2025 Ford F-150

Ford does a nice job differentiation trim levels, too. While you can add numerous appearance packages to most trims, there’s not too much overlap between each version. The basic XL knows it’s a work truck with its steel wheels and unpainted plastic. The similarly outfitted STX makes a stronger impression, while the XLT adds a hint of chrome. Lariats look ready for a night out without being over-the-top, while the King Ranch and Platinum trims are dressed to impress. Raptors are their own beasts with their widened stance, huge fender flares, and gigantic tires. 

All F-150s have the same basic interior design, too. The 12.0-inch touchscreen sits high on the dash above well-organized traditional buttons and knobs that are easy to reach and simple to use. While there are some color differences between the trims, it’s the materials that make the biggest impression as you spend more. 

The Tremor is a good package for those looking for impressive off-road ability without stepping up to the Raptor. They ride on fairly big 33-inch tires and have special shocks, skid plates, and other items useful for four-wheeling.

Raptors are another beast entirely with their widened axles, rock-gobbling ground clearance, special Fox racing-style dampers, and numerous drive modes. They’ll chew up and spit out any trail they can fit on. 

How fast is the Ford F-150?

The base twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6’s 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque is more than enough for most drivers, and it has the added benefit of only needing regular fuel. 

The step-up 5.0-liter V-8 is the traditionalists’ choice. It’s rated at 400 hp and 410 lb-ft, and it delivers that muscle with a lovely burble. It’s not as torquey right off the line as the 400-hp/500 lb-ft twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, though. (Look for 450 hp in the Raptor.) 

That engine also lends itself to the hybrid setup, which adds an electric motor and a battery pack. It’s only slightly quicker than the standard non-hybrid 3.5, but it’s more fuel-efficient and it can operate as a generator.

Then there’s the Raptor R, which has a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 good for 720 hp and 640 lb-ft. It’s massive and heavy, and yet also incredibly fast. 

Every F-150 uses a 10-speed automatic transmission that generally does a good job but can occasionally stumble through gear changes at lower speeds. Slow down for a red light and then tap on the gas if the light turns green and you haven’t come to a stop, and the gearbox can seem confused. 

Ford also offers an all-electric version called the F-150 Lightning, but it’s different enough that we cover it separately. 

The F-150 is a fantastic tow rig even in its most basic form, though novices as well those with towing experience can benefit from its myriad aids designed to help hook up, tow, and back up trailers. The lineup is rated to lug as much as 13,500 pounds in top trim, though there’s a fairly wide range of abilities across this lineup. Consider your towing needs carefully before jumping into the 3.5-liter V-6 if you only need to lug a couple of jet skis, for instance.

Underneath, you’ll find a simple double-wishbone independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The F-150 does without the coil springs or air springs seen Ram and Toyota rivals, and, accordingly, it simply doesn’t ride as well. The exception is the Raptor, which has rear coil springs and more tire sidewall; it rides better but offers less grip on pavement. The payoff is an ability to handle incredible off-road punishment, even at high speeds.

It takes stepping up to the Lariat to get at least a few soft-touch materials, though even that model is more like mainstream luxe than genuinely dressy. King Ranch models have nicer leather with a Western flair, while the Platinum takes a more urban approach. Neither is quite as rich as its equivalent GMC or Ram rival, though.

Depending on the cab, you’ll find either a 5-foot-6 bed, a 6-foot-6 bed, or a full 8-foot bed. Base trucks are a blank slate, though Ford will happily sell you power outlets, LED lighting, bedliners, steps, and tonneau covers. Ford approaches the tailgate wars with a quirky design that has a small center portion that can be opened independently. It doesn’t seem especially useful to us.  

Active lane control is also standard, while blind-spot monitors, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and very useful front and rear parking sensors are available. 

Many F-150s are also available with BlueCruise, which lets drivers take their hands off the wheel for extended stints on about 130,000 miles of pre-mapped highways. It’s a subscription feature that may be worthwhile for road warriors but seems awfully costly for anyone who rarely hits the highway. 

Less impressive is the basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. 

The lineup starts just north of $40,000 for a basic XL work truck with rear-wheel drive and a regular cab. Aside from power features and the aforementioned touchscreen, you don’t get much truck for your money here.

The lineup gets way more expensive very quickly. You’ll quickly top $50,000 if you want four-wheel drive and a crew cab. 

Which Ford F-150 should I buy?

The XLT is a solid starting point for many shoppers. It adds cloth seats, alloy wheels, and a few other bits, plus it’s the stepping stone for many additional options. A four-wheel-drive crew cab with the V-8 or the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 will run you about $57,000. Add a package with a power-adjustable driver seat and automatic climate control and Ford will want a hefty $1,600 more. Think you want navigation, adaptive cruise control, and push-button start? Budget another $7,500. It doesn’t take long to build yourself into a $70,000 F-150 XLT, at which point the Lariat with its leather seats might be more appealing. No XLT is remotely luxurious, unfortunately. 

Bypass the Lariat if you’re after luxury, though. It takes stepping up to the King Ranch or Platinum for around $76,000 for a swanky interior, massaging front seats, and a huge sunroof. They’re massively expensive, but they somehow manage to feel more worth the coin than the XLT. 

How much is a fully loaded Ford F-150?

You’ll need about $120,000 for an F-150 Raptor R, and that’s if you happen to find a dealer willing to sell you one at list price. 

It’s worth noting that the Tremor’s higher suspension robs it of 1 mpg; it’s estimated at 17 mpg combined. Raptors come in at 14/18/16 mpg, which really isn’t all that bad considering what they are. And then there’s the Raptor R at just 12 mpg, but you certainly know what you’re getting into when you get one of those. 

All F-150s can run on regular unleaded, according to the EPA.