The 2025 Ford F-150 has landed in Australia with a new range-topping Platinum variant that’s all about long-haul comfort. Think massage seats, power side steps, and a fold-flat sleep mode. Plus, there’s price parity between short and long wheelbase models, and some welcome improvements to GVM and payload across the range.
What’s new for 2025
Ford Australia has given the F-150 a fairly comprehensive update for 2025, headlined by the introduction of the Platinum series. It’s the most luxurious F-150 you can buy here, sitting above the existing XLT and Lariat variants.
The Platinum brings a bunch of creature comforts you’d typically find in a luxury SUV – multi-adjustable massage seats, power-deployable side steps, a multi-folding hard tonneau cover, and even a fold-flat sleeping mode for when you need a rest between destinations. It’s also running continuously controlled dampers for a more refined ride, which should make those long highway kilometres a bit more bearable when you’re towing.
But it’s not all about the fancy stuff. Ford’s also made some practical improvements across the range, including the addition of the clever Pro Access tailgate on Lariat and Platinum models. The XLT now comes standard with LED headlamps and fog lamps, plus the larger 12-inch infotainment and driver displays that were previously reserved for higher-spec models.
And here’s something that’ll matter to plenty of buyers – there’s now price parity between the short-wheelbase (145″ wheelbase, 5.5″ tray) and long-wheelbase (157″ wheelbase, 6.5″ tray) variants. That means you can pick the tray size that suits your needs without copping a price penalty.
The Platinum pitch: luxury for long-haul touring
Let’s address the elephant in the room – massage seats in a truck. Yeah, we laughed too. But before we write it off completely, consider this: if you’re regularly covering serious distances while towing across the country, comfort actually matters. Those multi-massage seats with six-way power lumbar support might (and this is a big might) start making sense when you’re hours into a drive. We’d need to spend some proper time in one to see if they’re genuinely useful or just an expensive gimmick. Our gut says most blokes will turn them off after five minutes and never touch them again, but we’re willing to be proven wrong.
The fold-flat sleeping mode is another interesting addition, and might be needed after the massage puts you to sleep. Ford’s clearly targeting the touring market here, and the ability to catch some sleep in the cab without wrestling with seat adjustments could be handy if you’re caught out and need a quick rest. It’s only meant to be used when stationary, of course – but that goes without saying.
The Platinum also gets distinctive black and smoked metal exterior accents, 20-inch painted gloss black alloys, and black Ford badging. The continuously controlled dampers should provide a more compliant ride when you’re loaded up, while still maintaining control when towing.
Inside, you’re looking at a black onyx luxury interior trim, Platinum-branded elements on the scuff plates, steering wheel, and seats, and that full suite of comfort features. There’s also a multi-folding hard tonneau cover as standard, which adds security and weather protection for your gear.
If you’re using your F-150 primarily for touring and you value comfort on those long drives, the Platinum starts to make sense. But if you’re after a capable work truck that’s going to see a hard life on-site, you’re probably better off saving your cash and sticking with the XLT or Lariat.
The practical updates that matter
Beyond the luxury additions, there are some genuinely useful improvements across the 2025 F-150 range.
Pro Access tailgate
The Pro Access tailgate comes standard on Lariat and Platinum models. It’s a clever bit of kit that gives you three different ways to access the tray – conventional drop-down, a swing-out door, or both combined. The swing door opens using one hand or the key fob, and it’s got built-in resistance to stop it banging into your trailer hitch.
The best part? With the swing gate open, you can reach up to 48cm further into the tray compared to a conventional tailgate. If you’ve ever had to climb into the tray to reach something at the front while hitched to a trailer, you’ll appreciate that.
Improved GVM and payload
Ford’s managed to improve both the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) for 2025, which translates to increased payload capacity across the range. The F-150 still maintains its 4500kg maximum braked towing capacity – which remains class-leading – but you’ll be able to carry more weight in the tray while towing.
That’s important when you’re trying to balance payload with towing capacity, especially if you’re hauling a heavy caravan plus all your camping gear, recovery equipment, and supplies.
Price parity between wheelbases
Here’s a change that’ll make decision-making easier – both the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase variants now cost the same across all three trim levels. Previously, you’d pay extra for the longer tray, but now you can choose based purely on what suits your needs.
The short-wheelbase gets you a 5.5″ (1,680mm) tray, while the long-wheelbase stretches that to 6.5″ (1,980mm). If you’re regularly carrying long loads like timber or surfboards, the extra tray length is handy. But if you value the slightly better manoeuvrability and tighter turning circle of the SWB, you’re not penalised for it.
What hasn’t changed
Under the bonnet, the 2025 F-150 continues with the proven 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. That’s 298kW at 6000rpm and a healthy 678Nm at 3100rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s available exclusively in 4×4 Crew Cab configuration, with part-time 4×4 on the XLT and full-time 4×4 on the Lariat and Platinum.
The 136-litre fuel tank remains, which gives you decent range when you’re touring – though don’t expect amazing fuel economy when you’re towing at or near that 4500kg capacity.
Ford’s kept the maximum braked towing capacity at 4500kg, which is still one of the strongest ratings in the full-size truck segment in Australia. It’s worth noting this requires a genuine Ford tow pack and 70mm tow ball, and you’ll need to be mindful of not exceeding GCM and GVM limits.
Pricing and availability
The 2025 Ford F-150 will be available in three variants, with pricing as follows (Manufacturer’s List Price, as at October 2025):
- XLT: $114,950 (SWB and LWB)
- Lariat: $143,950 (SWB and LWB)
- Platinum: $163,950 (SWB and LWB)
The only option available is Prestige Paint on the XLT and Lariat, which adds $750. On the Platinum, Prestige Paint is a no-cost option. Standard colours remain at no extra charge.
Keep in mind these are manufacturer list prices – the actual selling price is at the dealer’s discretion, and you’ll need to factor in dealer delivery and statutory charges on top of these figures.
The updated F-150 will continue to be remanufactured by RMA Automotive Australia in Mickleham, Victoria. Deliveries are expected to commence in early 2026, so if you’re keen on one, now’s the time to have a chat with your local Ford dealer about securing an order.
The verdict: luxury if you’re touring, overkill if you’re working
The 2025 Ford F-150 range represents a solid update, with the Platinum adding a genuinely compelling option for serious tourers who want their truck to double as a comfortable highway cruiser. Those massage seats might be overkill, but when you’re covering thousands of kilometres towing a van, they start making sense to some.
The practical improvements – the Pro Access tailgate, increased payload, and price parity between wheelbases – are welcome additions across the board. The tailgate in particular is one of those features you don’t know you need until you’ve used it, especially if you’re regularly hitched to a trailer.
But let’s be realistic about who the Platinum is actually for. If you’re using your F-150 as a genuine work truck, spending nearly $164k on massage seats and power side steps is probably not the best allocation of resources. The XLT at $115k gets you the same towing capacity, the same engine, and all the capability you need for work duties – plus you won’t feel bad about throwing muddy recovery gear in the tray.
On the other hand, if your F-150 is primarily a touring vehicle that occasionally does truck things, and you’re regularly covering serious distances while towing, the Platinum’s comfort features start to justify themselves. It’s still a proper truck underneath all the luxury trim – you’ve still got 4500kg towing capacity, improved payload, and that proven EcoBoost powertrain.
The F-150 remains one of the most capable full-size trucks you can buy in Australia, and these 2025 updates add some welcome refinement to an already solid package. Whether you need the Platinum’s luxury features or you’re better off with the more affordable XLT or Lariat really depends on how you’re planning to use it.
For more information and to find your nearest dealer, head to ford.com.au.
Key specifications – 2025 Ford F-150 (all variants)
- Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 petrol
- Power: 298kW @ 6000rpm
- Torque: 678Nm @ 3100rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: 4×4 (part-time on XLT, full-time on Lariat/Platinum)
- Towing capacity: 4500kg (maximum braked, with Ford tow pack)
- Fuel tank: 136 litres
- Cab style: Crew Cab only
- Wheelbase options: 145″ (SWB, 5.5″ tray) or 157″ (LWB, 6.5″ tray)
- Availability: Early 2026
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