Look at the outside of the 2011 Ford F-150 and you’ll be hard pressed to see major changes. But the hood opens to four new engine choices.

The base F-150 gets its first V6 since 2008, a 3.7-liter shared with Mustang and Edge. Its 302 horsepower is more than last year’s 4.6-liter V8, with class best fuel economy.

Next up is the Mustang’s quad-cam 5.0-liter V8 with 360 horsepower.

The SVT Raptor’s 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 will find its way into special edition F-150s.

But the star is the first rear drive application of Ford’s 3.5-liter direct injected, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. Tuned for twist, it’s good for 365 horsepower and best in class hauling and towing.

A six-speed automatic is now standard, with manual shift mode an option. Class-first electric power steering is also standard.

Inside, changes are more minor, including a telescopic steering wheel and a revised gauge cluster with an optional 4.2-inch info screen.

The 2011 F-150 starts around $24,000 with EcoBoost models arriving after the first of the year.

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Specifications

  • Base: 3.7-liter V6 :
  • 302 horsepower:
  • Starts around $24,000: