2015 Ford F-150 wins 2015 Truck of the Year at NAIAS

The 2015 Ford F-150 features available LED headlights. PHOTO Ford

Runner ups included the Chevrolet Colorado and Lincoln MKC.

North American Car of the Year and Truck/Utility of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. More than 50 journalists vote for the vehicles, which must be all-new or substantially changed from the previous model to qualify for the awards.

The win by F-150 is the eighth time a Ford vehicle has won Truck/Utility of the Year. This is the 22nd year for the awards.

The all-new F-150 boasts a military-grade aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame which sheds almost 700 pounds from previous F-150 designs.

Its has the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of any full-size gasoline pickup available. When equipped with an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine, the new F-150 4×2 has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, but actual fuel economy varies greatly with other available engine options.

Numerous hi-tech features debuted in the all-new F-150, including:

• 360-degree camera view uses exterior cameras to create a bird’s-eye view of the truck to help drivers park, maneuver in tight spots, and navigate narrow roads and trails
• Integrated loading ramps make loading ATVs, motorcycles and mowers much easier.
• Ford’s BoxLink feature combines metal brackets and custom cleats to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box, these features include the above-mentioned ramps as well as storage bins and bed dividers
• Trailer hitch assist adds a new rearview camera feature that incorporates a dynamic line based on steering wheel angle in the display to help customers line up their truck and trailer with no spotter
• The tailgate may be locked, unlocked and released with the key fob