The 2017 Ford F-150 offers great towing capacity, excellent gas mileage, and unshakeable reliability. But, the switch to aluminum body panels is controversial, and the truck’s unusually high number of recalls is a concern.
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2017 Ford F-150: Quick Overview
- The 2017 Ford F-150 powerplants range from carbureted inline-six cylinders to new-age, twin-turbo V6 engines.
- The F-150’s high number of recalls is concerning, especially those related to fire risk.
- The Ford F-150 was the first pickup truck to receive a five-star NHTSA safety rating, and the 2017 F-150 was named “Best Buy of 2017” by Kelley Blue Book.
- The aluminum body increases fuel economy but at a cost of easier damage to the body panels.
- The seven trims ensure an F-150 for everyone’s needs from work truck to luxury vehicle to Baja racer.
2017 Ford F-150 Comes in Seven Exciting Trims, Including the Baja-Racing Raptor
The 2017 Ford F-150 offers seven trim levels, ranging from a basic work truck to a serious off-road package. The trims include the Ford F-150 XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and the famous Ford F-150 Raptor. Each of the trims (excluding the Raptor) offers various cab and bed options, such as Regular Cab (two full doors), Super Cab (two full doors with rear half-doors), and Super Crew (four full doors). Available bed length options include a 5.5-foot box, 6.5-foot box, and eight-foot box.
2017 Ford F-150 XL is a Utilitarian Truck with Few Added Creature Comforts
The 2017 Ford F-150 range starts off with the XL, which is the most bare-bones trim. Mostly used for fleet vehicles, the XL trim has minimal creature comforts, and provides a more utilitarian layout for workers. Of course, being destined for fleet use means these trucks see a hard life and plenty of miles. But, these trucks have stepped up their standard equipment, and you no longer have to worry about a fleet truck with no radio or AC. The F-150 XL trim gives you the basic necessities, but nothing more.
Additional notable features of the 2017 Ford F-150 XL trim include: black front bumper, rear bumper, grille, door handles, mirrors, and trims, 17-inch silver steel wheels with all-season tires, and ABS and stability control.
2017 Ford F-150 XLT Enhances Overall Driving Experience with Added Features Including SYNC
The 2017 Ford F-150 XLT builds upon the XL trim features. The XLT trim adds more daily-driver comforts and personality to the truck, and allows for a more passenger-friendly experience inside and out.
Additional features on the XLT trim include: cruise control, power door locks and mirrors, Ford SYNC, and keyless entry.
2017 Ford F-150 Lariat Adds Standard Leather Seats & Chrome Exterior Accents
The Ford F-150 Lariat trim provides a happy middle ground between a basic work truck and the top-of-the-line luxury rig. The Lariat trim visually sets itself apart with more lighting, badges, and chrome accents than the lower trims. Lariats can also be optioned with the chrome appearance package to add a bit more flavor to the exterior.
Additions on the Lariat trim include: 18-inch, chrome-clad aluminum wheels, a 360-degree camera, power-folding heated mirrors, and chrome bumpers, grille, door handles, tailgate handle, and trim.
2017 Ford F-150 King Ranch Sports Unique Leather Seats & Matching Wood Trim
Moving into the upper echelon of F-150 packages, we have the King Ranch edition, which provides a luxurious feel to a simple F-150, courtesy of leather seating and mahogany wood accents throughout the cabin.
Standout features of the F-150 King Ranch include: optional two-tone exterior, reverse parking sensors, LED mirror-mounted spotlights, a trailer brake controller, and power running boards.
2017 Ford F-150 Platinum Offers Similar Features as King Ranch but Foregoes the Rancher Vibe
The second-highest trim level is the Platinum package. While the differences are minute between the Platinum and the King Ranch, they could be the decider when shopping for an F-150. While the King Ranch has a country-esque theme, the Platinum tones it back to a classier overall design via a muted approach to colors and material throughout the truck.
Notable features of the Platinum package include: automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers, contoured leather seats, and black carpet flooring with front and rear mats.
2017 Ford F-150 Limited has the Most Luxurious Cabin & Offers 22″ Wheels
Rounding out the highest trim of the standard F-150 is the Limited trim package. If you want the most out of your F-150 without having to worry about finding specifically optioned trucks, a 2017 Ford F-150 Limited is your best bet. The package gives you the most standard features of any truck in the lineup.
While the differences are minimal, unique features to the Limited package include: chrome door handles with body-color bezel, body-color skull cap mirrors, and 22-inch, chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is Extremely Off-Road Capable but Also Functions as a Daily Driver
The Ford F-150 Raptor is the most extreme iteration of the famous pickup. Mainly referred to as the Ford Raptor, it focuses on being the most rugged and off-road capable version of an F-150 possible. It starts life as a standard F-150 chassis, but receives an extreme off-road treatment. In the interior, the Raptor provides six overhead auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.
After its two-year hiatus, the F-150 Raptor came back with some old and some new features, such as: 17-inch aluminum off-road wheels and tires, heavy-duty running boards, an extra-tough front skid plate, wide fender flares, and quad-beam LED headlights.
2017 Ford F-150 Prices on the Used Vehicle Market: $21,000 to $57,000
When shopping on the used market, prices for each trim level can vary depending on what engine, cab, bed, and options were selected on a specific model. However, Kelley Blue Book gives a price range estimate for a proper example of each trim level.
For an entry-level XL Regular Cab with 2WD and about 60,000 miles, pricing ranges between $21,000 to $26,400. Adding 4WD to any model costs about $2,600.
Step up to a 2WD XLT Crew Cab with the 5.0L V8, and expect to spend from $27,600 to $32,200. As for the Lariat, when specced with 4WD and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, pricing hikes to $35,000 to $40,400. A similarly-equipped King Ranch will run an extra $4,300 or so, and a Platinum, a little less at $3,200.
For the ultra-luxe and exclusive Limited, budget around $41,200 to $46,500, depending on its condition. As for the Raptor, it’s in a class of its own, with an optioned-out model running as high as $57,000, even as a four-year-old vehicle.
Ford’s Certified Pre-owned Program Extends Factory Warranty & Adds 24/7 Roadside Assistance
Even though the 2017 Ford F-150 isn’t old in the eyes of most buyers, there are a large number of used trucks available. Fortunately, a range of trim, mileage, and configurations scatter the used market.
Along with the used market, there are plenty of certified pre-owned (CPO) models to choose from. The major advantage of buying a CPO F-150 is the reassuring used vehicle warranty.
Aptly named the Ford Blue Advantage, the vehicles go through a detailed multipoint inspection. In addition, each vehicle features comprehensive limited warranty coverage, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Expect to spend an extra $600-$700 for a CPO truck.
2017 Ford F-150: Engine Options, Fuel Economy & Performance From V6 EcoBoost and V8 Coyote
Throughout the seven different trim levels, there are various engines available for the 2017 Ford F-150. Utilizing the old platform Coyote V8, along with new-age EcoBoost turbo V6s, each engine is tailored for the specific truck. The 2017 lineup makes use of a 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L Cyclone V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 5.0L Coyote V8.
Each engine option is paired with the Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic transmission or a Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission.
3.5L Cyclone V6: Least Powerful
The first and least powerful engine paired with the 6R80 is the 3.5L Cyclone V6. The base model V6 produces a respectable 282 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. So, while it is the least potent engine, it is still enough power to haul your toys or tools around.
The 2017 F-150 models equipped with the 3.5L Cyclone V6 have an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg while at highway speeds. Impressively, 4WD models equipped with the 3.5L Cyclone V6 have 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway ratings.
The non-turbocharged V6 has a respectable towing capacity of 7,600 pounds, and can haul up to 1,910 pounds. That’s more than enough to tow a decent-sized camper trailer or even a regular passenger car.
2.7L EcoBoost V6: Easy Towing
Next in the lineup is the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. The EcoBoost gives the F-150 a substantial power bump to 325 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. For the 2017 model year, these engines were paired with the 6R80 six-speed automatic, but provided plenty of grunt to make towing a breeze.
The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 uses twin turbos to give it 100 plus extra torque over the Cyclone V6. Not only do you benefit from more efficient power, but turbocharging also helps with fuel efficiency.
Fuel economy with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 rates at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. For the heavier optioned trucks, the rating drops to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The 4WD equipped models drop to 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
F-150s equipped with the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine will see towing capacity jump over the base engine to 8,500 pounds, and can haul up to 2,210 pounds. While not much, the extra turbocharged power makes a difference in performance.
3.5L EcoBoost V6: High-Capacity Towing
One of the most popular engines is the mid-range 3.5L EcoBoost V6, which puts out 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s also one of the only engines to be paired with the 10-speed 10R80 transmission, which means smoother and higher-capacity towing.
While the Raptor still uses the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, Ford tweaked it for higher output: 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 clocks 18 mpg on city streets and 23 mpg at cruising speeds. Bumping up to 4WD will only drop both ratings by a single mpg each. As for the high output engine in the Raptor, it drops the EPA rating to 15 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
The brute force of the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine proves its worth by giving the F-150 a 12,200-pound towing capacity to haul up to 3,220 pounds. It’s a 50-pound loss in hauling weight, but there are over 2,000 pounds gained in towing capacity.
5.0L Coyote V8: Top of the Line
The 5.0L Coyote V8 is the top-dollar engine option (aside from the Raptor) that produces an impressive 385 hp and 387 lb.-ft. of torque. This doesn’t seem like much more power compared to the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and it isn’t. While the Coyote V8 runs on flex-fuel, it still can’t quite keep up with new turbocharging technology.
As for fuel economy in the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, expect 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, which closely resembles that of the Raptor.
The 5.0L Coyote V8 will grant you 10,100 pounds of towing capacity and a hauling weight of 3,270 pounds. It is certainly impressive, but also expected from the V8 to get you over the 10,000-pound towing threshold.
Will a 2017 Ford F-150 Fit in My Garage?
Due to the varying bed and cab options, the 2017 Ford F-150 comes in many shapes and sizes. As for width, the F-150 stays between 79.9 to 86.3 inches. The largest width belongs to the Raptor (pictured above) due to the pumped fenders, wheels, and tires. Keep in mind, these width measurements are without mirrors; you can fold them in.
Height depends on trim and what tires you use on your truck, but falls between 74.8 and 78.5 inches.
The overall length of the 2017 Ford F-150 can vary from 209.3 inches to 250.5 inches, depending on cab/bed configuration. A Regular Cab with a 6.5-inch bed will be the shortest at 209.3 inches, while a Super Cab with an eight-inch bed will be the longest at 250.5.
If your garage is at least 87 inches wide, 79 inches tall, and 206 inches long, you’ll have just enough space to squeeze the largest configuration of the 2017 Ford F-150 into your garage.
2017 Ford-150 Cargo/Bed Capacity: Options for Everyone
Sticking with various sizes, the 2017 Ford F-150 has a few different cargo ratings. If you’re using the truck to move tools, luggage, or groceries, just fold up the rear seats (if you have them) and enjoy more than enough room.
As for bed length, there’s a 5.5-foot with 52.8 cubic feet of room, a 6.5-foot option with 62.3 cubic feet, and an eight-foot bed with 77.4 cubic feet.
Fuel tank capacity sticks to 23 gallons across each configuration. An optional 32-gallon tank is available for some trims. As for passenger space, the Regular Cab seats up to three, while the Super Crew and Super Cab seat up to six total. While it might be a tight squeeze for the rear passengers, the Super Cab with an eight-foot bed makes the most of its cargo space.
Five-star Crash-test Rating Confirms 2017 F-150’s Solid Safety Guarantee
Being on the road in a full-size pickup truck can be one of the most comforting feelings if you worry about accidents. Usually, in the event of a crash, the larger the vehicle, the safer you are. As mentioned before, the eighth-generation Ford F-150 (2015-2020) was the first pickup truck to receive an overall five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Along with the redesign to add aluminum panels and save weight, Ford pointed attention towards safety features. Thanks to technology like roll stability control, dual-stage airbags, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, backup camera, and more, the F-150 can provide a level of comfort on the road that other trucks can’t.
The 2017 Ford F-150 received five out of five stars in the NHTSA frontal crash test for both driver and passenger sides. Additionally, it received a five out of five for side impact. It received a four out of five in rollover testing. While this is the only category in which it didn’t receive a perfect score, this is a vast improvement over previous generations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Ford F-150 high grades across the board. The F-150 received the highest rating of “Good” in their crashworthiness categories. This was a 2016 Top Safety Pick for the IIHS.
2017 Ford F-150: Advanced Tech Like Trailer Backup Assist Provide a Pleasant, Capable Experience
Thankfully, truck manufacturers have realized many consumers use their trucks for daily driving as much as for work. Allowing for more common features in trucks has broken some trim levels into the status of luxury. The 2017 Ford F-150 is no stranger to luxury features, especially top trims like the King Ranch or Limited.
While the XL may only come with an AUX input, XLT and above have Ford SYNC available, which allows for Google Maps, music apps, and hands-free texting. There’s also an eight-inch LCD and Bluetooth connectivity.
The 2017 Ford F-150 can be optioned with features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and automatic parallel parking.
2017 F-150’s 14 Exterior & 9 Interior Colors Include Raptor-exclusive ‘Avalanche’
Exterior Color Options on the 2017 Ford F-150
The 2017 Ford F-150 has a total of 14 exterior color options. Avalanche is specific to one model, the Raptor, whereas the others are shared between a handful of trims. The exterior colors include: Shadow Black, Oxford White, Ruby Red Metallic (seen above), White Gold, Lithium Gray, Lightening Blue, Caribou, Magnetic Metallic, Bronze Fire Metallic, Blue Jeans Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Race Red, and White Platinum Metallic.
Interior Colors Options in the 2017 Ford F-150
Interior color options for the 2017 Ford F-150 are sparse. There are a total of nine different interior colors, but they are scattered throughout each trim. However, the most exciting interior color, Mesa, belongs to the King Ranch trim. Other interior colors are: Black, Dark Earth Gray (XL only), Medium Earth Gray, Medium Light Camel, Orange Accent (Raptor only), Brunello (Platinum Only), and Mojave (Limited only).
2017 Ford F-150: Complaints, Problems & Recalls Rack Up
Generally speaking, Ford F-150s are known for being dependable and durable trucks. For the third year in a row, the F-150 was awarded the title of “Best Buy” in the truck category by Kelley Blue Book.
Are 2017 Ford F150s Expensive to Maintain?
Repair Pal reports that the 2017 F-150 has a higher-than-average annual repair cost of $788. However, they state that even though repair costs are high, major repairs are infrequent. The site breaks down the most common repairs for the 2017 Ford F-150, including an engine mount replacement ($705-$852) and camshaft replacement ($1,100-$1,300).
What Problems Do Ford F-150s Have?
Although the 2017 Ford F-150 is still a relatively new vehicle, it has had 14 recalls reported by the NHTSA. Most of the issues aren’t those that come with age, and some are concerning.
In June 2020, Ford recalled nearly 300,000 trucks, specifically, 2014-2017 F-150 pickups equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The brake master cylinder has the potential to leak brake fluid into the brake booster and lead to reduced brake function.
Another two recalls (December 2018 and April 2019) were for the block heater connector. Damage to a cable splice connector could cause a resistive short. This can overheat/melt the wiring, increasing the risk of a fire. These affected a range of Ford trucks and included the 2017 F-150.
Another serious recall concerned seat belt anchors and was launched in August 2017, when Ford began recalling over 100,000 trucks for inadequately attached seat belt buckle brackets.
2017 Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, & Nissan Titan
The F-150 holds up well against the competition, including the Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.
2017 Ram 1500 Fails to Live Up to F-150’s Performance & Tow Capacity
A large American-based contender comes in the form of a 2017 Ram 1500. Virtually unchanged from the 2016 model year, the 2017 Ram 1500 continued to build upon its seemingly endless available packages. Engine options include a 3.6L Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Ram 1500 falls short in towing capacity compared to the Ford F-150, with a maximum capacity of 10,140 pounds when equipped with the 5.7L V8. However, fuel economy is similar to that of the F-150, with the 5.7L Hemi receiving an EPA rating of 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
A middle-of-the-road 4WD Ram 1500 SLT with 69,500 miles should run between $28,800 to $32,800, per KBB. A similarly-equipped F-150 is around $31,000 to $35,600, making the Ram about $2,800 less.
2017 Toyota Tundra Can’t Compete with F-150’s Efficient Powertrain Options
The 2017 Toyota Tundra is available in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and a special 1794 Edition.
Two engines are offered: a 4.6L V8 with 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 5.7L V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque.
The maximum towing capacity of the Tundra weighs in at 10,200 pounds, falling short of the F-150’s max rating. Where the Toyota Tundra truly misses the mark is with fuel economy: The 4.6L V8 produces an EPA rating of only 14 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Even worse, the 5.7L V8 is rated at an abysmal 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.
KBB puts a similarly-built SR5 Tundra at about $3,600 more than the F-150.
2017 Nissan Titan Tows far Less
The 2017 Nissan Titan weighs in against the F-150 with five trim levels and two engine options. Just two simple engine options are offered: a 5.0L Cummins diesel and a 590-horsepower 5.6L V8.
Compared to the 2017 F-150, the maximum towing capacity of the Titan falls short at 9,400 lbs. While this is still enough for most buyers, it pales in comparison to the F-150’s maximum towing capacity of 12,200 pounds.
As for pricing, a 4WD Crew Cab Titan comes in around $2,600 less than the F-150.
Should You Buy a 2017 Ford F-150?
Our answer is a resounding yes. While you may shell out a bit more cash to get into the exact specification, it is worth every penny for the benefits over the competition. In terms of towing capacity, engine technology, available safety features, and new-age construction, the 2017 Ford F-150 is in a class of its own.
While the 2017 Ford F-150 is by no means the end-all of full-size trucks, it is still the best option on the market right now. Other cheaper options will still provide more than enough for the average buyer, but when it comes time to buy that boat you’ve always wanted, or pull the family camper across the country, this is the obvious choice.
Photos: Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Dodge
