Considering the EcoBoost and amazing 3.7L V6, the only reason why some consumers would spring for the 5.0L is because it's a V8, and sounds like one. On that note, the EcoBoost plays a surprisingly refined air, more akin to that of a German 6-cylinder than to that of an American V6.

Best in Class
For the moment, 'cause we all know that either GM or Chrysler will come up with the next “Best-in-Class” something sooner rather than later, the 2011 F-150 is best in class for towing, payload and, if Ford played their cards right, which I think they did, fuel economy.

One of the most crucial is the addition of a 6-speed automatic gearbox across the line-up along with the available SelectShift manual mode. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

All these nods were achieved thanks to a number of improvements made to the truck over the last few years. One of the most crucial is the addition of a 6-speed automatic gearbox across the line-up along with the available SelectShift manual mode. Thanks to all these cogs, the F-150 has better acceleration, smoother shifts and an overall improved driving experience.

On one of the many comparison drives we did, GM's 4-speed transmission on the 4.3L V6 and 4.8L V8 simply could not cut it; Ford's 3.7L and 5.0L were simply superior in every way. One exercise consisted in a drag race between the 3.7L and the 4.8L. The 3.7L was clearly the winner...

So much more
There is much more to say on the new F-150; it's got new trims, a new gauge cluster, a tilt and telescoping steering on most trims and the addition of EPAS (electronic power assisted steering) on all save for the 6.2L, a fabulous betterment by the way. I have to stop now.

In the end, Ford's marketing department has a heck of a job on their hands with all the new goodies on the F-150. I, for one, after having tested all powertrains, would select a King Ranch with EcoBoost and be happy for a long while. This is an awesome truck.

This is really not helping my new-found addiction to pickups...