBoost, or even the 3.0L turbo-diesel.

Exterior

Expect to see new headlights, grille, and tail lights on the 2018 F-150. The look should closely resemble the 2017 Ford Super Duty with two large horizontal grille elements and c-shaped headlights.

Interior

Not much information is known about the interior upgrades on the 2018 F-150.

No matter what happens, the pickup truck world is not getting any less exciting.

Here is our “Prototype Hunting” video where we catch what appear to be F-150 turbo-diesel test mules.

Here is a first look at the 2017 Ford F-150 with the second generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission.