2007 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4 X 4
03/27/2007
Shahed Hussain
Ford has successfully kept its top position in full-size pickups by catering to every market segment. The F-150 King Ranch is no exception. With its conventional 4-door layout and available standard length bed, the King Ranch matches the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram in utility. Where the King Ranch stands out is in its interior accommodations, which are arguably the most luxurious in a mainstream pickup.
With a base price starting at $36,350, the F-150 King Ranch slots just below the Harley Davidson edition ($37,210), and above the Lariat ($30,750). An extensive option list can quickly swell the sticker price past $40K. Unlike most other F-150 variants, the King Ranch is only available in the SuperCrew body style (full-size rear doors), but Ford does offer a choice of a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot pickup beds. A choice of 2WD or 4WD drivelines mates to a standard 5.4L V-8 and 4-speed automatic.
Our tested F-150, painted in Forest Green over Pueblo Gold two-tone, was a conservatively attractive pickup that could go from the worksite to a classy restaurant without looking out of place. Optional 20-inch alloy wheels (18-inch alloy wheels are standard), shod with Pirelli Scorpion 275/55-R20 tires, fill out the wheel wells nicely. A corrugated black plastic bedliner keeps cargo from damaging the 6.5-foot bed. Color coordinated running boards allow easy entry into the front or rear seats. Ford distinguishes this F-150 from lesser models with bold King Ranch emblems near the A-pillars and tailgate, as well as on the wheel hub covers. The logos might seem somewhat oversized, but this truck honors the vast King Ranch in Texas, so the outsize emblems are probably appropriate.
Step inside the cabin, and the buttery-soft Castano leather seats, embossed with King Ranch logos, quickly spoil you with comfort. Without a doubt, these are the most luxurious leather seats in any pickup. Even the rear seats are upholstered in the same chocolate brown leather hides that would do justice to a luxury sedan. Soft leather also wraps around the steering wheel, for unsurpassed tactile feel. The front seats, mildly bolstered for comfort and support, will fit a wide range of physiques. These are not sport seats, but neither are they flat benches. The cavernous center storage bin is also covered in leather with a King Ranch logo stitched on top. A chrome shift lever for the 4-speed automatic dominates the center console. Unfortunately, 1st and 2nd gear cannot be directly selected via the shift lever. Power adjustable pedals, controlled by a dash-mounted rocker switch, can move closer or further to accommodate most drivers. We tested the King Ranch with the optional power moonroof, which precludes an overhead DVD player for rear seat passengers. In the rear, up to three rear passengers can sit on the 60/40 split seats, which fold up for additional cargo room. Rear legroom and headroom are ample for 6-foot tall occupants.
Although the dashboard is composed of high quality hard plastic panels, the vertical strips of gunmetal gray trim are jarring to the eye. Even the glossy fake wood that surrounds the center stack or some complementary shade of brown would be more attractive than the discordant metallic trim. The optional Audiophile(R) sound system includes a touch screen which controls HVAC and audio settings. We're not sure why Ford bothered with a touch screen, since it collects fingerprints, and the dedicated buttons around the touch screen duplicate many of its controls. Steering wheel mounted buttons allow easy access to commonly used audio settings and the cruise control. Our King Ranch pickup had the convenient optional power rear sliding window, which improves fresh air ventilation with less wind noise.
The only available powertrain is a 5.4L V-8 coupled to a 4-speed automatic. The Triton V-8 cranks out 300-bhp/365 lb.-ft., with a towing capacity of up to 9,100 lbs. when equipped with a 3.73:1 rear axle ratio. The 4R75E automatic shifts smoothly, but the ratio spread is too wide to maximize the engine's torque output. Combined with its 5,000+ lbs. curb weight, acceleration is acceptable, but not especially quick. It's surprising that Ford does not offer an optional five or six speed automatic like the domestic and Asian competition, which would allow the engine to operate more efficiently, as well as improve acceleration. The EPA rates this F-150 at 15/19 MPG (city/hwy.). With its optional 35.7 gallon fuel tank, highway cruising range should exceed 450 miles.
For a pickup truck, the F-150 has impressively precise steering at lower speeds. The power rack-and-pinion system and Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires work in unison for accurate steering feel and response. At highway speeds above 60 MPH, the off-road optimized tread is responsible for vague and mushy steering feedback. Like many large pickups and SUVs, the F-150 King Ranch is most comfortable at speeds below 85 MPH, and tends to wander excessively at higher speeds or in crosswinds.
Although this pickup is no sports sedan, it is reasonably maneuverable, given enough space. Tight corners can cause the rear wheels to clip curbs, but considering the long wheelbase, this is no surprise. Although the available 5.5-foot bed sacrifices hauling capacity, the corresponding shorter wheelbase would aid maneuverability. Noticeable chassis flex over bumpy roads causes the rear end to bounce around, requiring minor steering corrections. For such a long pickup, the slightly unruly chassis is no surprise, and essentially unavoidable. Despite the 4-wheel discs, braking performance is unexceptional. However, the brakes are acceptable for such a heavy pickup. Just don't expect sport sedan stopping power.
Regardless of speed, the King Ranch's cabin remains quiet and hushed. Tire and wind noise are minimal, while the V-8 only emits a faint rumble through the firewall. This amazingly refined pickup subjectively rivals luxury sedans in quietness. We were impressed with how well Ford has systematically eliminated the squeaks, rattles, and vibrations that used to plague previous generation pickups.
The F-150 King Ranch is a distinctive addition to the extensive F-Series lineup. Positioned just below the F-150 Harley Davidson model, the King Ranch is luxurious without being ostentatious. With its Texas lineage, this F-150 can legitimately lay claim to being a real work truck (albeit an expensive one). Potential buyers will have to seriously consider if the King Ranch is worth the nearly $6,000 premium over the F-150 Lariat. We think that the superb leather seats and interior trim in the King are definitely a factor in its favor, but we aren't sure that it is enough to justify its price. But if you're looking for understated luxury with a touch of Texas style, then the F-150 King Ranch will fit the bill.
