A Complete Review of the Ford F-150

February 14th, 2022 by

Are you in the market for a 2017-2022 model?

If you’re looking for a dependable pre-owned truck, we invite you to take a closer look at the popular Ford F-150, which has been called the “best-selling vehicle in the United States.”

The 2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab ranks #1 on Kelley Blue Book’s list of Best Full-size Trucks of 2022 with variations of the Ford F-150 taking spots #2–#5 on the list of 12 vehicles. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Ford F-150 #2 (out of 6) on its list of Best Full Size Pickup Trucks for 2022. 

Those rankings are just the tip of the iceberg. We know there’s a lot of information out there, which is why we’ve compiled a helpful review of the Ford F-150 for model years 2017 through 2021. Continue reading for a complete review of this popular truck, including a model comparison, overview of performance and safety features, details on pricing, how the vehicle stacks up against its competitors, and much more. 

Ford F-150 Scorecard

Here is our ranking for the Ford F-150. We chose these ratings in comparison to similar trucks. 

  • Interior – 8.7/10
  • Performance – 8.6/10
  • Reliability – 9/10
  • Safety – 9.4/10 
  • Fuel economy – 8/10
  • Value – 9.6/10
  • Overall rating – 9/10

The Pros & Cons of a Ford F-150

Let’s take a look at each model year. The information in the table below was compiled from U.S. News & World Report, Cars.com, Edmunds, Car and Driver, Ford, and our industry knowledge. 

 

Model Year  Pros Cons
2021
  • Completely redesigned for 2021
  • Leading towing and hauling capabilities
  • Variety of powerful engines
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Comfortable interior
  • Driver-assist technology
  • Impressive safety features
  • Less upscale than the Ram 1500
  • Ride isn’t as smooth as its top competitor
  • Fuel economy isn’t great
  • Higher trim levels are pricey
2020
  • Excellent towing and hauling capabilities 
  • User-friendly infotainment system
  • Several powerful engine options
  • Outstanding predicted reliability rating
  • Military-grade aluminum alloy body
  • Pro trailer backup assist
  • Rival trucks may offer a more upscale interior 
  • Fuel economy lags behind competitors
  • 10-speed automatic can be slow
2019
  • Excellent towing and hauling capabilities
  • Great engine selection 
  • Easy-to-use SYNC 3 infotainment system
  • High-tech features
  • Robust engine lineup
  • Roomy cabin
  • Great visibility
  • Many trims available
  • Low noise
  • Interior storage
  • Fewer upscale cabin materials than rivals 
  • 10-speed automatic can be slow to shift  
  • Can feel light when bed is empty
  • Awkward entry and exit due to height
2018
  • Excellent towing and hauling capabilities
  • Comfortable seats
  • Good fuel economy
  • Excellent variety of powertrains
  • Standard 6-speed transition can be slow to respond 
  • Slow base engine 
  • Many features are optional
  • Ride and handling over large bumps could be better 
2017
  • Good choice of powertrains
  • Payload and towing capabilities
  • Higher trims and options can be expensive 
  • Not the most fuel efficient
  • Bumpy ride and handling on certain terrain

Ford F-150 Interior Features

Ford F-150 price

The Ford F-150 offers a variety of exciting and innovative interior features, but they will depend on the year model and trim level. We’ve listed some of the popular ones below, but please note that some may not come standard on F-150 models. 

  • 8” touchscreen 
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
  • Backup camera
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Heated seats
  • Leather seats
  • Navigation system 
  • Rearview camera
  • Wi-Fi hotspot 
  • Power seats
  • Moonroof 
  • Remote start

Ford F-150 Performance Features

Engines

With the 2022 model, you can choose from six options, including V6, V8, and diesel engines. According to U.S. News & World Report, the V6 is a solid choice, but the EcoBoost V6 is a better choice if you’re using the vehicle for everyday commuting. It’s best to consider diesel or V8 engines if you’re looking for greater towing capabilities. In 2021, Ford launched its first-ever hybrid version of the Ford F-150, which gained national attention when residents in Texas used F-150 hybrids to power their homes during an icy winter storm . 

Here is some additional information about Ford F-150 engine options:

2020 Ford F-15

Ford-F-1502019 Ford F-150

Ford-F-150-models2018 Ford F-150

Ford-F-150-price2017 Ford F-150

Ford-F-150-trims
Ford F150

 

Gas Mileage
Ford’s 2021 hybrid model, the F-150 PowerBoost, was awarded “the best fuel economy of any gas-powered, light-duty, full-size truck,” according to Business Insider.

The EPA lists the Ford F-150’s fuel economy anywhere from 20–25 miles per gallon (combined city and highway), depending on the model year, trim level, and engine option.

The 2021 Ford F-150 Turbo Diesel and the 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid made U.S. News & World Report’s list of Trucks With the Best Gas Mileage in 2021. The 2021 Ford F-150 Regular Cab made Kelley Blue Book’s list of Most Fuel Efficient Trucks of 2022.

Ride & Handling
The Ford F-150’s ride and handling could be better, but it also depends on whether the truck bed is empty. If it is, the ride will be bumpier. The Ford F-150 feels composed on winding roads with good steering feel and not much body lean.

Towing Capacity 
The newer model years of the Ford F-150 have a towing capacity of 8,200–14,100 lbs. and a maximum payload of 1,985–3,325 lbs. depending on the engine. Older models may have less towing capability and payload capacity but are still great options, depending on how much you’re looking to haul. 

Ford F-150 Safety Features

Ford F-150 trims

All of the Ford F-150s from 2017 to 2022 received either a 4/5 or 5/5 overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The 2021 Ford F-150 Crew Cab Pickup and the 2021 Ford F-150 Large Pickup/Extended Cab Pickup were both named a 2021 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It’s important to note that this only applied to vehicles with particular headlights that were built after June 2021. 

Safety features on many new and pre-owned Ford F-150s include:

  • Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
  • Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technology 
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Lane keeping assist 
    • Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert 
    • Automatic high beams
    • Rearview camera 
    • Evasive steering assist 
  • Dynamic hitch assist backup camera 
  • Rear child safety locks

How Does the Ford F-150 Rank?

The following is a list of additional awards and honors based on the year model: 

2022 Ford F-150

2021 Ford F-150

2020 Ford F-150

2019 Ford F-150

2018 Ford F-150

2017 Ford F-15

Additionally, RepairPal gives the Ford F-150 a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 for full-size trucks, which puts the vehicle in seventh place (out of 17). The F-150 has a higher-than-average ownership cost at about $788 annually.

Ford F-150 Model Comparison

Now let’s break down the Ford F-150 by year and trim. This information was compiled from U.S. News & World Report, Edmunds, Car and Driver, and our industry insights. 

2021 Ford F-150

The 2021 model year was completely redesigned in 2021 and includes seven trims: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, Raptor, and Tremor. The vehicle is available with regular, SuperCab (extended), or SuperCrew (crew) body styles, but not every cab style is offered on every trim. (For example, the regular cab is only offered on the XL and XLT). 

Standard features on the XL base model include a 290-horsepower 3.3L V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive — in addition to an easy-to-use infotainment system, 8” touchscreen, Wi-Fi hotspot, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more. The XL comes standard with a regular cab/6.5 foot bed combo with the option to upgrade. 

The other models offer additional features such as:

  • Power windows and door locks
  • Lane keeping assist 
  • Rear parking sensors 
  • Leather seats
  • Power seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control 

2020 Ford F-150

Vehicles from this year feature excellent towing and hauling capabilities, an innovative infotainment system that’s easy to use, a wide variety of available engine options, and a high predicted reliability rating. The 10-speed automatic transmission became standard with all Ford F-150 engines in 2020. 

2019 Ford F-150

Owners of a 2019 Ford F-150 will be impressed with the vehicle’s exceptional towing and hauling capabilities and variety of engine options. These vehicles also include high-tech features and an easy-to-use SYNC 3 infotainment system. In 2019, a diesel engine became an option for the Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. 

2018 Ford F-150

Excellent towing and hauling capabilities were improved in the 2018 model, in addition to comfortable seating, above average fuel economy, and a nice selection of powertrain options that were updated for this year. This model doesn’t differ all that much from 2019, so the 2018 model might be a good choice if you’re looking to save some money.

2017 Ford F-150

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities were introduced in the 2017 models, in addition to the Raptor trim and new 10-speed automatic transmission. Though the 2017 model cabin may not be quite as nice as other rivals, you can continue to expect above-average towing and hauling and excellent safety scores. The 2017 model comes in three cab styles — regular, extended, and crew — with seating for three to six people. 

Is the Ford F-150 a Good Vehicle?

The Ford F-150 is a top-ranked light-duty pickup truck best known for its exceptional towing and hauling capabilities. Newer model years will feature more innovative technology and standard features, but older models are still a great choice, depending on your budget. The Ford F-150 is also a solid option for any commercial business or anyone with a trailer or boat.  

Should I Buy a Ford F-150?

Ford F-150 insurance

If you’re in the market for a reliable light-duty pickup truck with outstanding towing and hauling capabilities, yes — the Ford F-150 is definitely a vehicle worth considering. It’s an especially good purchase if you’re looking for a solid pre-owned option; the average lifespan of a Ford F-150 is anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, how much you tow, and general use. 

How Much Does a Ford F-150 Cost?

It depends on the model, trim, year, mileage, and overall condition of the vehicle, but the price of a pre-owned Ford F-150 will typically range between $20,000 to $60,000. The MSRP for a 2022 Ford F-150 starts at $29,990 with the highest end model, the 2022 F-150 Limited, starting at $74,335.

Ford F-150 Insurance

The cost of insuring any vehicle depends on many factors, including: 

  • Driver’s age, gender, and marital status
  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Where the vehicle is parked
  • Annual mileage
  • Driving record
  • State requirements
  • Credit history
  • Vehicle’s safety features
  • Type of insurance coverage
  • Deductible 
  • Discounts

Here are some estimates that will give you a good idea of Ford F-150 insurance costs: 

  • Money Geek estimates an average cost of $1,184 per year ($243 less than the national average) 
  • According to Bankrate, the average cost of Ford F-150 car insurance is $1,442 per year

You may also save with popular auto discounts. Many insurance providers will provide savings if you pay your premium in full and have bundled policies, such as homeowners’ insurance. Others offer discounts for safe driving, good students, new customers, and customer loyalty. 

When in doubt, ask your insurance company about any discounts they may be able to provide, and don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals and quotes.  

Ford F-150 vs. the Competition 

This vehicle’s biggest competitors are the Ram 1500 and the Chevy Silverado 1500, both of which are also good choices for a light-duty pickup truck. 

The Ram 1500 is known for excellent towing and hauling capabilities, a roomy cabin, and smooth handling. The vehicle is available with regular, crew, quad cab, or mega cab configurations depending on your needs. The Ram 1500 was fully redesigned in 2019, and a diesel engine became an available option in 2020. 

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is considered one of the best work trucks and a top choice for off-roading. It features a strong towing capacity, reliable strength, and all of the latest technology features. Plus, it has a spacious cabin, large cargo space, and a high safety rating. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is available with regular, double, or crew cab configurations and short, standard, or long beds.

Find Your Next Ford F-150 with Merchants Auto

If you’re considering a pre-owned Ford F-150 (or any type of truck), we can help. Merchants Auto is the largest pre-owned dealership in New Hampshire and the largest family-run pre-owned car dealership in New England. 

The inventory on our 26-acre lot is always changing. We have hundreds of vehicles to choose from with more than 30 different makes — including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, fuel-efficient models, compact cars, and work vans.

We strive to save our customers time and money, and our ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable and hassle-free car buying experience.

Ready to get started? Contact us today!

Posted in Models, Used Cars