The Start-stop feature can be turned off. All the driver need to do is switch it to tow mode or four-wheel-drive.
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The so-called start-stop technology then automatically restarts the engine as soon as the driver presses the gas pedal.
While the outgoing F-150 is already available with such a system when outfitted with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, this will be the first time the technology is featured on all models, including the range-topping SVT Raptor and recently-introduced Raptor SuperCrew. Ford’s 3.5L V-6 will now get the feature. Ford plans to do that with its best-selling F-150 truck courtesy of a fairly simple tweak for the 2017 model year, fitting more of its EcoBoost engines with Auto Stop-Start technology. Because eco-friendliness is more of a trend these days, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop tech could represent more than 60 percent of the truck line-up.
Ford said it was still certifying EPA fuel-economy estimates for 2017 but was confident the technology would improve city mileage on the test cycle.
That’s all about to change as Ford just announced Auto Start-Stop to be standard across 100 percent of the EcoBoost-equipped 2017 Ford F-150 lineup, and that includes the all-new Ford F-150 Raptor.
The Ford F-150 continues to break and reshape the mold of pickup trucks. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, by contrast, do not offer an engine stop-start feature.
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Actual fuel savings vary depending on driving patterns. Shutting off the vehicle while it idles helps reduce emissions, as well.
