2015 Ford F-150 Platinum: Lighter and more luxurious (pictures)
Ford's top-trim F-150 matches luxurious amenities with a new lightweight aluminum body.

2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Sorry, UK and Australian readers, the F-150 is only available in America.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The F-150 Platinum is available with full LED illumination from the quad-beam headlamps to the tails.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The 2015 Ford F-150 continues to evolve with a new aluminum body.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The 365-horsepower engine is mated to a single-option six-speed automatic transmission.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The drive mode selector is simple. There are just four settings for the 4x4 system.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The power train has settings for rear drive and three different full-time 4x4 configurations.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Our example is a Supercrew model that features an extended cab.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Twenty-inch chrome wheels are standard on the F-150 Platinum. Our example also includes $595 White Platinum Metallic paint.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The EPA reckons the F-150 is good for 19 mpg combined. My week of testing ended at around 15.7 mpg.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Driver aid tech, such as this 360-degree camera system, makes the massive F-150 much easier to live with.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Blind-spot radar and rear cross-traffic alerts help protect the corners of the truck on the highway and in parking lots.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The rear camera is integrated into the soft-touch tailgate handle.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The rear tailgate can be remotely lowered. Internal dampers slow and control the gate's descent.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Power side steps hide beneath the rocker panels.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
When a door is opened, the step quietly extends.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Optional box side steps extend with a kick to their center buttons to aid in access to the bed.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Our example featured the shorter 5.5-foot bed. A longer 6.5-foot option is available for Supercrew configurations.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The tailgate also features a slide-out step.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
An optional bed extender secures cargo when the tailgate is laid flat.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
I found the bed easy to access and load, thanks to the standard and optional features.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Connections for trailer lights and brakes can be found alongside the license plate.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Blind-spot monitoring illuminates an indicator on the side mirror when a car is in the adjacent lane.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The cabin is fairly well-appointed and very quiet.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The Platinum model features styling upgrades inside and out.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Around town, the ride is smooth and comfortable.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The rear glass features a motorized rear portal and a slick design.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Though bedecked with luxurious trim, the F-150's cabin still feels very chunky and truckish.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The instrument cluster integrates an 8-inch display that can monitor off-road parameters, towing information or fuel economy.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Navigation is a bit sluggish, but it will get you from point A to B.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Map data is stored on an SD card in the dashboard.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
Adaptive cruise control can automatically maintain a set distance behind a lead vehicle down to about 15 mph.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The Supercrew cab rear bench can comfortably seat three adults.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The bench bottoms can be folded up to reveal a flat floor and even more space for cargo.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
The Sony premium audio system sounds good.
2015 Ford F-150 Platinum 4x4 Supercrew
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.