2026 Ford F-150: News Looks, Tech and Hybrid Engines Possible

The Ford F-150 is set to receive refreshed styling before the end of the year, along with the possibility of hybrid engines.

While Ford is remaining tight-lipped, CarSauce understands the F-150 is in line for an update – including new headlights, grilles, and tail-lights – with the changes most likely to be introduced two years after the American pick-up was launched locally.

Both the F-150 XLT and Lariat – the two variants offered in the Australian market – are already available in North America with upgraded designs.

Each variant is now more distinctive, using unique headlight units and grilles – but the most notable change is chrome being replaced with gloss black trims.

Whereas the current F-150 Lariat was fitted with a full-chrome grille and front bumper, the US-market vehicle has adopted a colour-matched bumper – along with the blacked-out grille.

Following the trend, both the XLT and Lariat headlights now feature subtle tinting to make them appear black during the daytime, while significantly modernising the ute’s look.

While the F-150 XLT retains its chrome front bumper, the grille now only features thin strips of chrome in what is a mostly blacked-out panel.

Ford has also updated the tail-lights for both F-150 variants, with revised patterns using LEDs.

But it’s not clear whether these will carry over to Australian vehicles, given North American F-150s use red lights for indicators, while local regulations require amber lights for indicating.

The interior has also received some minor changes, with regards to new colours, trims, and materials.

The major change in the cabin is both the 12-inch infotainment screen and 12-inch digital instrument cluster are now standard across the line-up – signifying a jump in technology for the more affordable F-150 XLT.

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Ford has also introduced the Pro Access Tailgate on the latest F-150, which is essentially a side-hinged door built into the tailgate.

While allowing easier access to the tub, the feature also allows items to be fetched when a trailer is hitched to the pick-up and blocks the tailgate from being dropped.

The F-150 XLT and Lariat are powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine in Australia, sending 298kW and 678Nm through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

However, given Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards, it’s possible Ford could introduce a hybrid version of the twin-turbo V6 locally – adding a 35kW electric motor to the mix, and increasing performance to a combined 321kW and 773Nm.

Along with the power bump, fuel economy also benefits, dropping from a claimed 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres to 10.2L/100km combined.

Ford Australia has yet to announce the updated F-150 and its features for our market, but expect local pricing and specifications to be made public in the second half of 2025.