2012 Ford F-150: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Ford F-150 is standard hill start assist across the lineup. Otherwise, this is a light update with revised 4WD hardware, several trim-specific changes, and no redesign or new engine.

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About the 2012 Ford F-150

12th generation F-150 (2009-2014), fourth model year after the 2009 redesign and second year after the 2011 engine overhaul.

Ford positioned the 2012 F-150 as a do-everything full-size pickup with unusual breadth. At one end it could be a simple work truck; at the other it could be a family hauler, luxury truck, street-style truck, or purpose-built off-roader. Ford’s messaging leaned on Built Ford Tough durability, strong towing and payload numbers, and the broad engine lineup led by EcoBoost for a mix of power and efficiency. The core draw was versatility: one truck family serving work, recreation, and daily driving.

The 2012 lineup stretches from the basic XL work truck and mainstream XLT to luxury-focused King Ranch and Platinum models. The FX4 adds off-road suspension and underbody protection, while the specialized SVT Raptor pairs a 6.2-liter V8 with long-travel suspension, Fox shocks, and front and rear traction hardware. The Harley-Davidson edition also uses the 6.2-liter V8 and adds heated and cooled leather seats, navigation, and distinctive trim.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

No new engine joined the lineup, but the driveline received several updates. All 4WD trucks gained neutral-tow capability for flat towing. EcoBoost 4WD models received a 36-gallon fuel tank, electronic locking rear axles replaced limited-slip units on more trucks, and several 4WD trims received updated four-wheel-drive hardware. The SVT Raptor added a Torsen front differential for better low-speed traction.

Safety

Hill start assist became standard across the F-150 lineup, helping keep the truck from rolling backward when starting on an incline.

Styling

The Harley-Davidson edition received revised exterior graphics and a snakeskin-themed cabin treatment. The SVT Raptor also gained new graphics.

Structural

XL and XLT SuperCab models added a 163-inch-wheelbase configuration. The core platform, body structure, and suspension layout otherwise carried over.

2012 Ford F-150 specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Ford F-150XL2 in stock	2012 Ford F-150FX20 in stock	2012 Ford F-150FX40 in stock	2012 Ford F-150STX1 in stock	2012 Ford F-150XLT0 in stock	2012 Ford F-150Lariat1 in stock	2012 Ford F-150Platinum1 in stock	2012 Ford F-150King Ranch0 in stock	2012 Ford F-150SVT Raptor1 in stock	2012 Ford F-150Harley-Davidson0 in stock
Engine	V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, 3.5L / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.7 Liter	V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter	V6, EcoBoost, 3.5L / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter	V6, Flex Fuel, 3.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter	V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.7 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, 3.5L	V6, EcoBoost, TT, 3.5L / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter / V8, 6.2 Liter	V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter / V8, 6.2 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter	V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter / V8, Flex Fuel, 5.0 Liter	V8, 6.2 Liter	V8, 6.2 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd	Automatic, 6-Spd
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	2WD	4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD	2WD
Fuel Type	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas / Flexible Fuel	Gas	Gas
MPG City	14–17 mpg	15–16 mpg	14–15 mpg	14–17 mpg	14–17 mpg	13–16 mpg	13–16 mpg	14–16 mpg	11 mpg	13 mpg
MPG Highway	19–23 mpg	21–22 mpg	19–21 mpg	19–23 mpg	19–23 mpg	18–22 mpg	18–22 mpg	19–22 mpg	16 mpg	18 mpg
Horsepower	302–365 hp	360–365 hp	360–365 hp	302–360 hp	302–365 hp	360–411 hp	360–411 hp	360–365 hp	411 hp	411 hp
Torque	278–420 lb-ft	380–420 lb-ft	380–420 lb-ft	278–380 lb-ft	278–420 lb-ft	380–434 lb-ft	380–434 lb-ft	380–420 lb-ft	434 lb-ft	434 lb-ft
Max Towing	8300–11300 lb	11300 lb	11300 lb	8300–11300 lb	8300–11300 lb	11300 lb	11300 lb	11300 lb	6000–8000 lb	11300 lb
Trunk/Cargo	17.4 cu-ft			17.4 cu-ft	17.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.4–43.5 in	33.4–43.5 in	33.4–43.5 in	33.4 in	33.4–43.5 in	33.4–43.5 in	43.5 in	43.5 in	33.4–43.5 in	43.5 in
Seats	3–6	5–6	5–6	3–6	3–6	6	5	5	5	5
Doors	2–4	4	4	2–4	2–4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Hill Descent Control
Parental Control System
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Power Side Steps
Privacy Glass
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
Built-In Hard Drive
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Cooled Seats
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Memory Steering Wheel
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Driver Seat
Remote Start
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2013 Ford F-150 compares

The 2013 Ford F-150’s biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with revised grille and front-end styling across the lineup. It also receives updated cabin technology on many trims rather than a full redesign.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Ford F-150 a redesign?

No. The 2012 F-150 is a light mid-cycle update within the generation introduced for 2009. It keeps the same core platform and engine lineup while adding hill start assist and revising some 4WD and trim-specific equipment.

What changed on the 2012 F-150 compared with the 2011 model?

The 2012 F-150 gained standard hill start assist, neutral-tow capability on every 4WD model, a 36-gallon tank on EcoBoost 4WD trucks, and broader use of electronic locking rear axles. Some trims also received updated 4WD hardware, while the SVT Raptor added a Torsen front differential.

Did the 2012 Ford F-150 get a new engine?

No. Ford did not add a new F-150 engine for 2012. The notable mechanical updates involved four-wheel-drive hardware, rear differentials, neutral towing, and the larger fuel tank fitted to EcoBoost 4WD trucks.

What changed on the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor?

The 2012 SVT Raptor added a Torsen front differential for better low-speed traction when climbing over rocks and other uneven terrain. It also received new graphics, while retaining its 6.2-liter V8, long-travel suspension, Fox shocks, and electronic locking rear differential.

Was the Lariat Limited still part of the 2012 F-150 lineup?

No. The Lariat Limited trim was dropped for 2012. Other upscale versions remained, including Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Harley-Davidson.