Upgrading the 2021 to 2025 Ford F-150 with ICON Stage 1: Real-World Ride, Stance, and Performance Results

The ICON Stage 1 Suspension System has become a go-to upgrade for late-model F-150 owners who want real gains in ride quality, control, and on-trail performance without overbuilding the truck. We recently installed the ICON Stage 1 kit on Bill’s 2023 Platinum PowerBoost F-150 and spent time both on the road and in the Arizona desert to see what this entry-level coilover system actually delivers.

This review walks through the stance, adjustability, ride quality, and real off-road capability based on actual seat time, not just spec sheets.

Stance and Lift Results on a 2023 PowerBoost F-150

The PowerBoost F-150 is one of the heaviest configurations in the lineup. Hybrids tend to sit lower than a comparable 3.5 EcoBoost or 5.0 V8, so leveling kits can behave differently.

Here is what we measured immediately after install:

• Front lift height: About 1.75 inches out of the box
• Post-settle height: Slightly under 1.75 inches
• Adjustments: No preload or collar changes made
• Rear ride height: Unchanged. Rear ICON shocks do not lift the truck.

The result is a subtle but noticeable improvement in stance. The truck carries a small amount of rake, which is exactly what you want if you tow or haul. It keeps the F-150 level under load rather than raising the nose.

Why the stance matters

• Prevents a “nose high” look when towing
• Retains factory geometry and driving feel
• Allows fitment of larger tires without trimming

The stance is simple, clean, and functional. Exactly what you want on a daily-driver Platinum.

Tire Fitment: 34s with Zero Cutting or Rubbing

We retained the factory 20-inch Platinum blackout wheels and moved to a larger tire. The setup:

• Tire: Nitto Recon Grappler
• Size: 295/60R20 (true height about 34 inches)
• Offset: Factory 20-inch Platinum wheels

The results were ideal. No cutting. No trimming. No rubbing at full lock or under compression. Even while crawling through rocky terrain and drop-offs, the tires never touched the fenders or inner liners.

This is the maximum practical tire size you can run on this truck with Stage 1 coilovers without modification.

How ICON's Stage 1 Kit Changes the Ride

The stock PowerBoost Platinum rides soft. Comfortable, but wallowy. Good on pavement until you corner or hit uneven terrain where the truck tends to float.

The ICON Stage 1 kit changes that immediately. Here is what we felt.

On-Road Ride

• A firmer, more tactile feel
• Dramatically reduced body roll
• More control in corners
• Still comfortable enough for daily use
• No harshness or unwanted vibration

You feel the road in a controlled, precise way rather than the factory floatiness. It simply feels more like a truck should feel.

Off-Road Ride

• Better small-bump absorption
• Improved control during brake modulation on descents
• More steering precision over rocks and ledges
• Handles unexpected hits without bottoming out
• Stays composed through washboard and moderate whoops

You can push the Stage 1 harder than expected. It is not a trophy-truck kit, but it absolutely tightens up the chassis and gives the driver more confidence in rough terrain.

What This Kit Is and What It's Not

What the Stage 1 Package gives you

• Coilovers that level the truck and transform the ride
• Significantly improved body control
• Better off-road performance for real-world use
• Daily-driver comfort with trail capability
• A clean OEM-plus stance

What the Stage 1 Package does not give you

• External reservoirs
• Piggyback rears
• Hydraulic bump stops
• Raptor-level travel
• High-speed desert capability

This is an entry-level performance coilover system, not a long-travel package. For most F-150 owners who want a major upgrade over stock without going all-in on high speed dune running, Stage 1 sits in the sweet spot.

Final Takeaway

The ICON Stage 1 Package transforms the 2021-2025 F-150 by tightening the ride, improving control, and adding a clean level stance while maintaining comfort. On a heavy hybrid like Bill’s PowerBoost, the results are even more noticeable. The stance looks right. The ride feels right. The trail performance is dramatically better. And the entire setup stays practical for daily driving.

For owners who want real suspension performance without committing to a high-dollar long-travel system, this is one of the strongest upgrades you can make.