As we know, the Ford F-Series has been Canada's best-selling pickup truck lineup for 60 consecutive years. It has also led the segment in the United States for 49 years. But this time, the competition is getting serious. Ford's fiercest rival, General Motors, has just announced completely redesigned versions of its popular Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, featuring major changes to both styling and powertrains.

So serious, in fact, that the base engine remains the turbocharged four-cylinder (L4B), but its output has been increased to 350 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 40 horsepower and 25 lb-ft! As for the previous V8 engines, some of which have experienced problems, the 5.3-litre has been replaced by a 5.7-litre (L76) producing 402 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque (less than the four-cylinder!). Meanwhile, the 6.2-litre makes way for an all-new 6.6-litre V8 (L78), delivering 481 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque. The "little" 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel also returns as an option, with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque.

Ford is responding to GM in 2027 by dropping its smaller 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 in favour of a 3.0-litre version from the same engine family, offering similar power but greater robustness. Naturally, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 returns with its 500 lb-ft of torque, allowing a maximum towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds. The legendary 5.0-litre V8 is also back, producing 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Ford no longer offers a diesel engine in the F-150, but it does provide a hybrid version of its 3.5-litre EcoBoost, generating 570 lb-ft of torque. Of course, all these Ford models come equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The all-electric Lightning is no longer in production, although we're told some form of successor is in development.

Incidentally, the F-150's advertised maximum towing capacities range from 8,400 pounds with the smaller EcoBoost V6 to 13,500 pounds for certain versions equipped with the 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine.

Ford could certainly face a challenge when its F-150 is compared with GM's redesigned pickups in terms of styling. At Stellantis, the full-size Ram pickups are also being carried over, mainly with cosmetic updates and some distinctive versions more focused on performance. For now, Toyota doesn't appear to have any major changes planned for its Tundra beyond a few cosmetic refinements.

The 2027 F-150 XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trims will feature distinctive grilles and new wheel designs. Ford has also finally brought the optional rugged Carhartt package, previously available only on Super Duty trucks, to its new F-150 XLT 4x4 Crew Cab models.

Another important development is the return of Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system, now available with BlueCruise with Towing. This feature allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while towing a boat, camper or other trailer on nearly 210,000 kilometres of prequalified highways, provided they remain fully attentive to the road.

Now we'll have to wait and see how the 2027 Ford F-150 performs against its renewed competition. According to most of the information gathered from various sources, the next generation of the F-150 is expected to be unveiled in 2028 as a 2029 model. Time will tell!

(Photo Ford)