2024 Ford F-150 revealed for the US, Australian deliveries 12 months away

The 2024 Ford F-150 has been updated in the US, with a new face and updated variants – but this is not the version of the pick-up which will be rolling out across Australia in the coming weeks.

Instead, the pre-facelift F-150 will mark the official return of Ford’s best-selling pick-up to Australia, before the updated version – as seen today – is expected to arrive about a year after it launches in the US.

Changes to the 2024 Ford F-150 are mostly cosmetic, with a majority of the pick-up’s exterior remaining unchanged apart from a new-look grille, bumper and headlights. And a new split tailgate on certain models.

The F-150’s entry-level XL, STX and XLT get retro-inspired LED headlights (a step up from the current standard-fit halogen bulbs) with amber daytime running lights grille – while the Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Platinum adopt an LED signature akin to the electric F-150 Lightning.

At the rear, Ford’s popular pick-up now has redesigned tail-lights (also with an F-150 Lightning-esque appearance) and more prominent F-150 lettering stamped into its tailgate – which is now available as a ‘Pro Access Tailgate’.

This option allows the tailgate’s centre to open and stay fixed at 37-, 70- or 100- degrees, giving access to the bed without dropping the tailgate down.

Inside, the ‘Sync 4’ 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument display is now standard equipment across all model grades – replacing the 9.0-inch screens in lesser-equipped variants.

Additional features which are now standard – but will be reserved for the first examples of the high-grade F-150 Lariat in Australia – include Ford’s ‘BlueCruise’ advanced driver assistance system (with adaptive cruise control and lane centring) and a 360-degree camera.

The 2024 F-150 also builds on the current model’s suite of safety technology by adding ‘Available Exit Warning’, which warns occupants if there is an approaching vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist when they go to step out of the pick-up – a feature which is now tested by ANCAP.

Under the skin, Ford has removed the F-150’s 3.3-litre non-turbo V6 engine from its line-up, now only offering a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6, a 5.0-litre non-turbo V8 and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 – the latter of which is the only choice available to Australian buyers.

The 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 is also available with hybrid assistance at no extra cost in the US, which Ford expects could lead to double its current orders for the electrified engine.

Ford continues to offer the F-150 in three off-road focused grades: the Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R, which can now be optioned with a ‘modular’ front bumper – allowing for better fitment of accessories such as additional lights or winches.

The flagship Ford F-150 Raptor continues with 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 power, while the Raptor R’s 5.2-litre supercharged V8 is also unchanged for 2024.

Both Raptor variants are now equipped with new Fox Dual Live Valve shocks, which can be controlled and adjusted through the F-150’s on-board drive modes.

As previously reported, the first Australian deliveries of the Ford F-150 are due to roll out to local customers before the end of 2023 – though dealers canvassed by Drive say the pick-up is sold out for six to 12 months.

Ford Australia is yet to confirm when the updated 2024 Ford F-150 is due in Australia, though Drive expects the first examples to arrive towards the end of 2024 or early 2025.