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The SuperCrew has a lot in common with the 4x4 Flareside Lariat in terms of the exterior. In fact, from the front, the SuperCrew can easily be mistaken for a two-door F150 (or even an Expedition if your eyes aren’t keen enough). However, the difference is immediately apparent when looking at the three-quarters front. The most obvious change is a stretched passenger cabin, now with four independently-opening doors, and a smaller pick-up bed. In addition, gone are the huge rear-wheel-arch flares, replaced by smaller arches that aren't as prominent. Some friends commented that some of the outright masculinity is lost in the transformation to SuperCrew. I would have to disagree. The overall design changes contributed to just a one percent drop in the testosterone meter. In fact, the SuperCrew looks better balanced from the side especially with the extended passenger cabin and the reduced length of the pickup bed. Not to mention, the additional creature space contributes to better weight distribution especially with no payload on the pickup bed. Rugged as it is on the outside, the SuperCrew is all about comfort inside. The differences from its Flareside brother are obvious, as the SuperCrew gains 305 mm, most of it going to the much-improved rear seats; it's no longer the sardine can that it was before. Even without a tape measure, one can observe that the SuperCrew gains Expedition-like passenger space. Three abreast at the rear is not a problem anymore for the SuperCrew. In addition, the front seats are well-bolstered and wide giving them almost armchair-like comfort. The leather sewn on these seats are Jaguar-level in quality, surpassing the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Honda Accord and even Nissan Cefiro Brougham. One unique feature is the power-adjustable pedal cluster, which can move the brake and accelerator towards or away from the driver. Whether your arms are too short or legs are too long, you won’t have to suffer an ape-like driving position anymore. After staring in awe for a few seconds, I closed my gaping mouth and set off for Manila proper from Alabang. Climbing aboard the F150 required a step on the side board; failure to do so would mean a pulled muscle. Starting the 4.6-liter V8 was less of an event that I thought it would be. Although the sound did suggest that 220-bhp was indeed available on tap, the thick insulation inside the cabin made it almost inaudible. The growl is different from the Japanese multi-valve engines. Low-end torque, high displacement and a bulldog-like growl is America’s engine specialty, and no one does it better than Ford. Rolling off the dealership's driveway, the F150's initial driving behavior left much to be desired. The F150 felt every bit like a truck and then some. The increased ride height and thinner tires compared to the F150 Flareside we previously tested (which were owner-modified) meant that the SuperCrew nervously wobbled around. A few flicks to the right or to the left would make the driver and passengers uneasy since the body roll was quite pronounced. To make matters worse, the steering felt numb thanks to over assistance by the power steering mechanism. |
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