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- Highs Choice of advanced engines, available luxury interior features, excellent road manners.
- Lows Sluggish base engine, most desirable features are optional, doesn't manage large bumps well.
- Verdict The 2018 Ford F-150 can handle all the expected pickup chores, from hauling to towing to daily driving, and do so with a dizzying array of available comfort and convenience features.
Overview
The F-150 has been the nation's top-selling model and Ford's cash cow for decades. Matching its modern aluminum-body construction is a slew of advanced engines and high-tech driver assists. Its premier powertrain is a lively twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it’s capable of best-in-class towing. The F-150 was our choice as the top pickup among our 2017 10Best Trucks and SUVs, and the 2018 model improves on that strong base.
What's New for 2018?
On the surface, the 2018 F-150 is refreshed with new grille designs, bumpers, exterior lighting, tailgates, and wheels. Ford revitalized almost all of the F-150’s engines for 2018, and all of them now have auto stop/start technology. Several models have revised interiors with new colors, materials, and options. The infotainment system adds optional Wi-Fi connectivity and a high-end audio system. Among the additional active safety assists are adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- XL: $29,200
- XLT: $34,795
- Lariat: $42,510
- King Ranch: $53,425
- Platinum: $55,980
- Limited: $62,855
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The F-150 has an excellent selection of available sophisticated engines, and most pair with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Its strongest engine isn’t a red-blooded V-8 but a powerful twin-turbo EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque and is capable of towing a class-leading 13,200 pounds. The base engine is a 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 that's the only powerplant mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 that makes 325 hp is available, as is a revamped 5.0-liter V-8 that produces 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Properly optioned, the F-150 posts some of the best acceleration, roadholding, and braking results in its class, although the base engine is a bit poky. Its ride is composed on smoother surfaces but not over harsh bumps, where jittering can be felt in the rear.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
In its dressiest form, the F-150 boasts front seats with a massage feature that are also heated, cooled, and wrapped in leather. Leather trim extends to the steering wheel and rear seats in higher-spec models, and the back seats and steering wheel can also be heated. The F-150’s interior is laid out efficiently and attractively. Controls are all within easy reach of the driver and are simple to understand and operate. There’s plenty of storage space in the F-150, but cargo room is so close among full-size pickups that they all rate essentially the same. Throughout the F-150's cabin are loads of multiple storage spots and cubbies.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The F-150’s optional infotainment system has handsome graphics and is rife with useful features. The Sync 3 system with the available 8.0-inch touchscreen is highly intuitive to control; its ability to be manipulated via voice commands, buttons, knobs, and touchscreen input enables a quick learning curve for the user. Syncing devices to Bluetooth works seamlessly and provides quality audio during phone calls, and there's an optional 4G LTE mobile hotspot, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system replaces the Sony unit that was available previously.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford F-150’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
