2016 Ford F-150 Platinum: Specs, Luxury, And Performance

When Ford shifted the F-150 body to high-strength, military-grade aluminum for the 2015 model year, critics watched closely. By 2016, that gamble had matured into the market's gold standard. At the very top of that lineup sat the 2016 Ford F-150 Platinum, a truck that blurred the line between a heavy-duty working machine and a high-end luxury cruiser.

If you're looking at a used 2016 Platinum today, you're getting a vehicle that redefined what a half-ton pickup could offer inside the cabin without sacrificing the muscle needed on the job site. This review breaks down exactly what sets the Platinum trim apart, what's under the hood, and whether it's still a smart buy.

Performance and Engine Specs

The Platinum trim doesn't mess around with base-level power plants. Ford restricted the Platinum build to its most capable heavy hitters, ensuring that luxury didn't come at the cost of capability.

You get two primary engine choices depending on how you plan to use the truck:

• 3.5L EcoBoost V6: This twin-turbocharged engine pushes out 365 horsepower and a massive 420 lb-ft of torque. It's built for towing heavy loads low in the rev range, matching or beating traditional V8 performance while sipping slightly less fuel on the highway.
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: If you prefer traditional displacement, this naturally aspirated V8 delivers 385 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque. It offers a linear power delivery and a classic exhaust note that many purists still prefer.

Both power plants pair with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped with the max trailer tow package, a 2016 Platinum configured with the 3.5L EcoBoost can haul up to 11,600 pounds. Payload capacity on these crew cabs generally hovers around 1,500 to 1,650 pounds, depending on whether you choose rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. For more official vehicle breakdowns, you can check specs on Edmunds.

Interior Luxury and Cabin Appointments

Step inside a Platinum, and you'll quickly forget you're sitting in a pickup truck. Ford designed this trim to compete directly with high-end European SUVs.

The cabin features multi-contour leather seats equipped with heating, cooling, and active motion massage functions for both the driver and front passenger. Real wood accents line the dash and door panels, complemented by brushed aluminum trim.

Rear-seat passengers enjoy class-leading legroom thanks to the SuperCrew configuration, which comes standard on the Platinum. Heated rear seats and flat load floors make the back row ideal for long road trips or daily commuting with family.

Technology and Driver Assist Features

For 2016, Ford introduced the SYNC 3 infotainment system, replacing the much-maligned MyFord Touch. SYNC 3 brought a capacitive touchscreen with pinch-to-zoom capability, faster response times, and a cleaner interface.

The Platinum trim stacks on tech extras that were cutting-edge for the mid-2010s:

• 360-Degree Camera System: Uses four cameras to give you a bird's-eye view, making tight parking spots or lining up a trailer hitch effortless.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, even while backing out of a driveway with a trailer attached.
• Lane-Keeping System: Vibrates the steering wheel if you drift out of your lane without signaling.
• Pro Trailer Backup Assist: A knob on the dash lets you steer the trailer in reverse visually while the truck handles the steering wheel inputs.

Common Issues and What to Look For

Buying a used truck means looking out for known weak points. While the 2016 model year resolved many of the early aluminum-body teething issues of 2015, a few items demand a close inspection during a test drive:

• EcoBoost Cam Phasers: The 3.5L twin-turbo engine can develop a rattle on cold startup. If you hear a brief ticking or rattling noise when starting the engine cold, the cam phasers may need replacement.
• Panoramic Sunroof Binding: The optional twin-panel moonroof is notorious for sticking or breaking if the tracks aren't regularly cleaned and lubricated. Test it thoroughly before buying.
• Door Latch Freezing: Early aluminum-generation F-150s had issues with door latches freezing in sub-zero weather. Ford issued recalls for this, so verify that the dealer or previous owner completed the service bulletins.

To research official safety ratings and structural crash tests for this model year, visit the NHTSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2016 Ford F-150 Platinum have Apple CarPlay?

Not out of the box. 2016 models shipped with SYNC 3 version 2.0 or lower, which didn't natively support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, Ford later released a software and hardware USB hub update that brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to 2016 SYNC 3 systems. Check the infotainment settings of any used model you view to see if the update was installed.

What is the fuel economy of a 2016 Platinum?

Fuel economy varies by engine choice and drivetrain. The 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD typically returns around 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. The 5.0L V8 4WD sits close to 15 mpg city and 21-22 mpg highway under light loads, though heavy towing drops those figures significantly.

Is the aluminum body difficult to repair?

When the aluminum body debuted, insurance rates spiked because traditional body shops weren't equipped to weld military-grade aluminum. Years later, repair techniques are widespread. Specialized riveting and bonding equipment means certified aluminum repair shops can fix dents and collision damage just as effectively as steel, though specialized labor can still carry a higher price tag.

How does the Platinum differ from the Lariat?

While both sit high on the luxury ladder, the Lariat serves as the entry point to modern leather luxury, leaving many high-end features as options. The Platinum comes fully loaded as standard equipment, including unique satin-finish chrome exterior styling, power-deployable running boards, multi-contour massaging leather seats, and upgraded wood interior trim pieces that aren't available on a standard Lariat.