Ford is giving the F-150 a surprisingly meaningful round of updates for 2027, even if the truck does not look dramatically different at first glance. The latest version of America’s perennial full-size pickup favorite arrives with a new standard engine, expanded V8 availability, upgraded BlueCruise technology that can now work while towing, more affordable Tremor and Raptor configurations, and a new Carhartt-branded model aimed directly at buyers who like their trucks with a little extra workwear attitude.

The biggest mechanical change happens under the hood, where Ford is retiring the familiar twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 as the F-150’s base engine. In its place is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Those peak numbers are the same as the outgoing 2.7-liter, but the difference is where the torque arrives. The new engine reaches its full 400 lb-ft at just 2,250 rpm instead of 3,500 rpm, which should make the truck feel stronger during everyday driving, especially when pulling away with a trailer or climbing a grade.

Ford is also giving traditional V8 fans something to celebrate. The 5.0-liter V8 is once again available on the upscale King Ranch and Platinum trims, expanding eight-cylinder availability across more of the F-150 lineup. Buyers who prefer turbocharged power can still choose the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, while the PowerBoost hybrid continues to pair a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor. The range of available engines remains one of the F-150’s biggest strengths, allowing buyers to choose everything from a practical work configuration to something considerably more powerful or efficient.

Changes to the exterior are far more subtle. XLT models receive a simpler grille featuring two prominent horizontal bars, while the Lariat adopts a busier four-bar treatment. King Ranch and Platinum models also get small grille revisions, and Ford has introduced new wheel designs on select trims. The Platinum can now be fitted with 22-inch wheels, while the Black Appearance package gains a new 20-inch design. None of the updates fundamentally change the F-150’s appearance, which is probably exactly what Ford intended.

Perhaps the most interesting technology upgrade is the arrival of BlueCruise with Towing. Ford’s hands-free highway driving system can now control steering, speed, and following distance while the F-150 is pulling a properly configured trailer on compatible divided highways. Owners will need to enter information for the specific trailer being used, allowing the system to account for factors such as trailer weight and vehicle load. BlueCruise with Towing operates at speeds up to 75 mph, although the truck can automatically reduce that limit if conditions, trailer sway, or load characteristics require it.

There are sensible restrictions built into the system. Hands-free lane changes are disabled when towing, and BlueCruise will ask the driver to regain control in situations such as construction zones or areas where the system cannot safely operate. Drivers are still responsible for paying attention at all times, but the addition could make long highway towing trips noticeably less tiring. Ford says the towing functionality will be included on 2027 F-150 models equipped with BlueCruise without adding another fee to the existing BlueCruise subscription.

Ford is also lowering the entry point for two of the F-150’s most desirable off-road models with new Tremor Low and Raptor Low equipment groups. Rather than watering down the suspension, tires, or core off-road capability, Ford has mostly removed luxury and convenience equipment. The Tremor Low loses features including heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, upgraded audio, power sliding rear glass, and some exterior equipment. The Raptor takes a similar approach by deleting items such as the head-up display, power passenger seat, power steering column, fog lamps, under-seat storage, and the higher-output Pro Power Onboard system. The payoff is a significant reduction in starting price, with the Tremor expected to begin around $62,440 and the Raptor around $77,790.

Then there is the new F-150 Carhartt, which might be one of the most naturally matched branding collaborations Ford has done in years. Offered on the four-wheel-drive XLT SuperCrew, the Carhartt model borrows visual cues from Ford’s earlier Carhartt-branded Super Duty while giving the F-150 its own treatment. Exterior details include Carhartt badging, textured graphics along the lower body and tailgate, special 20-inch wheels, Tremor-inspired headlights and hood styling, and a spray-in bedliner featuring Carhartt branding. It looks rugged without becoming excessively flashy, which suits both brands rather well.

The Carhartt theme continues inside with two-tone cloth upholstery designed to resemble the durable materials associated with Carhartt workwear. Tan accent stitching adds some contrast throughout the cabin, while branded all-weather floor mats reinforce the practical theme. The Carhartt package adds $4,195 to the price of an eligible XLT, making it more of a lifestyle and appearance upgrade than a performance package. Still, for buyers who already live in Carhartt jackets and spend weekends using their trucks as actual trucks, the combination makes plenty of sense.

The 2027 Ford F-150 lineup starts at $42,630 for the XL, while the Platinum begins at $71,595. Carhartt models are expected to begin reaching customers in early 2027, with the remainder of the refreshed lineup following around the same general timeframe. Taken together, the updates do not reinvent the F-150, but they make a strong truck lineup broader and more useful. A torquier standard engine, wider access to the 5.0-liter V8, hands-free towing assistance, cheaper off-road trims, and a distinctive Carhartt edition give buyers more reasons to look closely at the 2027 model before waiting for Ford’s eventual next-generation truck.