2015 Ford F-150 Platinum: Lighter and more luxurious (pictures)

The F-150 Platinum is available with full LED illumination from the quad-beam headlamps to the tails.

The 2015 Ford F-150 continues to evolve with a new aluminum body.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is the larger of two turbocharged V-6 options available to the F-150. There's also a 2.7-liter EcoBoost option.

The 365-horsepower engine is mated to a single-option six-speed automatic transmission.

The drive mode selector is simple. There are just four settings for the 4x4 system.

The power train has settings for rear drive and three different full-time 4x4 configurations.

Our example is a Supercrew model that features an extended cab.

Twenty-inch chrome wheels are standard on the F-150 Platinum. Our example also includes $595 White Platinum Metallic paint.

The EPA reckons the F-150 is good for 19 mpg combined. My week of testing ended at around 15.7 mpg.

The grille features a small camera that is used for a forward split view. There are also cameras in the side mirrors and on the tailgate.

Driver aid tech, such as this 360-degree camera system, makes the massive F-150 much easier to live with.

Blind-spot radar and rear cross-traffic alerts help protect the corners of the truck on the highway and in parking lots.

The rear camera is integrated into the soft-touch tailgate handle.

The rear tailgate can be remotely lowered. Internal dampers slow and control the gate's descent.

Power side steps hide beneath the rocker panels.

When a door is opened, the step quietly extends.

Optional box side steps extend with a kick to their center buttons to aid in access to the bed.

Our example featured the shorter 5.5-foot bed. A longer 6.5-foot option is available for Supercrew configurations.

The tailgate also features a slide-out step.

An optional bed extender secures cargo when the tailgate is laid flat.

I found the bed easy to access and load, thanks to the standard and optional features.

Connections for trailer lights and brakes can be found alongside the license plate.

Blind-spot monitoring illuminates an indicator on the side mirror when a car is in the adjacent lane.

The cabin is fairly well-appointed and very quiet.

The Platinum model features styling upgrades inside and out.

The large windows feature a cutout near the A-pillar that, aside from looking cool, vastly improves visibility by allowing the side mirrors to be mounted lower on the door.

Around town, the ride is smooth and comfortable.

In theory, the electronic sensors won't let you lock the keyless entry fob in the cabin, but the F-150's cabin is so big that it's possible. That's where the keypad comes into play.

The rear glass features a motorized rear portal and a slick design.

This dual-pane sunroof is a $1,295 option, but it's worth every penny for the amount of light that it adds to the cavernous cabin.

Though bedecked with luxurious trim, the F-150's cabin still feels very chunky and truckish.

The instrument cluster integrates an 8-inch display that can monitor off-road parameters, towing information or fuel economy.

Navigation is a bit sluggish, but it will get you from point A to B.

Map data is stored on an SD card in the dashboard.

One of my favorite amenities is the inclusion of heated, cooled and massaging front seats. Separate controls for back and bottom massage aid in relieving fatigue.

Adaptive cruise control can automatically maintain a set distance behind a lead vehicle down to about 15 mph.

The Supercrew cab rear bench can comfortably seat three adults.

The bench bottoms can be folded up to reveal a flat floor and even more space for cargo.

The Sony premium audio system sounds good.

The Ford F-150 is smarter in almost every way than its predecessor. However, we'd recommend waiting for the MyFord Touch infotainment to be replaced in 2016.