The Ford F-150 lineup is set to grow in Australia, with a new flagship trim level set to launch as part of a facelift for the American pickup truck.
The updated F-150 was first revealed in September 2023, but now CarExpert understands it won’t be released here until the second half of 2025.
The refreshed pickup had previously been confirmed for local release in late 2024, before timing changed to the first quarter of this year and then mid-2025.
Government documents seen by CarExpert show the facelifted F-150 has been approved for Australian roads in carryover XLT and Lariat grades, as well as fancier Platinum trim.
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All trim levels are offered in both short- and long-wheelbase (SWB and LWB) configurations.
Ford Australia wouldn’t confirm whether the Platinum will join the local lineup, however, CarExpert understands it’s coming here to slot in above the Lariat.
The Lariat currently has a list price of $140,945 before on-roads in LWB guise, though it’s now being offered for $133,000 drive-away.
That makes it pricier than GM Specialty Vehicles’ flagship Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the ZR2 ($138,000 before on-roads), but more affordable than both of Ram Trucks Australia’s facelifted six-cylinder Ram 1500s, the Laramie Sport (from $141,950) and Limited (from $159,950), as well as the Toyota Tundra Limited (from $155,990).
The new F-150 Platinum will likely be priced to compete with these full-size US pickups, rather than its Japanese namesake, the new Tundra Platinum ($172,990 plus on-roads).
While the Lariat is the flagship F-150 grade in Australia, it sits below the King Ranch and Platinum in the US, both of which carry the same base price.
In addition to a unique grille and 20-inch wheel design, the Platinum includes over the Lariat power-deployable running boards, aluminium interior trim, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column adjustment with memory, and a power-sliding rear window.
Options include a head-up display, 14-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system, adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof.
Some of these features, such as the heated rear seats and power-sliding rear window, are already standard in the Australian-market Lariat.
Given the local Lariat already has some option boxes ticked, CarExpert understands the local Platinum will also include some features that are optional in the US.
The Platinum can even be had with a US$11,475 (~A$18,000) Platinum Plus package, bringing chrome and satin exterior trim, 22-inch wheels, quilted leather upholstery, and a 3.5-litre hybrid V6 powertrain, though we don’t expect this exact configuration to appear locally.
Images within the approval documents show the Lariat and Platinum with the updated F-150’s new Pro Access Tailgate, essentially a swing gate integrated into the regular fold-down tailgate that can open all the way out to 100 degrees.
The F-150’s Pro Access Tailgate avoids hitting the tow bar when opening, and it also allows owners to access items in the tub more easily. There’s also an available rear step to make getting up into the tub simpler.
The Platinum has the same base price in the US as the King Ranch, but ditches the chrome and bronze trim exterior trim of that variant while also losing out on a standard panoramic sunroof, wood trim and head-up display.
As before, the only engine that will be offered in Australia in the updated F-150 lineup is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 producing 298kW of power and 678Nm of torque, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either a part-time or full-time four-wheel drive system.
The SWB F-150 measures 5908mm long, 2089mm wide and 1982mm tall on a 3697mm wheelbase, while the LWB F-150 has a 300mm longer wheelbase.
Externally, the updated F-150 has a restyled grille, bumpers and lighting, including more three-dimensional tail-light elements.
Inside, all F-150s feature a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard.
The current F-150 range in Australia opens with an 8.0-inch instrument cluster screen and 8.0-inch touchscreen.
It’s understood RMA Automotive will continue to handle the remanufacturing process from left- to right-hand drive, despite a rocky rollout for the official F-150 in Australia, which saw multiple recalls, delivery pauses, and compensation offered to buyers.
There haven’t been any recalls issued this year, nor have there been any stop-sales.
MORE: Everything Ford F-150