The aluminum-bodied, 2016 Ford F-150 on Thursday was named Green Car Journal's 2016 Green Truck of the Year.
LOS ANGELES - The aluminum-bodied, 2016 Ford F-150 on Thursday was named Green Car Journal's 2016 Green Truck of the Year.
The publication said it selected Ford's full-size truck, because it's an example of environmental leadership in the ultra-popular truck segment.
"Milestone lightweighting through the extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel, the availability of a powerful and efficient 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, and a segment-exclusive gaseous fuel prep option that enables the F-150 to run on clean-burning compressed natural gas or propane are all important contributions that raise the bar in environmental performance," Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan said in a statement.
The F-150's weight savings compared to its predecessor, depending on trim and options, can fluctuate in the 625-pound range to more than 732 pounds.
Ford says its F-150 has the highest fuel economy rating of any full-size gasoline pickup, achieving an EPA estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Dearborn automaker says it uses sustainable materials in crafting the truck, including Repreve fiber made from recycled plastic bottles, rice hulls to reinforce plastic used in an electrical harness and castor bean in the fuel lines. It also uses soy beans in crafting its seats.
"We designed Ford F-150 to be a game changer," Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager, said in a statement. "Many have recognized F-150 as the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, but this award is proof it's also a fuel-efficient, environmentally responsible option."
Related: 'Exceptional and highly efficient,' Chevy Volt is named 2016 Green Car of the Year
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.